Acute Esophageal Food Impaction: This is often the most common cause of sudden onset dysphagia, especially if the patient has a history of eating large or poorly chewed pieces of food. It can also be associated with esophageal strictures or rings.

Esophageal Spasm: This condition can cause sudden, severe chest pain and difficulty swallowing. It's more common in individuals with a history of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or other esophageal disorders.
Acute Coronary Syndrome: Although less common, cardiac issues like myocardial infarction can present with dysphagia, especially if there's an association with chest pain or other cardiac symptoms.
Pneumonia or Other Respiratory Infections: Infections in the respiratory tract can lead to inflammation that affects the esophagus, causing dysphagia.

Esophageal Perforation: A medical emergency that requires immediate attention. It can be caused by iatrogenic injury during endoscopy, severe vomiting, or external trauma.
Cancer (Esophageal or Oropharyngeal): Although less likely to present with sudden onset, any new dysphagia, especially in older adults or those with risk factors, warrants a thorough investigation for malignancy.
Stroke: Dysphagia can be a symptom of a stroke, particularly if there's associated neurological deficit. Prompt recognition is crucial for timely intervention.

Eosinophilic Esophagitis: An inflammatory condition of the esophagus that can cause dysphagia and food impaction, more common in patients with atopic diseases.
Scleroderma: A chronic autoimmune disease that can lead to esophageal dysmotility and strictures, causing dysphagia.
Infectious Esophagitis: Caused by fungi (e.g., candida), viruses (e.g., herpes, CMV), or bacteria, more common in immunocompromised patients.
Foreign Body Ingestion: While more common in children, adults can also ingest foreign bodies that cause sudden onset dysphagia.