Doctor Hoang Nam, from the Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatobiliary, and Pancreatic Diseases at Tam Anh General Hospital Hanoi, states that esophageal conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), esophagitis, and esophageal motility disorders often present with vague symptoms. This often leads to delayed diagnosis. Delayed detection and treatment can prolong mucosal damage and increase the risk of complications, such as esophageal stricture and Barrett's esophagus.

Doctor Nam highlights several commonly overlooked symptoms of esophageal disease.

Chronic cough and hoarseness often mistaken for respiratory illness

Most individuals experiencing a cough or hoarseness typically attribute these to respiratory illnesses, such as pharyngitis or bronchitis. According to Doctor Nam, GERD not only causes heartburn but can also cause stomach acid to reflux high enough to irritate the throat and larynx, leading to chronic cough and hoarseness.

These symptoms often become more pronounced in the morning or after lying down, making them easily confused with chronic pharyngitis. When a cough or hoarseness persists without a clear cause, patients should seek medical attention for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Non-cardiac chest pain

Chest pain is a common symptom of cardiovascular diseases and lung cancer. However, esophageal conditions like GERD or esophageal motility disorders can cause a burning, constricting, or dull ache behind the breastbone. In some cases, there is also a sensation of a lump in the throat or discomfort after eating.

Persistent heartburn

Heartburn, a burning sensation that spreads from the upper abdomen to behind the breastbone, usually appears after a large meal, consuming spicy foods, lying down immediately after eating, or due to common digestive issues. However, persistent heartburn is also a characteristic sign of GERD, occurring when stomach acid refluxes from the stomach into the esophagus. This recurring condition can cause inflammation and mucosal damage.

Doctor Nam advises that if heartburn occurs frequently (several times a week) or persists for more than a few weeks, patients should seek medical evaluation for appropriate assessment and treatment.

Difficulty swallowing and globus sensation

The sensation of food getting stuck in the throat or behind the breastbone can result from eating too quickly, insufficient chewing, or underlying esophageal conditions such as esophageal stricture, esophageal motility disorders, or a tumor within the esophagus. These conditions narrow the esophageal lumen, impeding the passage of food to the stomach.

According to Doctor Nam, difficulty swallowing is classified as a warning symptom of upper gastrointestinal issues. As this symptom progresses, patients may experience severe dysphagia, making eating and drinking challenging, which can eventually lead to malnutrition. When experiencing a sensation of food getting stuck or difficulty swallowing, individuals should seek medical evaluation to identify the cause and rule out any serious underlying conditions.

Ly Nguyen