1.9K Reviews | 4.7 Star Rating | 20+ years of experience | 72k+ Patients Treated
Top Odynophagia Gastroenterologist
Odynophagia or painful swallowing, causes breathless pain to either burning or stabbing to the throat. Dr. Scott, GastroDoxs, Houston, uses dietary changes and sophisticated treatments to relieve the underlying cause such as acid reflux, infection or esophageal problems, by diagnosing and treating the underlying cause before it worsens.
Dr. Scott Liu, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist with over six years of experience and a background in military medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, completed his Internal Medicine residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and finished his Gastroenterology fellowship through the National Capital Consortium. Dr. Liu provides comprehensive care for a broad range of digestive conditions, including abdominal pain, acid reflux, liver disease, chronic diarrhea, and colon cancer screening. He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology and is known for his disciplined, patient-focused approach and clear communication.
What Is Odynophagia?
Medical term of Swallowing pain is Odynophagia. It may be like burning, stabbing, or pressure of the throat or chest. Odynophagia, in contrast to the failure to move food (dysphagia), is pain generated by actually swallowing.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (acid reflux)
Esophageal infections (yeast, viral)
Esophageal ulcers or erosions
Certain medications (NSAIDs, doxycycline, bisphosphonates)
Radiation therapy to the throat or chest
Throat or esophageal cancer
Chronic smoking and heavy alcohol use
Dry mouth or low saliva production
Signs and Symptoms
Pain or burning when swallowing foods or liquids
Sharp, stabbing chest or throat discomfort during meals
Burning sensation in the throat after eating or drinking
Unintentional weight loss due to eating avoidance
Persistent heartburn or sour taste in the mouth
Feeling of tightness or pressure in the throat
How Dr. Scott Diagnoses This Condition?
Dr. Scott uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Exam
He examines your symptoms, medical history, and risk factors, including acid reflux, medication, smoking, and alcohol and conducts a detailed throat and neck examination.
Endoscopy
Using a flexible endoscope, Dr. Scott will look inside your esophagus and throat to determine the presence of inflammation, ulcers, strictures or other conditions.
pH Monitoring
Ambulatory 24-hour pH monitoring is used to estimate acid exposure of esophagus to ascertain reflux as a cause of odynophagia.
Biopsy (if needed)
It can be sampled small pieces of tissue during endoscopy to diagnose infection (fungal or viral), eosinophilic esophagitis or to exclude other more serious causes of the disease such as malignancy.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for odynophagia.
1. Dietary Modifications and Lifestyle.
Consume fewer and smaller foods that cause irritation of the throat.
Avoid spicy, acidic, hot and rough textured food.
Keep straight a minimum of 30 minutes following a meal.
Stop smoking and restrict alcohol to cure acid reflux.
Dr. Scott Liu, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist with over six years of experience and a background in military medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, completed his Internal Medicine residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and finished his Gastroenterology fellowship through the National Capital Consortium. Dr. Liu provides comprehensive care for a broad range of digestive conditions, including abdominal pain, acid reflux, liver disease, chronic diarrhea, and colon cancer screening. He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology and is known for his disciplined, patient-focused approach and clear communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between dysphagia and odynophagia?
Dysphagia is trouble in swallowing. Odynophagia is the pain during swallowing.
The duration of odynophagia?
There are incidences where the cases improve after a few days. Other patients might spend weeks in discharge.
Can odynophagia be cured?
Yes. The pain is generally relieved by treating the underlying cause-e.g. by reflex or infection.
Reported pain during swallowing?
Yes. The acid of the stomach can affect the throat causing odynophagia.
When should I see a doctor?
Consult a specialist in case of more than 1 week of pain, or in case of weight loss or finding of blood in your spit or stool.
Is endoscopy always needed?
Not necessarily, however, Dr. Scott can prescribe it to have a better view of the esophagus and exclusion in the face of serious causes.
Is odynophagia serious?
Sometimes. It may be caused by infections, ulcers, and in some rare instances cancer. Its best treatment is during the early stages.
Related Blogs
The Difference Between a Bellyache and Abdominal Pain
