As of: February 6, 2024, 10:29 a.m
By: Natalie Hull-Deichsel
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When it comes to chest pain and difficulty swallowing, very few people think of the esophagus as the cause.
And yet these symptoms can indicate an illness.
It is important for every meal, every drink and every swallow: called the esophagus or esophagus.
Important because this organ, which is about 25 centimeters long and just two centimeters wide, transports food from the mouth to the stomach every day.
The esophagus is an extremely flexible muscular tube and can adapt to the volume of food.
As soon as the transport in the esophagus or its muscle function is disturbed, this can become noticeable in various complaints - for example heartburn, as the muscular closure of the esophagus to the stomach entrance does not prevent the reflux of stomach acid as usual.
If other symptoms occur, this may also indicate an esophageal disease.
Avoid heartburn triggers
Certain fruits and vegetables can promote reflux and therefore heartburn.
Even heavily processed ready meals can cause stomach acid to flow back and cause a burning sensation down to the throat.
Esophageal disease: What symptoms can be an indication
In addition to reflux and heartburn, chest pain can indicate esophageal diseases.
© xaliced/Imago
If there is a disorder of the esophageal function, four signs in particular can indicate this:
Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
Reflux, i.e. the backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus and mouth, resulting in food escaping (regurgitation)
heartburn
Foreign body sensation in the throat, so-called “lump in the throat” (globus)
Chest pain
Pain in the neck or throat
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A so-called silent reflux increases the risk of illness
Reflux can manifest itself “silently” in the form of non-specific symptoms such as hoarseness and the need to clear the throat - although this does not always necessarily lead to heartburn.
Signs should be observed and, if they occur frequently, should be checked by a doctor.
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According to the Pharmazeutische Zeitung,
complaints from the esophagus can
be a warning signal for certain diseases:
Inflammation of the esophagus (esophagitis)
Damage to the esophageal mucosa caused by medications
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Tumor in the esophagus that causes cancer
This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It in no way replaces a visit to the doctor. Our editorial team is not allowed to answer individual questions about medical conditions.