Fear is something that we need to face every day. However, there are unique fears that some people can develop, like a phobia of choking or swallowing. It is two different types of fear. People with pseudodysphagia are afraid of choking, while the other one is just fear of swallowing. However, it is very problematic because it can decrease the quality of life.
Moreover, it is important to ask for professional advice if you feel that you have it. Hence, it is not good to try to treat it on your own. Finding out the truth and its main cause is the best way to solve the problem. Therefore, some people with this fear might have some neurological issues.
1. Why are some Afraid to Swallow?
Feeling nervous is not good because some people, most of the time, think too much. When a person feels anxious, they start to feel different sensations in the body. If there is a danger, the body’s first reaction is to be afraid.
When it comes to swallowing, the body will give you a signal when your mouth is dry. Therefore, a dry mouth will make it hard for you to swallow. As a result, some people experience choking. That is why a person may feel scared swallowing with a dry mouth.
2. The Eating Problem
difficult to chew, making it hard to swallow. Mostly, it happens to older adults. So, one can experience anxiety because they cannot chew their food properly. It makes it harder for them to swallow food. This bad experience may increase the chances of having this fear. Additionally, those with serious cases can only take shakes, fruit juice, soups, and other liquid foods.
Today, it is not impossible to get the nutrition that you need even without eating solid food. Hence, it is easier to turn solid vegetables or fruits into liquid. It is with the use of high powdered blender and food processors. However, some with little knowledge about this process may experience a lack of nutrition. Therefore, it is important to treat this fear as soon as possible.
3. Dentists Problem
People with a phobia of choking are also afraid to go to dentists. Thinking about a dental procedure makes serious signs. Also, those with a severe case cannot visit a dentist at all. Therefore, their dental health will suffer and can lead to diseases.
One of the most common worries is saliva choking, choking with dental instruments, and other stuff. Also, others think that they will have trouble breathing. Hence, the fear will get worse once they hear about going to a dentist. The other will start to feel the fear as they arrive inside the clinic.
The first thing to do is to be honest with your dentist and tell them about your fear. Most of them are used to dealing with patients with different types of fears. It will help lessen the fear of choking by having the right communication. A dentist may give you hand signals that you can do. Likewise, you may raise your hands if you feel hurt or afraid.
4. Possible Treatment
In case you are avoiding a few foods like hard to chew, then there is no need for therapy. However, if your fear of choking makes you avoid all foods, it is good to ask for help. Not eating anything or just eating liquid food is not good for overall health. Therefore, if you are ready to get better, it is possible to recover from this fear.
5. Relax your Throat
People who are feeling nervous will feel some tension in the body. This feeling can affect the muscle in the throat. Therefore, it is good to do some relaxation activities. There are many videos available online that you can watch and do on your own. A 20 minutes exercise can help you feel better. As a result, you will be less likely to experience throat problems and choking. Additionally, you can try drinking a glass of warm water.
6. Eating Advice
In case you have serious swallowing and choking problem, then you can do the following tips.
- Try melting an ice cube and jelly in your mouth
- Eat more liquid foods like soup, yogurt, and milk
- Make your shakes from fruits and vegetables
- Try to chop your food into very small pieces
