What Is The Difference Between Odynophagia And Dysphagia

Even if odynophagia and dysphagia are terms that can easily be confused, they denote two different problems.

The terms odynophagia and dysphagia refer to a number of problems related to the digestion of food. Today we explain the differences to you, as these terms are often confused. However, if you take a closer look at what they mean, it becomes clear how different odynophagia and dysphagia actually are, even if there is a connection.

Odynophagia and dysphagia

What is odynophagia?

First of all, we would like to bring you closer to the term odynophagy. According to the study Enfermedad por reflujo gastroesofágico , this is pain that occurs when swallowing (with solid food, liquids or saliva). The characteristics include:

• Mild pain : Although the pain can sometimes be more severe, it is usually relatively mild.
• Chronic Course : In some cases, the pain on swallowing becomes chronic, which may indicate a worse condition that needs treatment.
• Synchronous convulsions : The muscles in the area contract, causing pain.

causes

Odynophagia usually occurs as a consequence of diseases such as sore throat, tonsillitis and other infectious diseases that affect the throat area. However, once the cause of odynophagia is eliminated, it subsides.

In some cases, however, the pain when swallowing becomes chronic and so it may indicate a bigger problem, such as an ulcer.

Instead of panicking and worrying if you notice any of the symptoms mentioned, it is better to see a doctor to clarify any doubts. So the problem can be properly treated and resolved.

What is dysphagia?

With dysphagia, there is no pain, but other complaints when swallowing solid food and liquids. The food gets stuck and cannot be transported properly to the stomach. Affected people sometimes have problems chewing the food and swallowing the pulp.

Some symptoms occur in both odynophagia and dysphagia:

• Pain when swallowing (odynophagia) : This is why the food and liquids cannot get into the stomach the normal way.

• Lump in the throat : This is actually a symptom of anxiety. The muscles in the neck feel stiff and paralyzed, which creates a feeling of tightness in the neck.
• Scratchy voice : This is because the muscles in this area contract.
• Belching : The difficulty swallowing causes the food to get back into the mouth because it cannot pass through the throat.
• Choking : Triggered by the difficulty swallowing and the belching that causes the dysphagia.

Usachen

The causes of dysphagia include acalasia (a rare disease of the esophagus), esophagitis, which can be caused by a food allergy, or a tumor in this area. In the event of complaints, the doctor first determines whether the dysphagia is being triggered by a foreign body.

Prevent odynophagia and dysphagia

As a precaution  , food should  be chewed well and not swallowed large bites. A healthy lifestyle is also important to avoid pharyngitis (sore throat) and other infectious diseases that can cause these diseases.

Last but not least , we shouldn’t forget how important it is to have regular medical checkups. The early detection of an ulcer, heartburn, or cancer can prevent odynophagia and dysphagia from dragging on unnecessarily.