Difficulty swallowing causes, symptoms and treatment

The difficulty in swallowing for anxiety is an alert response from the organism that affects the way swallowing. It is usually temporary and symptoms can vary in each person. The symptoms that arise must be approached with precision and efficiency so that other areas of life do not alter.

In this sense, anxiety and stress can have a significant impact on the digestive system and cause swallowing symptoms, such as a feeling of oppression in the throat or a feeling of having a knot in the throat. In this Psychology-online article, we will give you information about the Difficulty swallowing for anxiety: causes, symptoms and treatment.

1. What is dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) by anxiety
2. Symptoms of difficulty swallowing for anxiety
3. Causes of difficulty swallowing for anxiety
4. How to relieve difficulty swallowing for anxiety

What is dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) by anxiety

Dysphagia is a medical term that refers to the difficulty of swallowing food, liquids or even saliva. It can occur as a symptom of various medical conditions and factors, including structural problems in the esophagus, neuromuscular diseases, acid reflux, obstructions or anxiety, among others.

When a person is anxious, the body tends to enter a state of alert known as "struggle or flight", which can affect the way swallowing. For example, some may feel that their throat is closed or tense, which Difficult normal swallowing. However, these symptoms are usually temporary and disappear once the dysphagia for anxiety calms down.

It is essential to keep in mind that any chronic or persistent problem related to swallowing, regardless of the cause, It must be evaluated and treated by a health professional, as a doctor or a specialist in gastroenterology. If you experience difficulties in swallowing or any other worrying symptom, it is essential to seek adequate medical attention to obtain precise diagnosis and treatment.

Symptoms of difficulty swallowing for anxiety

The difficulty in swallowing caused by anxiety can manifest in various ways and symptoms can vary from one person to another. Some of the most common manifestations that people with anxiety dysphagia can experience include:

• Feeling of oppression in the throat: You can feel as if there were a knot in your throat or as if the throat was closed, which makes normal swallow.
• Ahogo or suffocation sensation: Some people may feel that they have a hard time breathing when swallowing due to tension and anxiety. In this article, we tell you what is the lack of air due to anxiety.
• Difficulty starting swallowing: It may be difficult to start the process of swallowing due to anxiety and stress that affects the muscles involved in swallowing.
• Fear of choking: People with anxiety related to swallowing can have an excessive fear of choking while they eat or drink.
• Need to swallow: You can feel the need to swallow several times before the food or liquid goes completely.
• Feeling that food is stuck: You can experience the feeling that food or liquids are stuck in the throat or in the chest, which can increase anxiety.
• Sensation of burning or acidity: acid reflux, which can be exacerbated by anxiety, can cause a feeling of burning or irritation in the throat and esophagus.

Causes of difficulty swallowing for anxiety

The difficulty in swallowing for anxiety can have several causes, and it is important to keep in mind that symptoms can vary from one person to another. Some of the most common causes of anxiety -related dysphagia include:

• Esophageal hypersensitivity: Anxiety can increase the sensitivity of the esophagus and throat, which can make the person more aware of swallowing and perceives that it is more difficult to swallow.
• Muscle spasms: Stress and anxiety can cause muscle tension in the throat and esophagus, which can interfere with the normal swallowing process.
• Acid reflux: Anxiety can increase acid production in the stomach, which can lead to acid reflux. When stomach acid flows to the esophagus, it can irritate the throat and cause a feeling of oppression or difficulty swallowing.
• Syndrome of GLOBUS FARÍNGEO: also know as Globus hystericus, It refers to the persistent feeling of having a lump in the throat without an apparent physical cause. Often, it is related to anxiety and stress.
• Generalized anxiety disorders: People who suffer from anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder (TAG), may experience physical symptoms, as difficulty swallowing, as a result of chronic stress.
• Hyperventilation: In times of intense anxiety, some people can hyperventilate, breathe quickly and superficially. This can lead to the feeling of having a lump in the throat or difficulty swallowing.

How to relieve difficulty swallowing for anxiety

There are effective methods that have a scientific guarantee in the face of this problem. If you are experiencing difficulty swallowing, here we show you some strategies that can help you relieve symptoms:

• Psychological therapy: Going to a mental health professional is effective to combat this discomfort. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a form of psychological therapy that has proven 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: Ansiolithic consumption decreases anxiety levels and allows you to relax the mind and muscles. However, it is pertinent that the supply of this type of drug is supervised by a clinical specialist.
• Relaxation techniques: Stress and anxiety can increase muscle tension in the throat and esophagus, which hinders swallowing. Practicing relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation or yoga, can help reduce anxiety and relieve muscle tension.
• Eat slowly and chew food: Take your time to eat and chew food completely before swallowing. This can reduce the feeling that food gets stuck in the throat.

This article is merely informative, in psychology-online we have no 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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