What is actually happening when you drink something and it get’s “caught” in your chest/throat and it’s really painful?
In: Biology
I have eosinophilic esophagitis. It feels like what you describe when I’m not managing it. The condition is characterized by an abnormally high number of eosinophils (type of white blood cell) in the tissues of the esophagus. Over time, this can cause the tissue to lose its elasticity (which is necessary to allow the passage of a bolus – a clumped portion of whatever you swallow).
If left unmanaged, this lack of elasticity causes difficulty and discomfort swallowing (I personally experienced it most with dry foods and at the beginning of a meal). In extreme cases, especially when coupled with acid reflux, the damage and inelasticity of the lower portion of the esophagus can cause it to tear, which has the potential to cause internal bleeding and death (there’s a series of anastomoses around the lower portion of the esophagus which have significant blood flow).
If you’re experiencing difficulty or discomfort swallowing, please see your doctor. Eosinophilic esophagitis can be easily diagnosed with a small biopsy of your esophageal tissue. Mine is managed effectively with Omeprazole.
Latest Answers