Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic StaffCommon signs and symptoms of esophagitis include:
- Difficult swallowing
- Painful swallowing
- Chest pain, particularly behind the breastbone, that occurs with eating
- Swallowed food becoming stuck in the esophagus (food impaction)
- Heartburn
- Acid regurgitation
In young children, particularly those too young to explain their discomfort or pain, signs of esophagitis may include:
- Feeding difficulties
- Failure to thrive
When to see a doctor
Most signs and symptoms of esophagitis can be caused by a number of different conditions affecting the digestive system. See your doctor if signs or symptoms:
- Last more than a few days
- Don't improve or go away with over-the-counter antacids
- Are severe enough to make eating difficult
- Are accompanied by flu signs and symptoms, such as headache, fever and muscle aches
- Are accompanied by shortness of breath or chest pain that occurs shortly after eating
Get emergency care if you:
- Experience pain in your chest that lasts more than a few minutes
- Suspect you have food lodged in your esophagus
- Have a history of heart disease and experience chest pain