Resolved question:
I have fibrotic eosinophilic esophagitis and had endoscopic dilation 1.5 months ago. I was feeling perfectly fine, but recently started experiencing retrosternal chest pains. The pain is somewhat permanent, it is better in morning and worsens throughout the day. What is causing this? How can I eliminate this pain? Will another dilation help matters?
Submitted:
4 Days
Category:
Gastroenterologist, Medical
Hi,
Thanks for posting your query.
I am Dr.R.K and I am pleased to assist you.
The retrosternal pain you get could be due to the eosinophilic esophagitis or could be due to gastroesophageal reflux disease. As Dr.Newman has suggested, you can take PPI like prilosec for relief. This is a simple step. It is highly likely that the PPI alone will take care of this without need for any intervention.
You need dilatation only if there is narrowing of the esophagus which cause difficulty in swallowing.
I hope that answers your question.
Let me know if I can assist you further. Feel free to ask followups / clarifications.
Regards,
Dr.R.K
I was perfectly fine after endoscopy. Now it has been 6 days since chest pains started, and PPI alone is not helping. It feels like a chest infection which I've gotten before, and may not even be related to the endoscopy. But I'm not sure. It feels better in morning than gets worse as day progresses. Almost like chest tightening and uncomfortableness rather than pain. Is it possible it's infection to be treated with antibiotics? Will Zantac help?
Hi,
If PPI does not help, then even zantac will not help.
In my previous post I mentioned that there are two possibilties - GERD and eosinophilic esophagitis. If it is GERD, the PPI would help. Since you have said PPI is not helping, then it is more likely that this could be due to eosinophilic esophagitis.
As Dr. Newman has suggested, you may try the dietary elimination. You can discuss with him about taking a course of steroids.
You have asked about the possibility of chest infection. It is less likely as you do not have cough and fever. You can also have a chest xray and a complete blood test done which will show whether you have any chest infection.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr.R.K