Advil was stuck in throat, now severe heartburn

[vhayduk]

5 days ago, I took an Advil with admittedly too little water, and it felt like it got stuck. The burning in my chest started very soon after. I was able to fall asleep an hour or two later after the initial burning subsided, but there is still pain deep in my chest when I eat or drink. I can feel the exact spot in my esophagus that hurts as the food/drink passes it. I have also felt "burpy." I worry about having an ulcer or burn. I want to know if this will heal itself or if I should see a doctor.

[alex39k]

It's causing the worst heartburn I ever felt also , ahhhhghhhhhh

[alex39k]

This exact same thing is happening to me right now, it's been 10 hours and the damn advil still feels stuck . I have a lump in my chest, eating and drinking causes pain and I'm going insane. I feel the pill right there but I can't cough it our or throw it up and no amount of food or any kind of beverage is making it go down . Please tell me you got through this !!!

[TheLightSeeker]

Hi vhayduk.

This incident may have involved your vagus nerve.
(The vagus nerve is a very important cranial nerve which supplies many organs and systems - like respiratory, circulatory and digestive systems).
The chances of actual damage in the vagus nerve caused by a choking
event, are small.

It could more likely  due to scarring and/or swelling at the "exact spot on your esophagus", resulting in  a pinched vagus nerve, which might be enough to explain your symptoms.

Should this be indeed the situation, in time the symptoms should subside.

I don't know of any diagnostic investigation other than an upper  endoscopy, than can shed more light in your case.

If your symptoms are tolerable and don't worsen, I'd say a wait and see approach is what I would likely take, if I were in your shoes.

I hope this helps, however, please note that my comments & suggestions are not intended to replace medical advice.

Best wishes.
Niko