Odynophagia Causes Courses

Odynophagia causes are generally related to the physical act of swallowing or the organs and muscles involved in the process. It is a condition that is commonly caused by infection or inflammation of the oropharynx, the area of the throat just behind the mouth. This type of underlying condition is typically associated with a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and may also be linked to other more serious medical conditions. Other possible causes of odynophagia include: • Acid reflux: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can sometimes cause painful swallowing. It happens because the muscle at the bottom of the esophagus, the tube that connects your mouth to the stomach, becomes weakened, allowing the stomach acid to flow back up into the throat. • Esophageal or throat cancer: Cancer of the throat or esophagus can cause irritations that make it painful to swallow. • Muscle/nerve disorders: Problems with the muscles or nerves of the throat can make it difficult to swallow. Disorders such as muscular dystrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and myasthenia gravis are all potential causes. • Anatomical abnormalities: Abnormalities of the throat or esophagus may cause difficulty swallowing, such as Zenker’s diverticulum, strictures, and webs/rings. • Trauma: Injury to the throat or esophagus can make it painful to swallow. This may include traumatic injuries caused by surgery, endoscopy, or a bad fall onto the neck. As with all medical conditions, it is important to have odynophagia evaluated by a doctor. The underlying cause must be identified and treated in order to provide relief. Treatment may involve medications, lifestyle modifications, or, in more serious cases, surgery.