Odynophagia is the medical term for pain when swallowing food or drinks. It differs from dysphagia, which refers to difficulty swallowing. If you feel a sharp or burning sensation in your throat or chest each time you eat or drink, you may have odynophagia. Early evaluation at GastroDoxs in Jersey Village can help identify the cause and guide effective treatment.
People with odynophagia often experience:
Several factors can lead to painful swallowing:
At GastroDoxs in Cypress, our patient-centered approach ensures you receive expert diagnostics-like endoscopy and barium swallow studies-along with tailored treatments for odynophagia. Our compassionate team guides you through each step, from accurate diagnosis to effective symptom relief. Book your appointment today to take the first step toward comfortable, pain-free swallowing.
We've successfully treated more than 1.5K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.
With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients
Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
Infections, acid reflux, inflammation, or a narrowed esophagus are common causes of odynophagia.
Odynophagia is pain when swallowing. Dysphagia refers to difficulty swallowing or food getting stuck in the throat or esophagus.
See a doctor if your swallowing pain lasts more than a few days or if you experience weight loss, fever, or significant trouble eating or drinking.
Yes. Stomach acid that flows back into the esophagus can inflame its lining, leading to ulcers or pain when you swallow.
Diagnosis often involves endoscopy to view and biopsy the esophagus, barium swallow X-rays to assess motility and narrowing, and lab tests for infection or inflammation.
ICD-10 code R13.12 is used for odynophagia. For chronic or more complex cases, code K22.8 may be applied.
Odynophagia can be serious if left untreated, as it may signal underlying infections, severe reflux, or structural issues requiring prompt care.
Yes. Eosinophilic esophagitis is an allergic condition in which immune cells build up in the esophagus, causing pain and difficulty swallowing.
Treatment response varies by cause. Some patients feel relief within days on medication, while others may need weeks of therapy and dietary adjustments.
Surgery is uncommon. Most cases improve with medications (acid blockers, antifungals, steroids), dietary changes, or gentle dilation procedures if there's esophageal narrowing.
