The esophagus is a long, narrow tube that connects the back of the throat to the stomach allowing ingested food to proceed through the digestive tract. Recurrent acid reflux can damage the lining of the esophagus causing a sore--also called an ulcer--to develop within this region of the digestive tract. Esophagus ulcer symptoms can be uncomfortable and should be discussed with a physician if they occur.
Burning Chest Pain
Patients who develop an ulcer within the esophagus commonly experience a painful sensation within the chest, explains the Merck Manual, an online medical encyclopedia for healthcare professionals. These painful, burning symptoms can last for several minutes or hours and may extend from the top of the stomach to the center of the chest.
Sensations of chest pain or burning may feel worse at night or when the stomach is empty. In some patients, eating certain types of foods, such as dairy products, may temporarily alleviate these uncomfortable chest sensations. An ulcer within the esophagus can result in intermittent burning pain that disappears and reappears every few days.
Nausea or Vomiting
Sensations of burning chest pain can contribute to stomach upset symptoms in certain patients with esophageal ulcers. These symptoms can include nausea or vomiting, which can be uncomfortable explain health officials at Family Doctor, a health and medical website established by the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Certain patients can also develop a sensation of fullness or bloating within the stomach due to the presence of an ulcer in the esophagus. Vomit that contains blood can be indicative of severe damage to the digestive tract and should be reported to a doctor immediately.
Appetite Changes or Weight Loss
In combination, chest pain and stomach upset symptoms can lead to appetite changes in patients who develop esophageal ulcers. Typically, these uncomfortable symptoms cause patients to develop a decreased appetite, which can contribute to unexplained weight loss, explain doctors at the Mayo Clinic. If these symptoms persist or continue to worsen contact a doctor for further evaluation and treatment.
