What is difficulty in swallowing called?

Appeared in: Bihar CHO - 2021

Explanation

Dysphagia is the specific medical term for difficulty in swallowing.
It describes a problem with the transit of food or liquid from the mouth, through the pharynx, and down the esophagus.
This symptom can arise from neurological disorders (like a stroke), muscular diseases, or a physical obstruction (like a tumor or stricture).
It is distinct from odynophagia, which is painful swallowing, although the two can occur together.

Option A: Nausea is the sensation of an urge to vomit. It is a feeling of sickness in the stomach, not a mechanical difficulty with the act of swallowing.
Option C: Pyrosis is the medical term for heartburn. It is a burning sensation in the chest or upper abdomen caused by stomach acid refluxing into the esophagus.
Option D: Malaise is a general, non-specific feeling of discomfort, illness, or uneasiness. It is a systemic symptom, not a specific problem related to swallowing.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Medical Terminology for Gastrointestinal Symptoms as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Assessing for dysphagia is critical as it places patients at a high risk for aspiration pneumonia, malnutrition, and dehydration.
Nurses must implement safety precautions for patients with dysphagia, such as modifying diet consistency, ensuring proper positioning during meals, and having suction equipment ready.
What if? If a patient reports pain while swallowing (odynophagia) in addition to difficulty (dysphagia), the nurse should suspect an underlying inflammatory or ulcerative condition like esophagitis or an infection, and report it promptly.

How to Approach the Question

This is a direct recall question testing knowledge of medical terminology.
First, identify the key phrase in the question: 'difficulty in swallowing'.
Next, access your memory for the specific medical term that defines this condition.
Evaluate each option: 'Nausea' is feeling sick, 'Pyrosis' is heartburn, and 'Malaise' is general discomfort.
Recognize that 'Dysphagia' directly translates to difficulty eating/swallowing ('dys-' meaning difficulty, '-phagia' meaning eating/swallowing), making it the correct choice.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Qi5t9C70oNQPsSzffxgRJ7

E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 2 p. 2-4

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 1 p. 334-336

E6 Medicine Macleod Clinical Examination 15e p. 117-119

Practise the full Bihar CHO - 2021

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.