Odynophagia
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.
- Taking certain medications
- Using drugs, tobacco, or alcohol
- Trauma or injury to the mouth, throat, or tongue
- Ulcers
- Abscesses
- Upper respiratory tract infections
- Inflammation or infection of the mouth, tongue, or throat
- Oral or throat cancer