ROSH Gastrointestinal Practice Exam

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What term refers to difficulty swallowing?

Odynophagia
Dysphagia
Aphasia
Dyspnea

The correct answer is: Dysphagia

The correct term for difficulty swallowing is dysphagia. This term is derived from the Greek words "dys," meaning difficulty, and "phagia," meaning eating or swallowing. Dysphagia can manifest in various forms, such as a sensation of food sticking in the throat or chest, pain associated with swallowing, or a complete inability to swallow. It can result from various conditions, including neurological disorders, esophageal obstructions, or inflammatory processes affecting the swallowing mechanism. In contrast, odynophagia specifically refers to painful swallowing, which is a different concept. Aphasia is associated with language and communication difficulties, often due to neurological issues affecting the brain rather than the swallowing mechanism. Dyspnea relates to difficulty in breathing, which is unrelated to swallowing. Understanding these definitions helps differentiate between similar-sounding medical terms and clarifies the specific context in which dysphagia is used.