The pain occurs inside the tube, called theesophagus, that connects the mouth to the stomach.
Adults and children can both be affected.
Causes
Pill esophagitis is about more than a pill “getting stuck in the throat.”
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In the past, esophagitis was considered synonymous withacid reflux, the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus.
Medications Linked to Esophagitis
Certain medications are more likely to cause pill esophagitis than others.
The likelihood of this occurring may be increased byhowa person takes a drug.
Certain medical conditions can also impede the movement of drugs through the esophagus.
In cases like these, the injury inflicted on the esophagus is worsened by the presence of stomach acid.
A physical examination of your throat andchest soundsis also involved.
Upper endoscopy is typically done undermild sedationto induce “twilight sleep.”
This may require a drug substitution or a change in your treatment plan.
Prevention
Changing medications may only be part of the solution if you have pill esophagitis.
There are certain habits you might adjust to help reduce the risk of future episodes.
Symptoms include mid-chest pain, difficulty swallowing, or pain with swallowing.
Pill esophagitis is typically treated by stopping or replacing the offending drug.
Antacids like Tums and proton pump inhibitors like Prilosec may be prescribed to relieve symptoms and aid with healing.
Uncomplicated cases of pill esophagitis generally get better within two days to two weeks.
Severe cases may take longer and require aggressive treatment.
2014 Apr;25(2):180-4. doi: 10.5152/tjg.2014.5415.
