I sometimes feel difficulty in swallowing solid food. Is H. pylori infection the cause?

Question

Hi doctor,

For the past few months, I have a feeling of heaviness in my chest and throat for few minutes after eating food and it seems to be stuck in my throat. I have consulted a gastroenterologist and undergone an endoscopy. I was diagnosed with an H-pylori infection. I am taking Rabeprazole, Amoxicillin, Saccharomyces Boulardii, and Levofloxacin tablet for two weeks. Sometimes, I have difficulty while swallowing solid foods without having chest burning or acid coming in my mouth, stomach pain, and vomiting. Previously, I have never felt these symptoms. Are these symptoms due to H.pylori? I am in stress and anxiety. I am attaching my endoscopy report.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Your symptoms seem to be due to an oesophageal problem. H.pylori infection (Helicobacter pylori) infects the stomach and causes acid-related symptoms like acidity and pain. But it is confined to the stomach area and it does not affect the oesophageal area. So there is an unlikely chance to have H.pylori infection. The other possibilities are gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), esophageal motility disorders, and lastly functional heartburn. I suggest you replace Rabeprazole (proton pump inhibitor) with tablet Pantoprazole 40 mg (proton pump inhibitor) and take it half an hour before taking breakfast along with the treatment prescribed. I suggest you do a barium swallow test and share the report. Based on the findings of the test, I will guide you further.