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What Causes Chest Pain While Swallowing Food?
My 13-year-old daughter has pain in her upper right chest whenever she swallows food. She had spinal fusion surgery nine days ago. She is still on pain medication and a muscle relaxer. She s on acid reflux medicine, plus she s taken six Tums in the last 24 hours. It doesn t seem to make a difference. She said it feels like the food is going down the wrong tube (and yet if it were, I assume she d be coughing because it would be going to her lungs). Any ideas?
Wed, 1 Oct 2014
Thanks for your question on HCM. Yes, you are right, there might be reflux of food from food pipe to the wind pind and lungs. It is common after spinal surgeries due to nerve damage.
In normal person, epiglottis, vocal cords and pharynx are responsible for preventing this reflux. If nerves to any of the above has been damage during or after the surgery, there are chances of reflux. So I advice you to consult operating surgeon again and discuss these things.
Another possibility is iatrogenic bronchoesophageal fistula. Though it is rare but can be seen after spinal surgery.
In normal person, epiglottis, vocal cords and pharynx are responsible for preventing this reflux. If nerves to any of the above has been damage during or after the surgery, there are chances of reflux. So I advice you to consult operating surgeon again and discuss these things.
Another possibility is iatrogenic bronchoesophageal fistula. Though it is rare but can be seen after spinal surgery.
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