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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How To Identify If My Esophagus Is Infected Or Cut?

Approx 40 hours ago I ate a bunch of french fries. I didn't chew them enough and it was incredibly painful when I swallowed. The worst "Painful swallow" I've had when eating sharp/hard food I didn't chew enough. My throat doesn't hurt much, but it feels "dry". Coincidentally I'm also coming off of a cold. I'm afraid to eat large meals or hard foods for fear I cut my esophagus. Are there some surefire ways I'd know if there was infection, or an actual cut? A constant pain? Currently the back of my throat is a bit sore, but may be inflammed due to a cold. I get anxious and am a bit of hypochondriac, so I think I'm overthinking this. I don't have a family doctor and our hospitals are overcrowded, so going to a hospital seems foolish just to get this checked out.
posted on Fri, 14 Mar 2014
Twitter Tue, 15 Aug 2017 Answered on
Twitter Wed, 16 Aug 2017 Last reviewed on
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General Surgeon,  's  Response
Hi.
Thanks for your query.
Noted the history and understood your concerns.
Since there is painful swallowing, there may be an inflammation or an actual cut.
I would advise you the following in such a situation:
Watch for stool for back stool as the bleeding from the cut can cause black stools called malena.
Watch for any vomiting with blood or coffee color.
But the best way is to consult your Doctor, and get an appointment for urgent upper GI Endoscopy as this alone can tell the exact condition whether inflamed or cut.
There is no other way hence stop your hypochondriac view and thoughts and get the thing done so that an exact diagnosis of the condition of esophagus, stomach and pharynx too.
Chew your food well.
Soft bland diet.
PPI like Omeprazole, Antacids and Domperidone if there is nausea or vomiting.
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How To Identify If My Esophagus Is Infected Or Cut?

Hi. Thanks for your query. Noted the history and understood your concerns. Since there is painful swallowing, there may be an inflammation or an actual cut. I would advise you the following in such a situation: Watch for stool for back stool as the bleeding from the cut can cause black stools called malena. Watch for any vomiting with blood or coffee color. But the best way is to consult your Doctor, and get an appointment for urgent upper GI Endoscopy as this alone can tell the exact condition whether inflamed or cut. There is no other way hence stop your hypochondriac view and thoughts and get the thing done so that an exact diagnosis of the condition of esophagus, stomach and pharynx too. Chew your food well. Soft bland diet. PPI like Omeprazole, Antacids and Domperidone if there is nausea or vomiting.