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What Causes Chest Pain After Swallowing Food Without Chewing?
Question: I swallowed something and didn't quite get around to chewing it :)
Now my chest hurts and I can't seem to keep down food. Will it go away in a few hours or so? Do I need to go to a doctor?
Now my chest hurts and I can't seem to keep down food. Will it go away in a few hours or so? Do I need to go to a doctor?
Brief Answer:
You should visit an ER.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. The area behind and below the voice box a the upper end of the food pipe (the cricopharynx) is the narrowest part of the gut. If the food bolus has passed this area then normally it should go through.
2. There are normally three more constrictions in the food pipe: where the airway and aorta cross the food pipe and at the lower end near the stomach. A lot depends upon the foodstuff that was swallowed (bone, meat and so on).
3. It is advisable to go to an ER since you had vomiting and get X-rays done. If there is no evidence of obstruction, an injectable painkiller will help if the food bolus has caused an abrasion on its way down. Unless the food contained radio-opaque substances such as bone it is unlikely to show up on an X-ray.
4. You may be kept under observation as it is possible to give intravenous fluid and avoid further oral intake till this issue is sorted out. Right now other investigations can wait.
5. Upload your X-rays here.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
You should visit an ER.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. The area behind and below the voice box a the upper end of the food pipe (the cricopharynx) is the narrowest part of the gut. If the food bolus has passed this area then normally it should go through.
2. There are normally three more constrictions in the food pipe: where the airway and aorta cross the food pipe and at the lower end near the stomach. A lot depends upon the foodstuff that was swallowed (bone, meat and so on).
3. It is advisable to go to an ER since you had vomiting and get X-rays done. If there is no evidence of obstruction, an injectable painkiller will help if the food bolus has caused an abrasion on its way down. Unless the food contained radio-opaque substances such as bone it is unlikely to show up on an X-ray.
4. You may be kept under observation as it is possible to give intravenous fluid and avoid further oral intake till this issue is sorted out. Right now other investigations can wait.
5. Upload your X-rays here.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Hey thanks for your advice. I ate a bit of yogurt and drank some water and now I feel much better. I am no longer vomiting and do not have any more chest pain. Do you think I still need to go to the hospital?
If I shouldn't go yet, under what circumstances would you recommend going to the ER?
It's probably fine, but I wanted to double-check.
Thanks again.
If I shouldn't go yet, under what circumstances would you recommend going to the ER?
It's probably fine, but I wanted to double-check.
Thanks again.
Brief Answer:
Yes, you can now wait and watch.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for writing back.
1. Once the food bolus is past the cricopharynx there is usually no problem unless the food bolus contains a large piece of bone or uncooked meat.
2. Assuming that there are no other reasons for a hold-up of a bolus (such as a narrowing of the food pipe), and the fact that you could eat yogurt, drink water and the vomiting and chest pain has disappeared, you can now wait.
3. I would recommend the ER only if you are still vomiting or there is chest pain or discomfort again.
4. in all probability at your age this is all fine and you can avoid going to an ER.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Yes, you can now wait and watch.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for writing back.
1. Once the food bolus is past the cricopharynx there is usually no problem unless the food bolus contains a large piece of bone or uncooked meat.
2. Assuming that there are no other reasons for a hold-up of a bolus (such as a narrowing of the food pipe), and the fact that you could eat yogurt, drink water and the vomiting and chest pain has disappeared, you can now wait.
3. I would recommend the ER only if you are still vomiting or there is chest pain or discomfort again.
4. in all probability at your age this is all fine and you can avoid going to an ER.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Note: For further follow-up it is advisable to consult an emergency medicine specialist. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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