Odynophagia is pain when swallowing. The pain may be felt in the mouth or throat and can occur with or without
difficulty swallowing.
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 sloughin ...
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 throat ...
s
* Inflammation or infection of the mouth, tongue, or throat (
esophagitis,
pharyngitis,
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, and en ...
,
epiglottitis)
*
Oral or
throat cancer
See also
*
Phagophobia
References
External links
Symptoms and signs: Digestive system and abdomen
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