Oropharyngeal pain of esophageal origin

Abstract

Several esophageal disorders are potential causes of chest pain, the most frequent being gastro-esophageal reflux disease. Heartburn and angina-like pain called noncardiac chest pain are commonly observed in patients with reflux disease and can spread to the pharynx and orofacial region. Through its direct effects on dental structures and oropharyngeal mucosa, gastro-esophageal reflux disease may also contribute to the emergence of dentin hypersensitivity, oral burning sensation, chronic sore throat and odynophagia. This article is a review of recent literature on this topic and focuses on the neurophysiological and pathogenic mechanisms involved in these symptoms.