Odynophagia

"Odynophagia usually occurs during the transit of the bolus and disappears once the swallowed material has left the esophagus. It can be of such intensity that the patient refuses to swallow any solids or liquids and expectorates saliva. On the other hand, odynophagia may be mild in intensity, so that the patient is merely aware of the location of the swallowed bolus. Odynophagia can be due to involvement of the mucosa by reflux, radiation, viral or fungal infection, or can be a manifestation of carcinoma, Schatzki ring and webs, or of a localized ulcer caused by a lodged tablet."

"It is important to distinguish dysphagia, which is the abnormal transit of solids and/or liquids, from odynophagia, which is pain during swallowing. As with dysphagia, odynophagia can be due to pain anywhere from the oropharynx to the esophagus. Odynophagia can also present alongside dysphagia, as the causes of dysphagia can also cause pain during swallowing."

"Tuberculosis of the epiglottis is universally recognized to be the most fatal as well as the most painful laryngeal localizaton of the disease, the odynophagia itself being responsible, in great degree, for the high mortality."