Esophageal Pain

Esophageal Pain

is a common symptom felt by patients suffering from different upper GI diseases. The esophagus is the body structure responsible for transporting food into the stomach. Esophagus runs down from the mouth to the abdomen thus, Esophageal Pain may also be mistaken as a pain cardiac in origin. Ruling out cardiac diseases is important in the diagnostic procedure for esophageal disorders.

Limiting this discussion to pain which is esophageal in origin, there are various causes of Esophageal Pain. Here is a quick rundown of these diseases:

Esophageal Spasm. Normally, esophageal contractions are coordinated and progressive- that is, it occurs from the upper segment until the contraction occurs in the lower segments. This normal progression will propel food properly into the stomach. Esophageal spasms happen when the esophagus fires out involuntary muscular contractions. There is Esophageal Pain as well as difficulty swallowing food.

Esophagitis. This is simply the inflammation of the esophagus. Various reasons may predispose the person having this disease. Reflux disease is a common cause, as well as intake of hot and spicy food which can be irritating, as well as the presence of an esophageal infection.

Acid Reflux. The backwashing of the stomach’s acidic contents may cause Esophageal Pain. Because of this backflow, there is irritation of the esophageal lining and subsequent inflammation. In effect, when a person ingests and swallows food, there is Esophageal Pain. Pain from acid reflux may extend as high as the throat.

Cancer of the Esophagus. Genetics, alcohol consumption, smoking, lifestyle, presence of predisposing diseases like bile and acid reflux, etc- these are conditions which may expose a person to developing  cancer of the esophagus. And as it is common with other cancers, pain is severe and almost excruciating. This pain also comes with severe weight loss and difficulty swallowing food.

Bile Reflux. Bile can also backwash into the stomach as well as go even further into the esophageal area. Bile can be toxic to the esophagus as it is an enzyme acidic in nature.

Treatment for Esophageal Pain depends upon the exact cause of the pain so you have to have your physician check up on you to identify the root cause of the pain. Also, for symptomatic pain relief, you may be prescribed with nitrate drugs or potent analgesics. Following a GERD Diet is also a key point in preventing the exacerbation of Esophageal Pains. This diet modification will entail you to avoid spicy and hot foods, caffeine, carbonated drinks and the like.