Swallowing pain or burning

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Throat anatomy

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

Eat slowly and chew food thoroughly. If a person suddenly shows signs of choking and difficulty breathing, the Heimlich maneuver should be performed immediately.

You may have an easier time swallowing liquids or pureed foods than solids. Avoid very cold or very hot foods if you notice that they worsen the problem.

• Call your provider if the problem continues, even if the symptoms are intermittent.

• Tell your doctor about any other symptoms, such as cough, wheezing, fever, chills, abdominal pain, pain with swallowing, nausea or vomiting, vomiting of blood, weight loss, heartburn, or sour taste in the mouth.

The doctor will examine you and ask questions about this symptom, such as:

• Is there pain when swallowing solids, liquids, or both?
• Is the pain constant or does it come and go?
• Is the pain getting worse?
• Do you have difficulty swallowing?
• Do you have a sore throat?
• Does it feel like there is a lump in the throat?
• Have you inhaled or swallowed any irritating substance?
• What other symptoms do you have?
• What other medical problems do you have?
• What medications do you take?

The following diagnostic tests may be performed:

• Barium swallow and upper GI series
• Throat culture
• Neck x-ray
• Chest x-ray
• Endoscopy (EGD)
• Esophageal acidity test, also called a pH probe (checks for acid that comes from the stomach and enters the esophagus, as in gastroesophageal reflux disease)
• Esophageal manometry (pressure measurements)
• HIV testing

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.