[54F] With sensation of something stuck in throat and chest pain

Patient Description

A 54-year-old female reports a constant sensation of something stuck in her throat and chest since eating chicken yesterday. She also experiences intermittent chest pain, heartburn, and a sour taste in her mouth, suggesting acid reflux. The patient has a medical history of high blood pressure, anxiety, acid reflux, and asthma, all diagnosed in 2007. She is currently taking Pantoprazole daily for acid reflux, Vascular daily for blood pressure, and Albuterol as needed for asthma. There are no known allergies to medications. The patient has not experienced difficulty swallowing liquids or solids, nausea, vomiting, or regurgitation.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you have provided, here are some possible explanations for your symptoms:

  • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): This condition occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the tube connecting your mouth and stomach (esophagus). This backwash (acid reflux) can irritate the lining of your esophagus. Symptoms often include a sensation of something stuck in the throat, chest pain, heartburn, and a sour taste in the mouth.

    • Treatment: GERD is typically managed with lifestyle changes, over-the-counter antacids, and prescription medications like Pantoprazole, which you are already taking. In some cases, further evaluation by a healthcare provider may be necessary to adjust treatment.
  • Esophageal Spasm: This condition involves abnormal muscle contractions in the esophagus, which can cause chest pain and the sensation of something being stuck in the throat.

    • Treatment: Treatment may include medications to relax the esophagus, dietary changes, and managing stress and anxiety.
  • Esophagitis: Inflammation of the esophagus, often due to acid reflux, can cause similar symptoms.

    • Treatment: Treatment involves managing acid reflux with medications and lifestyle changes, and in some cases, additional medications to reduce inflammation.

What you can do

While it's important to consult a healthcare provider for a formal diagnosis and treatment plan, here are some steps you can take to help alleviate your symptoms:

  1. Dietary Changes: Avoid foods and drinks that trigger acid reflux, such as spicy foods, fatty foods, chocolate, caffeine, and alcohol. Eating smaller, more frequent meals can also help.
  2. Elevate Your Head: When sleeping, try elevating the head of your bed by about 6-8 inches to prevent acid from flowing back into your esophagus.
  3. Avoid Lying Down After Eating: Wait at least 2-3 hours after eating before lying down or going to bed.
  4. Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess weight can put pressure on your abdomen, pushing up your stomach and causing acid to back up into your esophagus.
  5. Use MDandMe: Journal your symptoms, track your progress, get insights, and share longitudinal medical notes with your healthcare provider.

What you should look out for

Seek medical attention if you experience any of the following:

  • Severe or Worsening Chest Pain: Especially if it is accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, or pain radiating to your arm, neck, or jaw, as these could be signs of a heart attack.
  • Difficulty Swallowing: If you start having trouble swallowing or feel like food is getting stuck.
  • Unexplained Weight Loss: If you notice a significant and unexplained loss of weight.
  • Persistent or Worsening Symptoms: If your symptoms do not improve with over-the-counter treatments or lifestyle changes.

Remember, while I can provide information and suggestions, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider for a formal diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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5 mo ago


People Also Ask


What are common symptoms of GERD and how can it be managed?

Common symptoms of GERD include heartburn, chest pain, a sensation of something stuck in the throat, and a sour taste in the mouth. It can be managed with lifestyle changes, over-the-counter antacids, and prescription medications like Pantoprazole.


How can esophageal spasms be treated and what causes them?

Esophageal spasms can be treated with medications to relax the esophagus, dietary changes, and stress management. They are caused by abnormal muscle contractions in the esophagus.


What lifestyle changes can help alleviate acid reflux symptoms?

Lifestyle changes that can help alleviate acid reflux symptoms include avoiding trigger foods and drinks, eating smaller meals, elevating the head of the bed, avoiding lying down after eating, and maintaining a healthy weight.


When should I seek medical attention for chest pain or swallowing difficulties?

Seek medical attention if you experience severe or worsening chest pain, especially with shortness of breath or pain radiating to your arm, neck, or jaw, difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, or if symptoms persist despite treatment.

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