What is the term for difficulty swallowing?

The term for difficulty swallowing is dysphagia. This condition can manifest as discomfort or a sensation of food getting stuck in the throat or chest. Dysphagia can result from various underlying issues, such as neurological disorders, structural abnormalities in the esophagus, or muscular problems. Understanding this term is essential for recognizing and diagnosing swallowing disorders in clinical practice.

Achalasia refers specifically to a condition where the lower esophageal sphincter does not relax properly, leading to difficulties in swallowing, but it is a specific type of dysphagia rather than the general term. Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines, often causing symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea but not specifically related to swallowing difficulties. Esophagitis is the inflammation of the esophagus, which may also lead to swallowing problems but is not the term used to describe the general symptom of difficulty swallowing itself.