What Causes Pain In Throat And Centre Of Chest?

Posted on Wed, 17 Dec 2014

Question: I have pain in my throat and in the center of my chest. I have had a car accident 20 years ago where throat was ripped but has since healed. I live in an other where we receive over 6 feet of snow and have been digging out for 4 days. The pain is in my throat and goes down into my chest.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Laryngo-pharyngeal reflux is the most likely cause...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for posting the query.

After going through the description, I do feel you could be having Laryngo-pharyngeal reflux (LPR), secondary to acid reflux disease. I doubt the present symptoms are related to the previous trauma.

LPR happens due to regurgitation of the acid from stomach into the throat. Due to constant reflux of the acid from stomach into the throat, the mucosa of the food pipe and the throat gets inflamed, giving rise to pain in the chest as well as the throat.

My suggestions to you are:
1. Drink plenty of warm water.
2. Try taking proton pump inhibitors (such as esomeprazole or pantoperazole) and a prokinetic (such as domperidone or metachlopramide) for at least 1-2 months.
3. Avoid coffee/tea/spicy food/fizzy drinks/chilled food & beverages/smoking/alcohol if any.

Once, the snow recedes, please consult your doctor for a complete check up.

Hope I have answered your query; I'll be available for the follow up queries.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj