Esophageal pain can be mistaken for a heart condition or emergency. Causes include acid reflux disease, cancer, inflammation, esophageal spasms, and candidiasis. GERD and hiatal hernia can also cause esophageal pain and increase the risk of esophageal cancer. Treatment options include lifestyle changes, medication, and surgery.
Esophageal pain can be of particular concern to both sufferers and healthcare professionals, not only because of the discomfort it causes, but because it can easily be mistaken for a heart condition or emergency. The causes of esophageal pain vary considerably and it can be a symptom of a treatable condition such as acid reflux disease or something as serious as cancer. Inflammation of the esophagus and esophageal spasms are also potential culprits. Individuals experiencing chest or esophageal pain should always see a doctor to rule out serious problems and get treatment that can prevent a minor condition from becoming a serious health threat.
Inflammation of the esophagus, also known as esophagitis, is a common source of esophageal pain and has many different causes. Causes of esophagitis include excessive consumption of very hot and spicy foods, a lowered immune system and frequent vomiting, as well as certain medications and esophageal ulcers. Problems with yeast overgrowth, also known as candidiasis or thrush, can cause dysphagia or difficulty swallowing and contribute to esophagus pain. Dysphagia caused by candidiasis is a common source of esophageal pain in those living with HIV and AIDS. In some cases, the esophagus itself can be torn or damaged.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common condition in which acid from the stomach regurgitates into the esophagus and irritates its membranes and is a well-known cause of esophagitis. In addition to the discomfort caused by GERD, it carries the risk of its sufferers developing a condition known as Barret’s esophagus, in which the lining of the esophagus becomes similar to that of the intestines. This condition carries an increased risk of esophageal cancer. A hiatal hernia can also allow stomach acid into the esophagus. Both conditions can often be treated with lifestyle changes, over-the-counter or prescription drugs, or, in some cases, surgery.
Esophageal spasms are a lesser known cause of esophageal pain. These are involuntary contractions that can cause pain and difficulty swallowing or even cause the sufferer to regurgitate food. The reasons for esophageal contractions are not known, but they appear to be a malfunction of the normal contractions that regularly occur in the esophagus during the process of swallowing food. This disruption can cause sudden, severe pain, or the contractions can be more widespread. Like GERD or hiatus hernia, esophageal spasms can be treated with lifestyle changes, medications, and, in very severe cases, surgery to sever the muscles causing the spasms.
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