Esophagitis sternum pain

There has always been a big misunderstanding about esophagitis, which is that esophagitis only affects the human digestive system, but in fact, in terms of the symptoms of esophagitis, its impact range is very wide. Common symptoms of esophagitis include sternum pain, reflux, difficulty swallowing, etc. The nerves connected to esophagitis include the vagus nerve connected to the sternum. When esophagitis occurs, it can easily cause burning pain in the sternum.

1. Burning or pain behind the sternum

Depending on the distribution of the vagus nerve, it may sometimes radiate to the neck, palate, or ears. The most common is radiation to the shoulder blades on both sides of the back. The burning sensation can be relieved by drinking water or taking antacids or sugary cubes to stimulate saliva secretion and primary esophageal peristalsis. Patients with reflux esophagitis often develop the disease after eating spicy food, bending over, exerting force, lying flat, etc. The symptoms will be alleviated after walking in an upright posture, which is mainly because walking in an upright posture can promote esophageal clearance. Increased postural burning pain is highly suggestive of reflux. For those who lack gastric acid, the burning sensation is mainly caused by bile reflux, so taking antacids will have no effect. The severity of the burning sensation does not necessarily correspond to the severity of the lesion. In severe esophagitis, especially in those with scarring, there may be no or only a mild burning sensation.

2. Gastric and esophageal reflux

After every meal, when lying forward, or sleeping in bed at night, acidic liquid or food refluxes from the stomach and esophagus into the pharynx or mouth. This symptom often appears before the burning sensation or burning pain behind the sternum.

3. Painful swallowing

This symptom is mainly caused by esophageal inflammation or esophageal spasm due to food stimulation. The distribution and radiation of crampy pain are the same as those of heartburn. The food bolus causes acute expansion of the esophagus in the area of ​​esophagitis and some areas of stenosis or uncoordinated motor function, resulting in a third contraction or spasm. The patient may feel that the food or liquid is stagnant above the esophagus and has to wait for the food bolus to move down or drink water to wash it down. The dilated esophagus above the bolus stagnation can cause very severe pain. Cramp-like pain may also be caused by reflux.

4. Difficulty swallowing

In the early stages, intermittent dysphagia may often occur due to secondary esophageal spasm caused by esophagitis. In the later stage, due to the formation of esophageal scarring and stricture, the burning sensation and burning pain gradually decrease and are replaced by permanent dysphagia. Eating solid food may cause a feeling of blockage or pain in the xiphoid process.

5. Nausea

The backflow of stomach acid or bile into the back wall of the mouth indicates gastroesophageal reflux. The gastric contents can be vomited or swallowed, leaving a sour or bitter taste in the throat and mouth, causing bad breath or taste damage. Chronically irritated lips may have a burning sensation. Regurgitation may occur after eating, exertion, or a change in body position. It is often accompanied by gastrointestinal flatulence and hiccups. Nocturnal reflux can also cause coughing, aspiration pneumonia, or choking.