May 25, 2012
Topics A-Z Digestive Disorders Symptoms suggestive of oesophageal narrowing
Symptoms suggestive of oesophageal narrowing |
|
Dear Ask The Doctor: It's as if my esophagus has shrunk and the food becomes stuck till it stretch's out and lets it pass. After the initial bite I'm fine, hungry and can continue eating without problem. The food can be mash potatoes or meat, fruit or ice cream. Liquid doesn't do it but food density can be almost anything and any temperature. I have had acid reflux and an ulcer years ago. It doesn't feel like that and it doesn't last past the initial pain. I have had no eating disorders. The pain occurs around my heart area, but it's defiantly the food in my esophagus. It's been happening on and off for over a year, becoming more common. I have no other problems except high (but still acceptable) cholesterol. I used to exercise more last year and have stopped but I'm still about 140 pounds and not in bad shape. The pain is sharp, bad - I have a pretty high pain threshold and it makes me break out in a sweat. Last maybe 30 sec - min at most and then is gone immediately and completely and doesn't happen again until the next time i eat. It happens maybe every 4-6th meal. Dear Sherri: Your symptoms suggest that there may an oesophageal stricture (narrowing). There are many causes of an oesophageal stricture including: gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, oesophagitis (inflammation of the oesophagus), dysfunctional lower oesophageal sphincter, disordered motility, hiatus hernia, or a growth (benign or malignant). I advise attending your family doctor for a detailed history and clinical examination and he may refer you for further investigation such as Barium swallow, endoscopy, or to a gastroenterologist for specialised advice. |
|
| Last Updated ( Thursday, 07 October 2010 ) |
|
|
|
|
