Acute Esophageal Food Impaction: This is often the most common cause of sudden difficulty in swallowing, especially if the patient has a history of eating certain types of food like meat. It occurs when food gets stuck in the esophagus, causing an obstruction.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Although more commonly associated with chronic symptoms, an acute exacerbation of GERD can cause sudden difficulty in swallowing due to esophageal inflammation and spasm.
Esophagitis: Inflammation of the esophagus, which can be caused by infection, acid reflux, or other irritants, leading to pain and difficulty swallowing.
Stroke: While not exclusively an esophageal issue, a stroke can affect the brain's ability to coordinate swallowing, leading to sudden difficulty.

Esophageal Perforation: A medical emergency where the esophagus ruptures, which can be caused by severe vomiting, instrumentations, or other traumas. It presents with severe chest pain and difficulty swallowing.
Cancer of the Esophagus: Although less common, esophageal cancer can cause sudden difficulty in swallowing, especially if the tumor obstructs the esophagus.
Pulmonary Embolism: While primarily a respiratory issue, a large pulmonary embolism can cause sudden difficulty swallowing due to pressure effects on the esophagus.

Eosinophilic Esophagitis: A chronic inflammatory condition of the esophagus that can cause difficulty swallowing, more common in patients with a history of allergies or asthma.
Achalasia: A rare disorder of the esophagus that makes swallowing difficult, caused by degeneration of the myenteric plexus, leading to failure of the lower esophageal sphincter to relax.
Dystonic Disorders: Certain neurological conditions that can affect the muscles used for swallowing, leading to difficulty.