Choking/Gagging Sensation from Anxiety: Is it Real?

Does anyone else experience the choking/gagging sensation from their anxiety? The feeling of my throat sort of closing up and a weird form of nausea in my throat has bothered me since I was a child. It makes it hard to swallow. As someone who is emetophobic, the thought of gagging and potentially throwing up makes it worse. Medication sometimes helps a bit but nothing truly gets rid of it. I feel it almost 24/7 no joke. I've tried looking into it but there's not much info out there. I have found globus sensation as one description... My physical traits seem to make it worse such as my neck/spine shape which is hunched foreword as well as a weak chin and large overbite. My sinuses are constantly dripping down my throat as well, not helping the feeling at all and I have a small mouth (even according to the dentist whom I haven't been to in YEARS). But therapists insist it's completely mental and only a symptom of my anxiety disorders. Regardless if it's in my head or not, I want the feeling to go away but it never does and completely takes over my mind. Sorry for the rant.

Your answer

Mossyrock

2y ago

I’ve literally had moments where I thought I’ve gone into anaphylaxis but it’s just anxiety. I even went to an allergist and they couldnt find anything I’m allergic too, yet I get so choked up and even get a swollen face. Just because stuff comes from your brain doesn’t mean it doesn’t cause real effects on your body, so that in mind, I am hoping this helps you know that you’re not the only one

NinaFoxy

2y ago

I understand what you're going through, and I'm sorry to hear that...It's been a year already that I developed fear of swallowing after I choked on a piece of sandwich, it is called Fagophobia. I started feeling my throat closing and a lump in there, a sticky thing down my throat, I did some exams but all came back normal. At the time when I choked, I was going through a lot of stress, anxiety and panic attacks, and since then I am scared to eat, my heart starts racing when I put food in my mouth, there was a time that I had to blend my food so I could drink it, and it would take me over an hour to do so. I don't know how to get rid of this disorder and I am really depressed because of it. I don't wish this to anyone 😢 I really hope we can get better one day 🙏🏼

rachiee

2y ago

I feel this too! It’s so uncomfortable. For me it feels like something is stuck in my throat and it happens so randomly. I also can’t stand throwing up and when I’m sick, my anxiety is at an all time high. Especially with a stomach bug. What helps me is to get my mind of it and focus on breathing through my nose. I know it’s so hard to get over but you are def not alone!

chronicalsofsarah

2y ago

I usually only feel it during a panic attack, but when I do it makes the anxiety even worse! 😣

em_Jay

2y ago

Yes you're definitely not alone on that 💗 stay strong. You're much stronger than you give yourself credit for ✌️

uhnyeiss

2y ago

omg I feel your pain, I definitely experience the same thing. my therapist explained that it is caused by anxiety and it’s very real, and not just a mental thing. it was described as being similar to an allergic reaction where your body goes into fight or flight. whenever I describe feeling nauseous, it’s exactly that sensation of the lump in the throat. I do take a medication that helps relax muscles and that has definitely helped, i’ve also heard that putting your head down and breathing, will help open the airways and relax the throat. I hope this helps a bit! ❤️

Puffy_panda

2y ago

❤️❤️❤️ thank you so much. This is what I do and my medication is also a muscle relaxer so it tends to help a bit. Thank you for letting me know I'm not alone 😭

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