Burning in the esophagus while eating | Burning in the esophagus

Burning in the esophagus while eating

Burning pain in the esophagus after eating is very common and is usually caused by gastric juice rising into the esophagus. However, if the pain occurs while eating, this so-called reflux disease cannot be the reason. Rather, one should think of changes in the esophagus, which cause pain when swallowing and contact with the chewed food.

An inflammation of the esophagus is possible, which is often caused by a chronic reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus. Bacterial or viral infections should be considered in immunocompromised individuals. A proliferation in the tissue can also be the cause of pain. This can be either benign or malignant. In case of recurring or persistent pain, a doctor should always be consulted to discuss the cause of the burning in the esophagus.

Burning in the esophagus after vomiting

Vomiting irritates the mucous membrane of the esophagus. This is especially the case with repeated vomiting. There is a mechanical irritation, because the vomiting builds up a very high pressure in the thorax.

This can lead to tears in the mucous membrane of the esophagus, in the worst case even to a tearing of the esophagus in the lower part. This is an absolute emergency and is accompanied by coughing and severe shortness of breath. In addition, there is also irritation from the rising food pulp and stomach acid, which are transported out through the esophagus. Repeated stimuli from vomiting can lead to inflammation of the esophagus. Both an irritation and an inflammation that persists after vomiting can cause burning pain in the esophagus.

Burning in the esophagus after chemotherapy

After chemotherapy, especially the mucous membranes are very irritated and susceptible to inflammation. This is due to the aggressive drugs that not only kill the tumor cells, but also other cells of the body, such as the mucosal cells. In many cases, the esophagus is also affected.

Due to the already existing irritation of the mucous membranes, swallowing food and drinks can quickly lead to severe burning pain in the area of the esophagus. A possible rise in stomach acid also quickly causes an inflammation of the damaged mucous membrane, which is accompanied by heartburn. Patients after chemotherapy are often very sensitive to temperature, so that they often complain of pain when eating very hot and very cold food and drinks.