chestpain

ive been getting chestpain for a few months now but over the last 3 or 4 weeks its been getting a lot more intense im having a camera down my throat nxt week,because i cant eat my food i"ll have a nibble an it feels like ive had a 4 course meal what could this be because im really scered now im only 37yrs old

[Arti Sharma, M.D.]

Hello!
You seem to be having difficulty in swallowing food. The common causes are gastro esophageal reflux disease,esophagitis,heartburn.Other rare causes are esophageal web, esophageal tumours,mass pressing on the esophagus like lymph nodes, tumors ,bony spurs etc.Systemic illnesses like Parkinsonism, multiple sclerosis,dermatomyositis,scleroderma can also pose swallowing problems. You may need tests like barium swallow, esophagoscopy, ph tests etc.Your treatment will depend on what is causing these symptoms. If you have dysphagia due to GERD, oesophagitis or heartburn then medicines will be prescribed to prevent stomach acid from entering the oesophagus.Do not be scared. Consult a doctor ASAP and get yourself treated.
Take care!