Painful swallowing
Definition
Swallowing pain refers to a strong feeling of uncomfortable squeezing and burning while swallowing, which may be felt high in the neck or lower down behind the breastbone. Such pain may be a symptom of a serious disorder.
See also: Swallowing difficulty
Alternative Names
Swallowing - pain or burning; Odynophagia; Burning feeling when swallowingConsiderations
Swallowing is a complex act that involves the mouth, throat area, and esophagus (the tube that transports food to the stomach).
Problems at any point, from the mouth to the esophagus, can result in burning or intense pain with swallowing.
This may be accompanied by chest pain, the feeling that food is stuck in the throat, or heaviness or pressure in the neck or upper chest.
Causes
- Infection
- Cytomegalovirus
- Gum disease
- Herpes simplex
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
- Pharyngitis
- Thrush (a fungal infection caused by candida)
- Tooth infection or abscess
- Mouth or throat ulcers
- Inflammation of the esophagus
- Something stuck in the throat (for example, fish or chicken bones)
- Problems with the esophagus (listed below) may cause difficulty swallowing:
- Achalasia
- Esophageal spasms
- Nutcracker esophagus
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