5.5yr old not really eating after choking scare. Need help....

[loveverona]

I'm hoping someone out there has been through this and can offer some comfort/words of wisdom.

My 5 and a half yr DD has always been a terrific eater - loves veg, fish, no problems at all. A week ago she had a scare when a piece of orange slid to the back of her throat and for a second or two wouldn't budge. She coughed and it came up, but it really frightened her. Since then she has stopped eating properly saying she thinks she's going to choke or be sick. She won't eat anything that isn't soft, so any hard-ish veg is out like brocolli, etc. She'll eat mashed potato and some sandwiches, but she also seems to have lost her appetite, although complains she's hungry.

I spoke to a health visitor who said to play it very low-key, carry on as normal and practically ignore it and if, after 8 weeks, there's no improvement, go back to them.

Has this ever happened to your child/ren? Did they come out of it by themselves? Is 8 weeks too long? Did you get help and if so what?

Sorry this is long, but I'm so upset by all of this. It's heartbreaking to see her anxious with every mouthful and not enjoying her food as she did before.

Thanks for taking the time to read this.

x

Hi, I had the same problem with my dd only it was her sister who choked on the food and then her friend told her that her grandad had chocked to death on a piece of food .

I went to my hv and was told to keep it low key. I was told to pass comment on everyone who was eating, i.e Isnt daddy clever, he has eaten a coarrot but dont aim the comments at her. Eventually she will be so intent on getting comments from you that she will stop worrying and eat. It worked for me within a week. It is worrying though.

Thank you, that's very helpful. I used that approach tonight - ooh look DS has eaten his broccoli - and DD tried hers again and some green beans. Not sure any of it was actually swallowed, but at least she tried it again.

My feeling is this will get better but may take some time. She does want to talk about it though sometimes, which I see as a good thing. At least I can try and help her understand her feelings. Fingers crossed.

Anyone else had experience of this?

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