Why Does My Throat to Esophagus Feel Like Its On Fire?

Update Date: 2024-06-13 Source: Network

The burning sensation from the throat to the esophagus is caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease, which stimulates the mucosa of the pharynx, lower pharynx, and larynx with gastric acid reflux, resulting in a burning feeling. If this condition recurs frequently, it may also lead to a sensation of foreign body in the throat, excessive sticky mucus, and frequent discomfort in the throat area. In severe cases, there may even be a burning sensation behind the sternum. Reflux is generally more likely to occur after overeating and during the night.

Typical symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease include heartburn, nausea, regurgitation, and belching. Heartburn refers to a burning sensation behind the sternum or below the xiphoid process, often extending upward from the lower segment of the sternum. Nausea on an empty stomach is caused by acidic gastric juice reflux, also known as acid regurgitation, but it can also be caused by bile or pancreatic juice overflow. Symptoms such as heartburn and nausea are often more pronounced or aggravated after meals and are prone to occur when lying flat, bending forward, or experiencing increased abdominal pressure.

Atypical symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease include chest pain, upper abdominal pain, and dysphagia. Chest pain is caused by irritation of the esophageal spasm due to reflux, occurring behind the sternum or below the xiphoid process. In severe cases, severe stabbing pain may radiate to the back, neck, and behind. Dysphagia is caused by esophageal stenosis and can occur with both solid and liquid foods. In a few cases, it may be persistent and progressive, and severe esophagitis or concurrent esophageal ulceration may also be accompanied by swallowing pain.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease can also cause symptoms outside the digestive tract such as cough, asthma, and pharyngitis. A few patients may even have cough or asthma as the initial or main manifestation. These extra-digestive symptoms are related to irritation of the esophageal mucosa leading to inflammation and spasm.