Odynophagia

What is Odynophagia?

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.

Common Symptoms

People with odynophagia often experience:

• Sharp or burning pain in the throat or chest when swallowing
• Sudden pain during eating or drinking
• Discomfort with both solid foods and liquids
• Avoidance of food due to pain
• Mild hoarseness or throat irritation

Causes

Several factors can lead to painful swallowing:

• Acid reflux or GERD
• Infections such as strep throat or esophagitis
• Sores or small tears in the esophagus
• Allergic reactions or irritation from medications
• Muscle or nerve conditions affecting the throat

Treatment Options for Odynophagia in Jersey Village

Treatment includes diagnostic testing, medication, and lifestyle measures:

• Endoscopy and Biopsy: Visualize the esophagus and take tissue samples to identify inflammation, tears, infections or other causes.
• Barium Swallow Study: X-ray examination of your swallowing process to spot strictures, motility disorders, or anatomical issues.
• Esophageal Manometry: Measures the strength and coordination of esophageal muscle contractions to diagnose motility problems.
• Acid Reducers: Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) or H2 blockers to control gastroesophageal reflux and reduce esophageal irritation.
• Pain Management: Over-the-counter or prescription analgesics to ease discomfort during swallowing.
• Antibiotics or Antivirals: Target bacterial or viral infections (like strep or herpes) when identified as the cause.
• Dietary Adjustments: Soft, non-spicy, low-acid foods and small, frequent meals to minimize throat irritation.
• Swallowing Therapy: Exercises and techniques led by a speech-language pathologist to improve safe and pain-free swallowing.
• Lifestyle Modifications: Elevating the head of the bed, avoiding late-night meals, quitting smoking, and stress management to reduce reflux episodes.
• Follow-Up Monitoring: Regular appointments and repeat testing to ensure healing, adjust therapy, and prevent recurrence.