In odynophagia, food, liquids, and saliva hurt when swallowed, also known as painful swallowing. It can affect the throat, chest, or abdomen, and may be accompanied by other symptoms like coughing, hoarseness, fever, or weight loss. There are a variety of causes of painful swallowing, ranging from mild to severe, and medical attention may be necessary.
The following are some of the most common causes of painful swallowing:
Viral, bacterial, and fungal infections can cause inflammation and irritation of the throat, tonsils, or esophagus, causing pain when swallowing. Examples include strep throat, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis, mononucleosis, herpes, candidiasis, and HIV.
Food allergies, hay fever, and oral allergy syndrome are examples of allergic reactions to food, pollen, dust, or other substances that can irritate the throat, mouth, or tongue.
Gastric reflux disease (GERD) occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation and causing damage to the esophagus. Aside from pain and difficulty swallowing, heartburn, chest pain, and regurgitation can also occur as a result.
The muscular tube connecting the mouth to the stomach, the esophagus, can be affected by certain disorders. Pain and difficulty swallowing can occur as a result of these disorders, including narrowing, obstruction, spasms, or inflammation of the esophagus. Cancer, stricture, diverticulum, web, achalasia, and scleroderma of the esophagus are examples.
Dental caries, tooth abscesses, gum disease, temporomandibular joint disorder, and oral cancer are some of the oral problems that can cause swallowing pain.
Other possible causes of painful swallowing include trauma, foreign bodies, medication side effects, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, smoking, alcohol abuse, and dry mouth.
It is common for painful swallowing to be accompanied by a variety of symptoms. Some of these symptoms include:
Throat infection
Inflammation of the throat or mouth, such as redness, swelling, or pus
Breathing or swallowing difficulties
Choking or coughing
Changes in voice or hoarseness
Chills or fever
Earache or headache
Vomiting or nausea
Pain in the chest or heartburn
A sour taste in the mouth or regurgitation
Loss of appetite or weight loss
Neck or jaw lymph nodes that are swollen
The doctor will ask about the patient's medical history, symptoms, and possible triggers. They will also perform a physical examination of the throat, mouth, and neck, and may order some tests, such as:
Culture of the throat: A swab is taken from the back of the throat and tested for bacteria, viruses, or fungi.
Tests of blood: Blood samples are taken and analyzed for signs of infection, inflammation, or other conditions.
Skin or blood tests are used to identify allergens that may cause allergic reactions.
An X-ray is taken after swallowing a liquid containing barium, a contrast agent, to examine the structure and function of the esophagus and stomach.
In an endoscopy, a thin, flexible tube is inserted through the mouth and into the esophagus and stomach. It allows the doctor to see any abnormalities or damage in the esophagus and stomach.
A biopsy involves taking a small sample of tissue from the throat, mouth, or esophagus and examining it under a microscope for signs of cancer.
There are several treatments for painful swallowing, depending on the cause and severity of the condition.
Various medications can be prescribed to treat the underlying cause of painful swallowing, including antibiotics for bacterial infections, antivirals for viral infections, antifungals for fungal infections, antihistamines for allergies, proton pump inhibitors for acid reflux, or pain relievers for inflammation and discomfort.
Lifestyle changes: Some lifestyle changes can help prevent or reduce painful swallowing, including avoiding spicy, acidic, or hard foods, drinking plenty of fluids, chewing slowly and thoroughly, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, elevating the head of your bed, and taking good care of your mouth.
A surgical procedure may be necessary to correct or remove the cause of painful swallowing, such as removing a foreign body, repairing a structural defect, dilating a narrowed esophagus, or removing a tumor or diverticulum.
Gargling with salt water, sucking on ice chips or lozenges, using a humidifier or vaporizer, or undergoing speech therapy or swallowing therapy may also help with painful swallowing.
Painful swallowing can be prevented or reduced by:
To avoid infection, practice good hygiene and wash your hands frequently
Vaccinating against diseases that can cause throat infections, such as influenza, measles, or chickenpox
Colds and throat infections should be avoided
Preventing allergic reactions by avoiding allergens
Maintaining a healthy diet and avoiding foods that irritate the throat or cause acid reflux
Esophageal spasms can be caused by stress and anxiety
If symptoms of painful swallowing persist or worsen, seek medical attention as soon as possible
