• Esophagitis is an inflammation of the lining of the esophagus. The esophagus becomes inflamed due to an infection or due to some irritant. The symptoms of esophagitis include chest pain, difficulty swallowing, feeling that something is stuck in the throat, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, blood in the stools and increased salivation. Causes of esophagitis include infections by candida, cytomegalovirus (CMV), herpes simplex; diseases that weaken the immune system e.g. chemotherapy, diabetes, HIV, immunodeficiency disorders, malnutrition, steroid use. Medicines that become stuck in the esophagus, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs, alendronate, doxycycline, iron, and potassium can also cause esophagitis. Maintaining a normal Body Mass Index (BMI), not smoking and limiting alcohol intake are helpful in reducing the risk of developing esophagitis. Taking pills with adequate amounts of liquid and at least 15 minutes before sleeping or lying down is also helping in avoiding esophagitis. Endoscopy, biopsy, liquid barium, X-ray, complete blood count, esophageal motility tests, and pH tests are used to diagnose esophagitis. Treatment of esophagitis is directed towards the cause which includes antibiotics, antiviral, or antifungal medications for the specific infection, medications to treat underlying conditions, such as GERD or diabetes; and surgery. For mild symptoms treatment with antacids, dietary changes, and activity recommendations help in controlling the symptoms. 

• Gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when acidic juices from the stomach backflow into the esophagus. Gastroesophageal reflux disease affects at least 5% to 7% of the people. Gastroesophageal reflux disease often is unrecognized and serious complications result if it is not treated adequately. Heartburn is the most common symptom of GERD along with chest pain. Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a chronic disease and treatment should be continued for a long time. Various methods to treat Gastroesophageal reflux disease range from lifestyle changes, medications and/or surgery. It is important that people who have persistent heartburn or chronic and recurrent symptoms of Gastroesophageal reflux disease meet their doctor.

• Esophageal spasm which is excessive and uncoordinated contractions of the muscles of the esophagus. Due to these spasms the food does not propel effectively into the stomach. Extremely hot or cold foods can trigger spasms in some patients. The chest pain may be indistinguishable from angina and can also radiate to the neck, jaw, arms, or back as it occurs in an heart attack. Spasms also present with a strong feeling of burning, squeezing pain while swallowing and this is felt high in the neck or lower down in the middle of the chest behind the sternum. Problems anywhere from the mouth to the esophagus can result in burning or pain with swallowing which may be accompanied by symptoms of chest pain, food stuck in the throat, heaviness or pressure in the neck or chest. Heartburn is described as a painful burning sensation in the esophagus just below the center of the chest and the pain rises in the chest and radiates to the neck or throat.  The sensation of heartburn results from the acid from the stomach entering into the esophagus leading to irritation of the esophagus and the resulting pain. Prevention of esophageal spasms include avoiding of very hot or cold foods or drinks. To diagnose esophageal spasms esophagogram, esophageal manometry should be done. Sublingual i.e. beneath the tongue nitroglycerin is very  effective in reducing the pain in an acute episode. Long acting nitroglycerin and calcium channel blockers can be used to treat esophageal spasms. Severe cases may require surgery to relieve the pain. Relief of pain and other accompanied symptoms is achieved with medication. Complications include no response to treatment and persistent pain.

How do you find out what is causing your chest pain? Doctor's diagnose the causes of chest pain by taking a comprehensive medical history by asking you a series of detailed questions about the chest pain, your general health, your family history, your health risks, and much more. Based on this they then order a series of tests to further investigate what the think might be the problem, known as their differential diagnosis.

Now you can do this online using YourDiagnosis.com
OR Ask a registered Doctor a question online YourNetDoctor.com

You can store all your Personal Health Information securely online and access your medical records 24 hours a day 7 days a week from anywhere in the world using  MyNetRecord.com

For sharing and discussing your health concerns with people around the world use   YourHealthForum.com

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YourDiagnosis takes a very comprehensive medical history online using easy to understand questions which you can answer by just clicking on the relevant answers. Once completed it provides a comprehensive list of differential diagnoses as well as a detailed Personal Health Summary which you can take to your physician. You can also use it to store your medical history and symptoms history that can be used by your physician(s) at a later date. This would help you as you will not miss providing important information to the different doctors you visit.