Odynophagia means painful swallowing. It occurs when swallowing liquids, soft foods, or solids causes sharp, burning, or tight pain in the throat or chest. The discomfort may start suddenly or build up over time and can range from mild to severe.
People with odynophagia often notice:
Odynophagia can stem from a variety of mild to serious issues:
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Odynophagia is the medical term for pain or discomfort when swallowing. It can feel sharp, burning, or tight in the throat or chest and may occur with liquids, soft foods, or solids.
Common symptoms include pain or discomfort with each swallow, a burning sensation in the throat or chest, worsening pain with solid foods, a dry sore throat, and an irritating cough.
Acute cases often stem from infections such as strep throat or the flu, esophageal spasms, or throat irritation caused by certain medications.
Severe odynophagia may be due to esophageal ulcers, advanced gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or tissue damage following radiation therapy.
Unilateral pain can result from a local injury or lodged object, as well as infections of the tonsils or salivary glands on one side of the throat.
Yes. Upper respiratory infections like a cold or flu can inflame the throat and make swallowing liquids and solids painful, especially during flare-ups.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include antacids or acid blockers, antibiotics or antivirals, pain relievers or throat gels, dietary modifications, endoscopy, or esophageal dilation.
Diagnosis typically involves a physical exam, review of medical history, endoscopy to visualize the esophagus, and lab tests to identify infections or other contributing factors.
You should seek medical attention if pain lasts more than a few days, worsens over time, or interferes with your ability to eat and drink.
A gastroenterologist can determine the cause of your symptoms, prescribe appropriate medications, perform diagnostic procedures like endoscopy, and recommend therapies to relieve pain and prevent complications.
