Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) Practice Exam

What condition is characterized by chest pain after consuming cold drinks?

1. Gastroesophageal reflux disease

2. Esophageal spasm

3. Angina pectoris

4. Myocardial infarction

The correct answer is: Esophageal spasm

The condition characterized by chest pain after consuming cold drinks is esophageal spasm. This disorder involves abnormal contractions of the esophagus, leading to episodes of chest pain that can be triggered by certain stimuli, including the temperature of food or beverages. Consuming cold drinks can irritate the esophagus and provoke these spasms, resulting in a sensation of tightness or pain in the chest area, which can be similar to cardiac pain but is distinctly related to esophageal activity. Other conditions mentioned, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, typically involve pain related to acid reflux, and while they can cause chest discomfort, they are not specifically associated with the temperature of ingested substances. Angina pectoris and myocardial infarction relate to heart-related issues, primarily due to blood flow and oxygen delivery problems, rather than responses to cold stimuli. Hence, the specificity of chest pain following cold drinks aligns well with esophageal spasm as the correct answer.