Fear of Choking

OneForTheTeam

Hi guys, i have a fear of choking while eating which was become alot worse over the last few weeks. Im not sure how I got this fear, but i do have a phobia of been trapped in a small space so guess its link with losing control.

I was ok eating at home and never really had a issue unless i was away from home out eat on hols etc where i would try my best to only get food that was easy to eat I wouldnt get steak etc. During this times i had a hesitation swallowing and would panic as I couldnt swallow but i always did after a few sec. That seem to pass and I havnt had it in a good few months now. But during this last few months eating Iv been clearing my throat while eating due to feeling something been stuck. Then over a month ago after eating i got a feeling something was stuck in my thoat all the time which really freaked me out. Iv been to the doc 3 times now and he doesnt think anything is there and has put me on acid reflux meds now for the last 2 weeks but it doesnt seem to be fixing it. He has referred me to a ENT doc but that could take 2 years before I get called so im cracking up now. Im going to see a cbt counselor in the hope of the only been from my anxiety.


Anyone suffering the same as me or any advice as its cracking me up now?

kelly1939

Have you tryed online for more information.. there has to be other people with this problem

OneForTheTeam

kelly1939 wrote: »

Have you tryed online for more information.. there has to be other people with this problem

Hi thanks for your reply, I have done a small bit of googling but nothing major. It is a symptom of panic/anxiety but I have it all day long from when I wake up so not sure if it might be medical.

My symptoms do look like acid reflux but i have done all i could with that, taking anti acids raising bed up 6inches not eating sauce and other foods that are ment to make it worse but it doesnt seem to be getting better. So im thinking of just landing over in A&E tomorrow morning and hope they can work it out.

kelly1939

Was it the same doctor you went to on the three occasions? if so maybe try another one or as you said go to a & e and get them to have a look, at least then you will know if its something physical.That feeling of something been stuck in your throat has to be looked at.
I think you may have to deal with the fear of choking, you got this far in life with out choking

Maybe keep looking online for information, try yahoo answers i see there is similar questions to yours been asked before, let us know how you get on tomorrow;)

Merjock

I, too, have had a fear of swallowing for many years. Currently, I only have a problem swallowing liquids, but years ago it affected me while swallowing solids as well. It has disappeared occasionally, so I've been pretty sure that
it's nothing physical. It can be quite embarrasing while out drinking socially as I'd love to be able to knock back a pint instead of nursing a glass of beer for the whole evening. I'd say, make sure this is not a physical problem before exploring any other remedies like hypnosis or NLP. You say you may have to wait 2 years for an appointment with an ENT specialist? I'd go seek an appointment as soon as possible and pay whatever the consultants fee is. Shouldn't be more than €200 at worst. Borrow it if you have to! Much too serious an issue to leave for a few years. As far as I know, acid reflux can be caused/exacerbated by over consumption of alcohol and/or cigarettes so maybe look at your current diet and lifestyle. Cutting down on caffeine consumption can reduce the anxiety aspect of it as well. The CBT is a good idea, anyway.

kelly1939

i hope poor girl sleeps happy out........ **** you ash ya bastard

kelly1939

hey OneForTheTeam
how did hospital work out ... hope u o k ???

kelly1939

acc sorr 4 quick reply love u ba:be :-)

OneForTheTeam

Hi was at a&e and took xrays looked my my throat etc and nothing there it seems prefect. Have a ENT check up in 2 weeks where they will do more tests but the doc said it can be caused my anxiety.

Also had my first CBT class and i do have alot of anxiety so this is more than likely the root of it all. It seems so real tho as i have it all day every day.

Merjock

Glad it doesn't seem to be anything physical, but do follow up with the ENT guy. Yes, anxiety can be the major cause of these things. You might think of trying some form of meditation or other relaxation technique, and, again, look at your lifestyle and diet. I can remember my problem once disappeared for a while when I had a job that demanded real physical effort, so plenty of exercise is no harm either. Could also look at hypnosis. One little tip - take a deep breath, and hold it, before trying to eat or swallow anything. Having your lungs full of air might reduce the anxiety that you won't be able to breath. At very worst, in the very unlikely event that something should stick in your throat, you will have the air-power to expel it! I find it easier to drink cold, fizzy, liquids as well. Hope this helps.

grifter09

My Gf has had the very same problems as you.
Was ready to crack up. Being told its all in your head when its not can
can cause serious problems in ones head. Ironic eh.
Anyway cut to the chase and google this -
eosinophilic oesophagitis

Get prescribed for it (inhaler and anti allergy tablets) to check if its it.
You should go down the official route of endoscopy and biopsy also to confirm.

Its getting more and more common these days.

She went on medication today after 3 years and is feeling better almost instantly. I MIGHT be what you have.

HTH

Merjock

Thanks for that. I've never even heard of it! Will definitely look into it.