Coping With Pseudodysphagia

Coping With Pseudodysphagia Phobias Types Print Coping With Pseudodysphagia By Lisa Fritscher Lisa Fritscher is a freelance writer and editor with a deep interest in phobias and other mental health topics. Learn about our editorial policy Lisa Fritscher Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on June 19, 2015 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on January 20, 2020 Science Photo Library/Getty Images More in Phobias Types Causes Symptoms and Diagnosis Treatment Pseudodysphagia, or the fear of choking, is sometimes confused with phagophobia, or the fear of swallowing. Although both conditions involve the act of swallowing, the difference is in the precise nature of the fear. Those with phagophobia are afraid of the swallowing process, while those with pseudodysphagia worry that swallowing might lead to choking. Some medical conditions also cause difficulty with swallowing and eating, so before self-diagnosing with a fear of choking, it is important to rule out physiological causes like certain neurological issues and conditions of the esophagus.?? Pseudodysphagia and Eating People with pseudodysphagia often have difficulty eating solid foods. Anxiety and tension cause throat muscles to constrict, which (somewhat ironically) further increases the chance of choking.?? Many people find that excessive chewing and swallowing each bite with a large sip of liquid can help to ease their symptoms. Those with a more severe fear, however, may need to resort to shakes, baby food, and purees, or even subsist on a liquid diet. In the era of food processors and high powered blenders, its not impossible to maintain optimal health on a liquid diet, but over time, those who are less knowledgeable about the various facets of nutrition may experience malnutrition. For this and many other reasons, its very important to treat pseudodysphagia as soon as possible. Pseudodysphagia and the Dentist Many people who do not otherwise suffer from pseudodysphagia are afraid of choking during or after a dental procedure. Those who have a more generalized fear of choking may find it difficult or impossible to visit the dentist at all. These fears often contribute to a more generalized fear of dentists.?? Common dental choking fears include choking on saliva, choking on dental instruments, and choking on gauze. Some people are afraid that they will be unable to breathe or swallow while their mouths are numb. Many people find that their fears worsen when the chair is tipped all the way back. If you are concerned about choking at the dentists office, discuss your concerns with him or her in advance. Dentists are used to dealing with people with all sorts of fears, and most have action plans ready to go. In addition, set up a system for communicating your needs to the dentist during your procedure, such as raising your left hand to request suction. While dental procedures are never fun, honesty and open communication make the experience a bit easier for everyone. Treatment Phobias are defined as irrational fears. Avoiding grapes for fear of choking on them is not entirely irrational, and if simply avoiding some foods is all thats needed to keep your pseudodysphagia at bay, then theres probably no need for therapy. But if your phobia is significantly interfering with your day-to-day life, relationships, and profession, or causing distress, make plans to see a mental health professional. With a bit of hard work, there is no reason for the fear of choking to take over your life.