Pain in the centre of the chest and below the right shoulder blade, occurring specifically while swallowing food or water, may suggest a problem involving the esophagus (food pipe).
Some possible causes include:
1. Esophageal spasm: Abnormal contractions of the food pipe can cause chest pain during swallowing, sometimes radiating to the back.
2. Esophagitis: Inflammation of the esophageal lining, commonly associated with acid reflux.
3. Esophageal motility disorders: Conditions affecting the normal movement of food and liquids through the esophagus.
4. Other esophageal conditions: Including narrowing or irritation of the food pipe.
The fact that your symptoms occur specifically during swallowing makes an esophageal cause more likely. However, the exact diagnosis cannot be confirmed based on symptoms alone.
My recommendation:
Since you have been experiencing these symptoms for one month, I recommend consulting a gastroenterologist for evaluation within the next few days.
An upper GI endoscopy may be required to examine the esophagus. If the endoscopy is normal and symptoms persist, esophageal manometry may be considered to assess esophageal motility.
Until then, eat slowly, chew food properly, take smaller bites and avoid very hot or cold drinks if they trigger discomfort.
If you develop difficulty swallowing, food getting stuck, inability to swallow liquids, severe chest pain, breathlessness or sweating associated with chest pain, seek urgent medical attention.
I would like to know a few more details:
1. Do you experience pain while swallowing both solid food and liquids, or is it more prominent with one?
2. Does drinking cold water increase the pain?
3. Do you experience heartburn, acidity or regurgitation?
4. Do you feel that food gets stuck in your chest while swallowing?
5. Does the pain disappear immediately after swallowing, or does it persist for some time?
Answered2026-10-08 19:28:14
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