Pharyngeal hypoesthesia or anesthesia often occurs alongside sensory or motor dysfunction of the larynx. Cases where it appears in isolation are usually caused by infections or functional disorders.
Clinical Manifestations
A loss of sensation in the oropharyngeal region typically presents without obvious symptoms. In cases of complete sensory loss, patients may accidentally bite their tongue or the buccal mucosa without perceiving pain, often resulting in mucosal erosion. When the hypopharynx or larynx is involved, food or liquids may frequently be aspirated during swallowing, leading to choking and subsequently causing aspiration tracheitis, bronchitis, or pneumonia.
Diagnosis
During examination of the pharynx, tactile stimulation of the palatal arch or posterior pharyngeal wall with a tongue depressor shows significantly diminished or absent pharyngeal reflexes. If the larynx is involved, reflex laryngeal spasms disappear during palpation. Diagnosis can generally be established based on symptoms and physical examination, although determining the underlying cause often requires collaboration with neurologists.
Treatment
Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause. For cases resulting from functional disorders, options include calcium supplementation, vitamin-based therapies, pharyngeal physiotherapy, acupuncture combined with suggestion therapy, and other supportive measures.