![](/img/logo/vendor/harvard-health-logo-long.png)
Symptom Checker
Step 4: Read and complete the decision guide to learn more about your symptoms.
Swallowing Difficulty
The symptoms you just reviewed can be caused by acid reflux (also called gastroesophageal reflux, or GERD). Pain with swallowing or a persistent sore throat can also be symptoms of acid reflux. You may want to try using an over-the-counter anti-acid medication such as famotidine (Pepcid), ranitidine (Zantac), or omeprazole (Prilosec) to see if your symptoms decrease.
Pain with swallowing can also come from a serious problem such as a bacterial infection (including strep throat), a yeast infection of the throat or, rarely, a cancer.
If your symptoms persist more than one week, call your doctor's office for advice.
If you have a fever, if you have lost weight, or if you have a weak immune system (from HIV or another reason), call your doctor's office -- don't wait. Call now for advice and to arrange an appointment.
Feedback
How can we improve the Drugs.com Symptom Checker?
Disclaimer: This content should not be considered complete and should not be used in place of a call or visit to a health professional. Use of this content is subject to specific terms of use & medical disclaimers.