Odynophagia - Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Odynophagia is a  medical condition when a person experiences pain while swallowing. This pain may be seen in the mouth, throat or food pipe when the person tries to swallow even saliva. Odynophagia can lead to weight loss, damage to the throat or other severe complications. It is hence best to consult an expert ENT specialist or throat surgeon immediately when a person experiences throat pain or swallowing difficulty.

Odynophagia vs. Dysphagia

Odynophagia and Dysphagia are both throat diseases but they are distinctly different. Odynophagia refers to painful swallowing while dysphagia refers to inability in swallowing.  Dysphagia may occur along with Odynophagia or both may occur separately. When they both occur together, the person is in sheer agony as he feels pain and is unable to swallow even water. Both these throat diseases are caused by infections and inflammations. But dysphagia is the  worst of the two as it may result in bacteria and irritation to the lungs, causing pneumonia. Dysphagia can also be caused by psychological factors like anxiety.

Causes of Odynophagia

Odynophagia or painful swallowing may be caused by

1. Common Infections - common cold, flu or strep throat
2. Throat inflammation due to tonsillitis, laryngitis, pharyngitis, oesophagitis etc.
3. Candida Infection-this yeast or fungal infection that occurs in your mouth may cause pain and swallowing difficulty.
4. GERD - Castro-esophageal reflux disease - This illness is due to the lower sphincter of the oesophagus not closing properly and allowing the stomach acid to leak back into the food pipe. This disease may cause Odynophagia along with chest pain or heartburn.
5. Ulcers - Ulcers formed in the mouth, throat or oesophagus may cause painful swallowing. This may be the result of untreated GERD or the prolonged use of anti-inflammatory drugs like Ibuprofen.
6. AIDS - HIV-affected patients often suffer from Odynophagia. Candida infection is one cause. The use of antiretroviral medications to cure HIV may cause acid reflux and bring in swallowing difficulty.
7. Cancer - Oesophageal cancer may be another cause for Odynophagia leading to tumours in  the throat. This cancer is caused by persistent smoking, tobacco use or alcoholism or even hereditary factors.
8. Radiation therapy - Person undergoing radiation therapy for HIV or cancer treatment are more prone to Odynophagia.
9. Weak immune systems - Persons with weak immunity who often catch colds and throat infections have swallowing difficulty.
10. Foods - Even eating very spicy foods, drinking very hot or very cold drinks continuously or eating food with sharp edges may damage the mucosal lining of the throat. This causes Odynophagia.

Symptoms of Odynophagia

• Dull or sharp stabbing pain in the mouth, throat or food pipe while swallowing
• Even liquids cause throat pain but dry solids make it worse.
• Weight loss due to reduced intake of food.
• Dehydration due to reduced intake of food
• Other symptoms like fever, fatigue, body ache etc.

Diagnosis of Odynophagia

Odynophagia is diagnosed by endoscopy. A small lighted camera or endoscope is placed inside the patient's throat by the doctor to take a look at your oesophagus. Tests are also taken by asking the patient to swallow.

Odynophagia Treatment

1. Medication

Odynophagia can be treated by using medication for

• Throat pain, tonsillitis, laryngitis, pharyngitis, oesophagitis
• GERD to prevent acid reflux from entering the throat
• Candida infection to rid the fungus
• HIV or cancer medication.

2. Surgery

If the patient has tumours in his throat, it may be a sign of oesophageal cancer. The throat surgeon may advise surgery after proper diagnosis and screening.

3. Rest

Sometimes painful swallowing resolves on its own if adequate rest is given to the throat.