Esophagitis

I have had some very frustrating symptoms over the past 6 mo. I started noticing a burning sensation in my upper chest (almost like I had run a fast race) and some chest pain....I had an EGD last May and was told there were no problems. I have had a complete cardiac workup including Angiogram in November. I was finally sent to a Pulmonologist who ordered a CT to r/o pulmonary embolism. I just found out (from my cardiologist) that though there was no PE, there was mention of thickening of the esphageal wall and esophagitis.....Of course my first thought is cancer and it is scaring me. I don't see the pulmonologist for another week and want to know if I should press for an earlier appointment?


This discussion is related to tightness and burning in chest and throat.

[CalGal]

There are a number of causes of esophagitis.  It is most often caused by acid reflux problems - acid entering the esophagus. Other causes of reflux are hernias, vomiting, medications and surgery. But esophagitis can also be caused by an infection that can develop in individuals with weakened immune systems, such as caused by HIV or certain medications such as corticosteroids. The infection can be caused by viruses, including herpes and cytomegalovirus, and fungi or yeast, especially Candida infections. There is also esophagitis due to the presence of eosinophils - an over abundance.

They're probably going to have to do other tests to try to figure out the cause.