Odynophagia overview

Odynophagia Microchapters
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Overview
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Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Odynophagia from other Conditions
Epidemiology and Demographics
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Diagnosis
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
Electrocardiogram
Chest X Ray
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Echocardiography or Ultrasound
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

Odynophagia is defined as painful swallowing.

Differentiating Odynophagia from other Conditions

Odynophagia should be differentiated from dysphagia (difficulty in swallowing).

Diagnosis

Electrocardiogram

An electrocardiogram can be used to assess for left atrial enlargement.

Chest X Ray

A chest X ray can used to rule out lung cancer and other mass lesions as well as left atrial enlargement.

MRI

An MRI of the brain can be used to exclude CVA and mass lesions of the head and neck.

Echocardiography or Ultrasound

Echocardiography can be used to rule out an aneurysm or left atrial enlargement as a cause.

Treatment

Surgery

Thoracic surgery and possible balloon dilation (chronic mechanical obstruction) may be helpful.