Odynophagia is pain when swallowing. The pain may be felt in the mouth or throat and can occur with or without
difficulty swallowing
Dysphagia is difficulty in swallowing. Although classified under "symptoms and signs" in ICD-10, in some contexts it is classified as a condition in its own right.
It may be a sensation that suggests difficulty in the passage of solids or liqui ...
.
The pain may be described as an ache, burning sensation, or occasionally a stabbing pain that radiates to the back.
Odynophagia often results in inadvertent weight loss. The term is from ''-'' 'pain' and ' 'to eat'.
Causes
Odynophagia may have environmental or behavioral causes, such as:
* Very hot or cold food and drinks (termed cryodynophagia when associated with cold drinks, classically in the setting of cryoglobulinaemia).
* Taking certain medications
* Using drugs, tobacco, or alcohol
* Trauma or injury to the mouth, throat, or tongue
It can also be caused by certain medical conditions, such as:
*
Ulcer
An ulcer is a discontinuity or break in a bodily membrane that impedes normal function of the affected organ. According to Robbins's pathology, "ulcer is the breach of the continuity of skin, epithelium or mucous membrane caused by sloughing o ...
s
*
Abscesses
*
Upper respiratory tract infection
An upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) is an illness caused by an acute infection, which involves the upper respiratory tract, including the nose, sinuses, pharynx, larynx or trachea. This commonly includes nasal obstruction, sore thro ...
s
* Inflammation or infection of the mouth, tongue, or throat (
esophagitis
Esophagitis, also spelled oesophagitis, is a disease characterized by inflammation of the esophagus. The esophagus is a tube composed of a mucosal lining, and longitudinal and circular smooth muscle fibers. It connects the pharynx to the stomach; ...
,
pharyngitis
Pharyngitis is inflammation of the back of the throat, known as the pharynx. It typically results in a sore throat and fever. Other symptoms may include a runny nose, cough, headache, difficulty swallowing, swollen lymph nodes, and a hoa ...
,
tonsillitis
Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils in the upper part of the throat. It can be acute or chronic. Acute tonsillitis typically has a rapid onset. Symptoms may include sore throat, fever, enlargement of the tonsils, trouble swallowing, a ...
,
epiglottitis
Epiglottitis is the inflammation of the epiglottis—the flap at the base of the tongue that prevents food entering the trachea (windpipe). Symptoms are usually rapid in onset and include trouble swallowing which can result in drooling, changes ...
)
*
Immune disorders
*
Oral
The word oral may refer to:
Relating to the mouth
* Relating to the mouth, the first portion of the alimentary canal that primarily receives food and liquid
** Oral administration of medicines
** Oral examination (also known as an oral exam or or ...
or
throat cancer
See also
*
Phagophobia
References
External links
Symptoms and signs: Digestive system and abdomen
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