4 symptoms of esophageal disease that are easy to ignore

MSc. Hoang Nam, Department of Gastroenterology – Hepatobiliary – Pancreas, Tam Anh General Hospital, Hanoi, said that esophageal diseases such as gastroesophageal reflux, esophagitis, esophageal motility disorders… often have vague, non-specific symptoms that prevent patients from being examined promptly. Delayed detection and treatment of the disease can lead to prolonged mucosal damage and increased risk of complications such as esophageal stricture, Barrett’s esophagus…

Dr. Nam points out some symptoms of esophageal disease that are easily overlooked.

Prolonged cough and hoarseness can easily be mistaken for respiratory disease

Most patients with cough and hoarseness often think of respiratory diseases such as pharyngitis and bronchitis. According to Dr. Nam, gastroesophageal reflux not only causes heartburn but can also cause gastric juice to rise, irritating the throat and larynx, causing prolonged coughing and hoarseness.

Symptoms are often more obvious in the morning or after lying down, easily mistaken for chronic sore throat. When a cough or hoarseness lasts for an unknown period of time, the patient should see a doctor for proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Non-cardiac chest pain

Chest pain is a fairly common symptom of cardiovascular diseases and lung cancer. However, esophageal diseases such as gastroesophageal reflux or esophageal motility disorders can cause a burning, tightening or dull pain in the retrosternal area. Some cases also include a feeling of tightness in the neck or discomfort after eating.

Persistent heartburn

Heartburn or a burning feeling spreading from the epigastric area to the back of the sternum often appears after a heavy meal, eating hot spicy foods, the habit of lying down immediately after eating or common digestive disorders. However, heartburn is also a characteristic sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease, which occurs when gastric juice from the stomach refluxes into the esophagus. Repeated occurrences of this condition can cause inflammation and mucosal damage.

Dr. Nam advises that if heartburn occurs frequently (many times a week) or lasts more than a few weeks, the patient should see a doctor for appropriate evaluation and treatment.

Swallowing, choking

The feeling of food stuck in the neck or behind the sternum can occur due to eating quickly, not chewing thoroughly or esophageal diseases such as esophageal stenosis or esophageal motility disorders, tumors in the esophageal lumen. These diseases cause the esophagus to narrow, hindering the process of bringing food to the stomach.

According to Dr. Nam, difficulty swallowing is classified as a warning symptom of the upper digestive tract. As symptoms progress, the patient may choke heavily, have difficulty eating, and gradually cause malnutrition. When signs of difficulty swallowing or choking appear, the patient should see a doctor to determine the cause and rule out serious diseases.