Pain after swallowing when food enters stomach

[Parvosufferer]

I have been suffering with the sudden onset of very sharp pain after swallowing, when the food (or drink) enters the stomach in the lower esophagus, just behind the lower ribs. It is extremely painful - enough to make me not want to eat anything. I only get this pain when I swallow something, but I also feel like I might have heartburn further up my esophagus (not sure what this feels like as I have never had it before), which is worse when I take a deep breath. I have been taking antacids, which do not help with the pain. I have noticed a similar sharp stabbing pain in my lower back recently, and a dry cough. I have had these symptoms for 4 days, getting worse each day.

As for my medical history I have never suffered from heartburn before. I am currently seeing an Internal Medicine Dr after contracting Parvovirus 10 months ago, which is causing chronic muscle and joint pain, along with an over active thyroid (recent bloods showed the thyroid was stabilizing). I am also due to see an ENT Dr at the end of February to discuss chronic pain that I have had in my throat for at least 5/6 months (perhaps caused by the thyroiditis?). My Dad was diagnosed with acid reflux disorder a couple of years ago after suffering with severe heartburn for several years.

Two other things that are perhaps contributing to this pain - I remember swallowing a very hot piece of pasta a few days ago which may have burnt my esophagus? I also went skiing on Sunday and had a very nasty fall. Perhaps I injured some muscles?

Any insight would be appreciated. Do you think I should wait for my ENT appointment at the end of the month, or talk to my Family or Internal Medicine Dr sooner?

Thank you  

[lizb62]

Hi all, I know this is a few years old, but I'm experiencing same thing. My brother (internal med doc)  tells me my esophagus is inflamed.  He has had numerous patients complaining of upper back pain when swallowing due to esophagitis.  Did you all ever figure out what yours  was?

[Kesa11]

Did you figure out what this was? I have had the same pain for 10 weeks and had an endoscopy, ct with barium and an ultrasound all came back normal/ no esophagitis in biopsy either. So curious what this could be as I have been seeing so many people in these forums with this issue but no answers!

[Sara_MHModerator]

Hi kesa11 and lizb62.  That's so baffling when you do various tests and they don't uncover an obvious sign of issue.  They saw no inflammation at all?  

[Kesa11]

They did not. No esophagitis, no Gerd, biopsies all normal; no h pylori. Still having this 3.5 months. I'm totally stumped and anxiety is through the roof about it

[Sara_MHModerator]

That's really frustrating.  You have nothing like gallstones?  That can create these symptoms. Hiatal hernia? They have ruled out eosinophilic esophagitis?  I am trying to help think of other ideas for what is going on.  I'm sure this makes you nervous to not know what is causing your symptoms.

[pavan677232]

I am having similar problems for the past 2 months.. Did you figure out what it was.

[Baadsy]

Did you ever find out what this is. About two days ago this started for me. I can't figure it out. I haven't had any of the recent stuff that you have had...Not sure what has led to this. What did you find out?