Dysphagia refers to which condition?

• A. Heartburn
• B. Difficulty in swallowing
• C. Bad breath
• D. Inflammation of the gums

Answer: (B)

Dysphagia is the medical term for having difficulty swallowing. It means trouble moving food or liquids from the mouth down into the stomach, and it can show up as a sensation of something sticking, coughing during meals, or a choking feeling. This symptom can come from various causes, such as narrowing or blockage in the esophagus or problems with the muscles and nerves that help swallow. It’s different from heartburn, which is a burning sensation behind the breastbone from acid reflux; from bad breath, which is an odor originating in the mouth; and from inflammation of the gums, which affects the gums themselves.