Anxiety?? BF's Throat Tightens When Eating

[AT1980]

I think my best friend has an anxiety problem. I'm not sure. He's had this problem in the past (10 years ago) after his father died. For the past few months he's had a problem swallowing food (not liquids). He'll chew and chew but when he tries to swallow he said it feels like the muscles aren't working. He's also described it as his throat tightening. Sometimes he'll choke because he can't swallow. It doesn't hurt him; there isn't anything physically there. He said if he eats right after he wakes up in the morning he doesn't have a problem; it starts as his day progresses. He used to always eat and now he dreads it so this is a big deal for him.

He's getting frustrated and because of his insurance (Kaiser P) he's not sure who he needs to see. A regular doctor or psychiatrist? He's starting to self medicate because he's convinced it's in his head; {REMOVED} I just hate to see him like this. What kind of doctor should he see? Is it anxiety or depression? Has anyone else experienced this problem?

[jewels26]

hi there,

it is worth speaking to a doctor just to get checked out about this but i have suffered with this issue which was caused by anxiety.

i find that doing relaxation and breathing techniques helps considerably. it takes practice and can take a while to master and start working, but you may find it is worth it in the end. there is plenty of information and organisations on the net which will advise you in anxiety disorders. anything is worth a go??!!

Julie

[detroitdiva]

Could it possibly be that he is getting allergic to certain foods. That once he had a reaction to one of them, he became conditioned to respond as if he was chocking to all he eats?

[li_low]

Yeah best to get his doctor to check his swallowing/gag reflex checked on the off chance it is...but I have same thing....only when eating...definitely a symptom of anxiety.

[mojorisin29]

Has there been a traumatic / stressful event in his life recently? You mentioned after his father had died he'd suffered the same symptoms, this sounds anxiety related. Particularly as in the morning he has no problems, anxiety (in my experience and I have LOTS of it) doesn't really rear its ugly head in the morning, it takes a good few hours for your body to wake up and start worrying.

I had throat problems with anxiety in my teens, as did my uncle who could afford private consulations which was what was needed for a physician to take the problem seriously and seek a diagnosis. It was eventually diagnosed as a harmless condition called Globus. Net search this to see if its similar to your friends affliction.

All the best