GERD Symptom: Swallowing Pain or Burning

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Throat anatomy

A strong feeling of burning, squeezing pain while swallowing (felt high in the neck or lower down, behind the breastbone) may be a symptom of a serious disorder.

Pain - swallowing (burning); Odynophagia; Burning feeling when swallowing

Swallowing is a complex act that involves the mouth, throat area, and esophagus (the tube that transports food to the stomach).

Problems at any point, from the mouth to the esophagus, can result in burning or intense pain with swallowing.

This may be accompanied by chest pain, the feeling that food is stuck in the throat, or heaviness or pressure in the neck or upper chest.

• Infection
  • Tooth infection or abscess
  • Gum disease
  • Pharyngitis
  • Thrush (a fungal infection caused by candida)
  • Herpes simplex infection
  • Cytomegalovirus infection
  • Human immunodeficiency virus infection (HIV)
• Ulcers in the mouth or throat from infection, medications, or chemical ingestions
• Esophagitis (inflammation in the esophagus, often from gastroesophageal reflux disease)
• A foreign body (such as fish or poultry bones)
• Esophageal motor disorders, such as nutcracker esophagus, diffuse esophageal spasm, or achalasia (more commonly, these result in dysphagia, a difficulty swallowing, rather than pain)

Review Date: 01/23/2006
Reviewed By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.