Burning that occurs in your esophagus when you eat is most likely the result of an esophageal ulcer. Burning and pain are the most common symptoms of peptic ulcers that may be aggravated when you eat. Chronic burning in your throat needs to be evaluated by your doctor. The most common treatment for this condition is triple-therapy antibiotics because the open sores are most likely caused by a bacterial infection. If you vomit blood, call your doctor immediately or go to the nearest emergency room.
Esophageal Ulcers
Esophageal ulcers are open sores that occur in the hollow tube that allows your food to travel from your throat to your stomach. This type of ulcer can cause significant pain when you eat or drink. At first, you may think you have a sore throat, but the pain will progressively get worse and will not go away.
Risk Factors
Certain people are at greater risk of developing ulcers in the esophagus than others. According to MayoClinic.com, if you smoke or use tobacco products, you have a greater risk of becoming infected with the H. pylori bacteria. Drinking too much alcohol on a consistent basis can cause the mucous lining of your throat to slowly erode, eventually forming into an ulcer. Surgery or extreme cases of stress can make you more vulnerable to esophageal ulcers. Stress alone will not cause ulcers to develop, but it can make you more vulnerable when combined with other factors.
Symptoms
Burning and pain are common symptoms of open sores that develop in your esophagus. You may also develop the feeling of fullness, the inability to eat or drink a lot of food or beverage, mild nausea, upper pain in your abdomen, chest pain, fatigue, vomiting and weight loss. If you develop ulcers in your throat, you most likely also have ulcers in your stomach or the opening of your small intestines. Eating foods that are spicy or acidic, drinking alcohol or consuming caffeine can make symptoms worse.
Treatment
If your doctor determines that your throat ulcers are caused by a bacterial infection, you will need to take prescribed antibiotics to kill the H. pylori bacteria. If the ulcers are the result of certain lifestyle choices, you will need to eliminate tobacco products, reduce your stress levels, avoid the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and restrict your alcohol consumption. Your doctor may also recommend the use of over-the-counter antacids to reduce the amount of acid in your digestive system.
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