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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
Burning when swallowing
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
KevinMD.com
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Feb 03, 2003 12:00AM
, Feb 03, 2003 12:00AM
Hello - thanks for asking your question.
What you are describing is called odynophagia. Typically it is a strong feeling of burning, squeezing pain while swallowing. This may be felt high in the neck or lower down, behind the breastbone (sternum). Causes can include the following: Infection
Tooth infection or abscess
Gum disease
Pharyngitis
Thrush (a fungal infection caused by Candida)
Herpes simplex infection
Cytomegalovirus infection
Human immunodeficiency virus infection (HIV)
Ulcers (from infection, medications, or chemical ingestions)
Esophagitis (inflammation in the esophagus, often from gastroesophageal reflux disease)
Rarely, a foreign body (such as fish or poultry bones)
Esophageal motor disorders, such as nutcracker esophagus, diffuse esophageal spasm, or achalasia (more commonly, these result in dysphagia, a difficulty swallowing, rather than pain)
I suggest that you see a physician for further evaluation.
I stress that this answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - please see your primary care physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.
What you are describing is called odynophagia. Typically it is a strong feeling of burning, squeezing pain while swallowing. This may be felt high in the neck or lower down, behind the breastbone (sternum). Causes can include the following: Infection
Tooth infection or abscess
Gum disease
Pharyngitis
Thrush (a fungal infection caused by Candida)
Herpes simplex infection
Cytomegalovirus infection
Human immunodeficiency virus infection (HIV)
Ulcers (from infection, medications, or chemical ingestions)
Esophagitis (inflammation in the esophagus, often from gastroesophageal reflux disease)
Rarely, a foreign body (such as fish or poultry bones)
Esophageal motor disorders, such as nutcracker esophagus, diffuse esophageal spasm, or achalasia (more commonly, these result in dysphagia, a difficulty swallowing, rather than pain)
I suggest that you see a physician for further evaluation.
I stress that this answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - please see your primary care physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.
Member Comments (2)
by Rayvest, Feb 03, 2003 12:00AM
Does my question not merit a answer? I see many getting answered but mine. I don't see why.
by Rayvest, Feb 03, 2003 12:00AM
Thank you for your response. As soon as I made my comment and went back to the forum. I saw you had replied to mine. Thank you.
