Can anxiety while eating cause swallowing discomfort?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have recently had severe anxiety issues, especially with eating and drinking. Recently, I was eating peanut butter and I was afraid some of it may have gone down the wrong pipe. There was no urge to cough except for me coughing out of being scared of aspirating it. It did feel weird as I swallowed it, which has been happening a lot recently as I have had these anxiety issues with eating. I also have acid reflux if this contributes, as my chest is also hurting. But, I am assuming that is hopefully from the acid reflux.

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Have you choked any time?

What is the result of your reports?

You may be suffering from anxiety, neurosis or phobia while eating. If you are feeling dysphagia, that may be due to acid reflux, but it will not cause aspiration in the daytime. During the nighttime, acids regurgitate back and may cause choking. Eat a small bite every time and chew properly. You may need cognitive behavioral therapy to improve your problem. You need to consult a psychiatrist. You will need an endoscopy to rule out a hiatus hernia or ulcers, etc.

Use tablet Alprazolam 0.25 at night, head end elevation while sleeping. Consult your specialist doctor, discuss with him or her and start taking the medicines with their consent. Avoid spicy, fatty food and caffeine.

I hope this answers your questions.

Please feel free to follow up whenever needed.

Thank you.