Acute oesophageal pain

Question

Hello,
My daughter who is 14 often complains about severe pain of the lower esophagus that lasts a few minutes. The pain is sudden and without warning signs, its intensity is such that she can not breathe well as if she received a shot in the stomach. It lasts a few minutes. The occurrence of this fact is not stress-related. The Doctor who follows my daughter has prescribed two capsules of Omperazole®. The problem is that she is not serene anymore, she fears that the pain occurs at any time. I am expecting with all my heart a reply from you. Thank you.

Answer

Hello,

Your daughter (followed for CF I think?) complains about pain evolving by paroxysmal episods. You don't tell about the start date of the pain and if the pain persists or not between acute episodes. However, an upper digestive etiology has to be evocated at first : reflux with oesophagitis, ulcer or gastritis. But we can also see such a pain in pancreatitis, or even in some extra-digestive diseases. The history and the physical exam of your daughter are essential for diagnosis.
The physician who follows your daughter has prescribed an antacid, Omeprazole®. Has this treatment been effective? If not, one could propose an upper digestive endoscopy to try to identify precisely the cause of the pain and provide adequate treatment, and complete the laboratory tests (including pancreatic enzymes).
In contrast, if the treatment has been efficient, the apprehension of the pain that you report is more a remaining anxiety; a psychologic support may be necessary to help your daughter, through relaxation methods for example.
Sincerely
Dr Michèle Gérardin

10.01.2012

28.2.12
There is a second question from the questioner on this topic:

ecorn-cf.eu/index.php?id=65&L=0&tx_expertadvice_pi1[showitem]=1720&tx_expertadvice_pi1[search]=

D. d'Alquen