SYMPTOMS
 Heartburn
A discomfort in the centre of the chest often described as a
burning pain rising from the stomach to the neck behind the sternum or breastbone.
It is caused by the reflux of acid from the stomach into the oesophagus.
Regurgitation
The upward movement of gastric or retained oesophageal content toward the mouth
without forceful expulsion from the stomach muscles.
Vomiting
Not directly an oesophageal symptom, it is the forceful expulsion of gastric content
to the mouth.
Dysphagia
Food sticking in the oesophagus or having a slow downward transit. It is sometimes
associated with an instant regurgitation of undigested food. This is a potentially serious
symptom and it is important for anybody suffering from this condition to contact his or
her family physician immediately.
Indigestion
/ Dyspepsia
A combination of terms often used loosely to describe abdominal discomfort, nausea,
bloating and heartburn.
Odynophagia
Or painful swallowing. A discomfort experienced upon ingestion of hot or cold foodstuffs,
alcohol or in some instances solid food where spasm may be responsible.
Non-Cardiac
Chest Pain
A chest pain proven not to be due to any abnormality of the heart but may mimic that of
cardiac disease. It can be caused by acid regurgitation or oesophageal spasm and the
sufferer may experience radiation of pain through to the back, arms and up to the neck.
Airways
Disease
Dysphonia (or poor voice), Laryngitis, Cough, Asthma and Bronchitis are in some
instances known to be secondary manifestations of severe oesophageal disease.
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Oesophageal Diagnostic Services