What is wrong with my esophagus?

Question

A few nights ago I woke up and noticed it hurt to swallow very deep down in my throat - like in my esophagus near where the adam's apple is.

What could be causing me to have pain there? I hardly ever get reflux or heartburn. It feels a little like when some food or a pill gets stuck temporarily, but this discomfort has now lasted for days.

Could something I ate have scratched or traumatized the esophagus bad enough for it to hurt for days?

Answer 1

You are probably experiencing a simple muscle spasm or a "cricopharyngeal spasm" and it will resolve itself on its own. It can be triggered by stress or anxiety. And you can mimick the symptoms you are describing by pushing on the cartilage in the neck just below the Adams apple. I bet the feeling of having a lump in your throat comes and goes depending on the day and might be worse at night and doesn't hinder eating?

You can see a voice doctor or ENT and they can prescribe a muscle relaxer but this will resolve on its own.

Don't worry - you don't have throat or esophageal cancer! Real lumps in the throat caused by cancer are seldom felt, which is why many are diagnosed too late.

Answer 2

My guess is that you are having some sort of acid coming up from your stomach. You don't always get heartburn from acid reflux, but it's still there. Don't eat late at night. See a doctor. I've had a similar problem.

Answer 3

Do get this seen to now, I do not wish to alarm you, I am speaking from personal experience, an early diagnosis is important.

Answer 4

You have a Adam's apple...See your Doctor.

Answer 5

Open wide

Say 'AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH'