Swallowing Difficulty

The symptoms you just reviewed can be caused by acid reflux (also called gastroesophageal reflux, or GERD). Pain with swallowing or a persistent sore throat can also be symptoms of acid reflux. You may want to try using an over-the-counter anti-acid medication such as famotidine (Pepcid), ranitidine (Zantac), or omeprazole (Prilosec) to see if your symptoms decrease.

Pain with swallowing can also come from a serious problem such as a bacterial infection (including strep throat), a yeast infection of the throat or, rarely, a cancer.

If your symptoms persist more than one week, call your doctor's office for advice.

If you have a fever, if you have lost weight, or if you have a weak immune system (from HIV or another reason), call your doctor's office -- don't wait. Call now for advice and to arrange an appointment.