Esophageal abrasion with ear pain
I accidentally swallowed a hard, sharp piece of pizza crust a little over a week ago (2/3) and felt obvious discomfort on the right side of my throat as it went down. It wasn’t significant pain but it did feel very uncomfortable.
Since then, I have tried gargling with warm salt water but the abrasion is too far down my throat for it to have any effect. So I switched over to warm decaf green tea with honey, which does provide temporary relief. This in combination with eating soft foods and chewing anything more firm into a soft mush before swallowing and I have seen little improvement. I was doing a bit better yesterday, but I am now again feeling pain in my throat and pain/pressure radiating into my right ear at rest and more when swallowing as of several days ago. My obvious concern is infection but I also don’t have any other symptoms of an infection (fever, drainage, etc). I’m wondering if what I’m feeling is referred glossopharyngeal nerve pain from my throat to my ear without an infection. But would that also cause the sensation of pressure in the ear?
I went to urgent care on Sunday and they didn’t find any obvious signs of infection. I was planning to see an ENT as soon as possible to have them take a closer look with a scope but know I’m less likely to get an appointment with a specialist in short order.
My question:
What is a reasonable amount of time for an esophageal abrasion from eating food to heal on its own? I’m on day 8.
Thank you.
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Sorry to hear that.
Unfortunately, I am still dealing with this nearly 3 months later. I have yet to have a clear cause despite seeing two ENTs. It’s possible it’s related to swallowing the hard food since the timing of this was immediately after. However, it could be due to LPR and my swallowing the hard food simply triggered this cycle I’m in since the area inflamed is a common symptom of LPR.
I’m planning to get another scope and treatment plan in place because I don’t want to mess with steroids given my medical history and the horrible side effects I keep reading about. The last thing I want to do is cause more problems while trying to solve another.
Hope you get relief soon.
Manuka Honey is healing and antibacterial. The higher the number on the jar the better. Take a teaspoon and let it melt in your mouth for a slow flow down your esophagus as often as you feel necessary.
Thanks for your reply. I’m willing to try just about anything at this point (except steroids as a last resort).
Be prepared to pay a higher price for the Manuka Honey. It's worth it though. I always have some available. It heals cuts and wounds beautifully. My dog sliced the large pad on her paw very deeply. The Vet said it is an area that they cannot stitch. She recommended Manuka Honey and wrap with gauze & tape. Each day we changed the bandage & saw the improvement. It healed with no trace of the injury.