[35M] Experiencing difficulty swallowing and chest pain

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms you've described, possible conditions include:

• Esophageal Stricture: This is a narrowing of the esophagus, the tube that connects your mouth and stomach. This can be caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), where stomach acid backs up into the esophagus and causes damage and inflammation, leading to scarring and narrowing over time. This condition can cause difficulty swallowing, chest pain, and vomiting.

  • Treatment typically involves dilation of the esophagus, medication to reduce stomach acid, and lifestyle changes to manage GERD.

• Esophageal Cancer: While less likely given your age, this condition can cause difficulty swallowing, chest pain, and vomiting. However, it would typically also present with weight loss and possibly coughing or choking during meals, which you have not reported.

  • Treatment typically involves surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these.

• Achalasia: This is a rare disorder that makes it difficult for food and liquid to pass into your stomach. Achalasia occurs when nerves in the tube connecting your mouth and stomach (esophagus) become damaged. As a result, the esophagus loses the ability to squeeze food down, and the muscular valve between the esophagus and stomach (lower esophageal sphincter) doesn't fully relax — making it difficult for food to pass into your stomach.

  • Treatment typically involves medications, Botox injections, or surgery.

What you can do

Given the chronicity and severity of your symptoms, it is important that you seek medical attention as soon as possible. Your doctor will likely want to perform an endoscopy, a procedure where a flexible tube with a camera is inserted down your throat, to visualize your esophagus and possibly take a biopsy.

In the meantime, you may find relief by:

1. Eating smaller, more frequent meals.
2. Chewing your food thoroughly.
3. Drinking plenty of water with your meals.
4. Avoiding lying down or going to bed for at least 2-3 hours after eating.

What you should look out for

Please seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Severe chest pain
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Coughing up blood
• New or worsening symptoms

Remember, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your situation. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate examination, testing, and care recommendations.