Swallowing is a complex act that involves the mouth, throat area, and esophagus (tube that transports food to the stomach).

Problems at any point, from the mouth to the esophagus, can result in burning or intense pain with swallowing.

This may be accompanied by symptoms of chest pain, food stuck in the throat, or heaviness or pressure in the neck or upper chest.

• Infection
  • Tooth infection or abscess
  • Gum disease
  • Pharyngitis
  • Thrush (a fungal infection caused by Candida)
  • Herpes simplex infection
  • Cytomegalovirus infection
  • Human immunodeficiency virus infection (HIV)
• Ulcers (from infection, medications, or chemical ingestions)
• Esophagitis (inflammation in the esophagus, often from gastroesophageal reflux disease)
• Rarely, a foreign body (such as fish or poultry bones)
• Esophageal motor disorders, such as nutcracker esophagus, diffuse esophageal spasm, or achalasia (more commonly, these result in dysphagia, a difficulty swallowing, rather than pain)

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

Some people notice that liquids are swallowed more easily than solids. They may also be able to swallow pureed food or baby food. 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.

• Let your doctor know of 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.

• Is there pain when swallowing solids, liquids, or both?
• Is the pain there all the time (constant) or off-and-on (intermittent)?
• Are there progressive swallowing problems (getting worse)?
• Is there difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)?
• Aggravating factors
  • Have you inhaled or swallowed any irritating substance?
  • Is there a fever, sore throat, or other sign of infection?
  • Does it feel like there is a lump in the throat?
• What other symptoms are present?
• What other medical problems do you have?
• What medications do you take?

• Barium swallow and upper GI series
• Throat culture
• Neck X-ray
• Chest X-ray
• Endoscopy (EGD)
• Esophageal acidity test, also called a pH probe (To check for acid that comes from the stomach and enters the esophagus. This is called gastroesophageal reflux disease and often causes heartburn or a sour taste in the mouth)
• Esophageal manometry (pressure measurements)
• HIV testing

After seeing your health care provider:
If a diagnosis was made by your health care provider related to painful swallowing, you may want to note that diagnosis in your personal medical record.