Painful Swallowing - Odynophagia

What Is Painful Swallowing?

Painful swallowing, also called odynophagia, means it hurts when you swallow food, drinks, or even saliva. The pain can be mild or very strong, and it might make eating and drinking difficult. You may feel the pain in your throat or chest. Painful swallowing can be a sign of different health problems, some of which may need treatment from a doctor.

Why does it hurt when I swallow?

There are many possible causes for painful swallowing. Here are some of the most common ones:

1. Infections: Throat infections like pharyngitis (sore throat), tonsillitis, an abscess around the tonsil (quinsy) or strep throat can make swallowing painful. These are often caused by viruses or bacteria

2. Acid Reflux: Sometimes, stomach acid flows back into your food pipe (oesophagus), causing irritation and pain when you swallow. This is called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD). You might also notice heartburn, a sour taste, food coming back up, a sense like the skin of apple is stuck or a tickly cough.

3. Injury or Irritation: Swallowing something sharp, eating very hot or spicy foods, or drinking alcohol can hurt your throat or food pipe and make swallowing painful.

4. Tumours: Rarely, growths in the throat, voice box, or food pipe can cause painful swallowing. This is more likely if the pain gets worse over time, or if you also have ear pain, weight loss, trouble swallowing, or new lumps in your neck. People who smoke or drink a lot of alcohol are at higher risk.

5. Allergies and Irritants: Allergies or breathing in irritants (like smoke or pollution) can make your throat sore and swallowing uncomfortable. You might also have sneezing, itchy eyes, or a scratchy throat.

6. Dry Mouth: If your mouth doesn’t make enough saliva, swallowing can be hard and painful, especially with dry foods.