pain when eating and drinking

I have had burning feeling (indigestion ?) for some time now, but it has recently got worse. Whenever I eeat or drink anything, I can feel it go down the oesophagus, but then diaganaly down the left hand side of my chest, where it is extremely painful and then I start to cough? It also hurts in the same place if I belch. I am very worried about it and dread the thought of an Endoscopy, as I work on that department and know exactly what it involves ( silly I know ). Any advice as to what it could be, would be appreciated.

[Ratnakar Kini, MD]

Hi,
Painful swallowing indicates esophagitis.
Endoscopy may be done to confirm it.
Since you want to avoid that test, you may take PPI twice a day for 4-8 weeks.
Sucralfate may also be taken along with PPI for better relief.
As I always say without lifestyle modifications the treatment is not complete.
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The information provided is for patients’ education only and is not a medical advice. Always consult your personal physician for complete evaluation of your health problem.

- Ratnakar Kini M.D.