Crohn's disease in the oesophagus

The oesophagus is the tube carrying food from the throat to the stomach. Inflammation there may cause painful swallowing, a feeling that food sticks, chest discomfort after swallowing, or difficulty managing solid foods and fluids. Reflux, infection, narrowing, and other conditions can cause similar symptoms, so they should not be self-diagnosed as Crohn's disease.

Crohn's disease more often affects other parts of the digestive tract. Oesophageal symptoms in a person with Crohn's disease therefore deserve a focused review, particularly if they are new, worsening, or accompanied by weight loss or poor fluid intake.

Contact your GP or gastroenterology team about persistent swallowing pain, food sticking, or new chest discomfort linked to eating. A GP Consultation can review your medicines, reflux symptoms, mouth or throat symptoms, and Crohn's disease history. A Blood Test may help assess inflammation or anaemia, while other tests may be needed to examine the oesophagus.

Take small bites, chew thoroughly, and choose softer foods if swallowing is uncomfortable until you receive advice. Do not force food past a sticking sensation, and do not change prescribed treatment without speaking with your clinician.

Seek emergency care if food is completely stuck, you cannot swallow saliva or fluids, breathing is affected, you vomit blood, or you develop sudden severe chest pain. Urgent review is also needed for repeated vomiting or signs of dehydration. These symptoms can have causes other than Crohn's disease but should be assessed quickly.

Ask whether your swallowing symptoms could come from Crohn's disease, reflux, narrowing, or medicine effects; which examination is suitable; and what foods or symptoms should prompt urgent review.