Difficulty swallowing due to anxiety is an alert response from the body that affects the way swallowing is performed. It is usually temporary and the symptoms can vary in each person. The symptoms that emerge must be addressed with precision and efficiency so that they do not alter other areas of life.
In this sense, anxiety and stress can have a significant impact on the digestive system and cause symptoms related to swallowing, such as a feeling of tightness in the throat or a feeling of a lump in the mouth throat. In this Psychology-Online article, we will provide you with information about the Difficulty Swallowing Due to Anxiety: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment.
Dysphagia is a medical term that refers to difficulty swallowing food, liquid, or even saliva. It can present as a symptom of various medical conditions and factors, including problems structures in the esophagus, neuromuscular diseases, acid reflux, obstructions or anxiety, among others.
When a person is anxious, the body tends to go into a state of alert known as "fight or flight," which can affect how swallowing is performed. For example, some may feel that their throat is closed or tight, which
It is critical to note that any chronic or persistent problem with swallowing, regardless of the cause, should be evaluated and treated by a health professionalsuch as a doctor or gastroenterology specialist. If you are experiencing swallowing difficulties or any other worrisome symptoms, it is essential to seek proper medical attention for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Difficulty swallowing caused by anxiety can manifest itself in a variety of ways, and the symptoms can vary from person to person. Some of the more common manifestations that people with anxiety dysphagia may experience include:
- Tight feeling in the throat: It may feel as if there is a lump in the throat or as if the throat is closed, making normal swallowing difficult.
- Sensation of choking or suffocation: Some people may feel like they are having trouble breathing when swallowing due to tension and anxiety. In this article, we tell you How is shortness of breath due to anxiety.
- Difficulty initiating swallowing: It can be difficult to start the swallowing process due to anxiety and stress affecting the muscles involved in swallowing.
- fear of choking: People with anxiety related to swallowing may have a excessive fear of choking while eating or drinking.
- Need to swallow repeatedly: You may feel the need to swallow several times before the food or liquid is all gone.
- Feeling that food is stuck: You may experience the sensation of food or liquid getting stuck in your throat or chest, which can increase anxiety.
- Burning sensation or heartburn: Acid reflux, which can be exacerbated by anxiety, can cause a burning sensation or irritation in the throat and esophagus.
Difficulty swallowing due to anxiety can have a number of causes, and it's important to note that symptoms can vary from person to person. Some of the more common causes of anxiety-related dysphagia include:
- Esophageal tenderness: Anxiety can increase the sensitivity of the esophagus and throat, which can make the person more aware of swallowing and perceive it as more difficult to swallow.
- Muscle spasms: stress and anxiety can cause muscle tension in the throat and the esophagus, which can interfere with the normal swallowing process.
- acid reflux: Anxiety can increase the production of acid in the stomach, which can lead to acid reflux. When stomach acid flows up into the esophagus, it can irritate the throat, causing a feeling of tightness or difficulty swallowing.
- Syndrome of pharyngeal globus: also know as globus hystericus, refers to the persistent sensation of having a lump in the throat without an apparent physical cause. Often, it is related to anxiety and stress.
- generalized anxiety disorders: People with anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), they may experience physical symptoms, such as difficulty swallowing, as a result of chronic stress.
- hyperventilation: In moments of intense anxiety, some people may hyperventilate, breathing rapidly and shallowly. This can lead to a feeling of a lump in the throat or difficulty swallowing.
There are effective methods that have scientific support for this problem. If you are experiencing difficulty swallowing due to anxiety, here are some strategies that may help alleviate the symptoms:
- psychological therapy: Going to a mental health professional is effective in combating this discomfort. The cognitive behavioral therapy It is a form of psychological therapy that has been shown to be effective in treating anxiety and its symptoms. It can help you change thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to anxiety and dysphagia.
- psychiatric medication: the consumption of anxiolytics decreases anxiety levels and allows the mind and muscles to relax. However, it is pertinent that the supply of this type of drug be supervised by a clinical specialist.
- relaxation techniques: Stress and anxiety can increase muscle tension in the throat and esophagus, making swallowing difficult. Practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga, can help reduce anxiety and ease muscle tension.
- Eat slowly and chew food well: Take your time eating and chew your food completely before swallowing. This can reduce the feeling that food is stuck in the throat.
This article is merely informative, at Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
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