Swallowing issues - all in my head?!

[Flippinghecklike]

Several times in the last couple of months - and increasingly often - I’ve had the sensation of bits of food left at the back of my tongue when I have eaten something. It started with “claggy” or bitty stuff like hummus or apple skin but - and I wonder if this is like when you think too much about breathing and then can’t go back to doing it without thinking - I am increasingly aware of crumbs or traces of food most times I eat sticking to the back of my tongue.

I had an endoscopy in July for weird and persistent abdo pains (later ultrasound revealed gallstones) which said my oesophagus was healthy and I think that is what they check with swallowing stuff most commonly. I have been quite stressed recently and read about globus but this doesnt feel like a lump and it isn’t constant it feels like little bits… I wonder a bit if maybe there have always been bits when I’ve been eating and this is just anxiety making me hyper aware but wonder if anyone has had similar at all?

My DH struggled to swallow when he had anxiety, before diagnosis.

Thanks for replying - diagnosis of what?

Hi, it could well just be over thinking it, but in cases like this it’s always best to get yourself an appointment with the doctor to get properly checked and get peace of mind. Just tell them exactly what you’ve written here. Check it, don’t question it, is my mantra!

Is it there all the time? When you swallow is there ever any actual food stuck there or is it just a sensation? Do you ever feel tightness in the area or does it ever feel like a lump in your throat? I'm a cbt therapist and we see a lot of people with swallowing/throat sensations as it's quite common in anxiety. But prior to commencing therapy I would always suggest it's checked out with a dr to rule out anything physical first. Good luck x

Thanks so much - seeing Gp friday re my anxiety actually so will mention! @sarahc336 no tightness and sometimes food yes and other times I am not so sure..

Diagnosis of anxiety.

Anxiety

Anxiety and also reflux. Omeprazole helped me.

GERD.

Globus sensation?

Thanks all, will see what GP says, helpful to hear others had similiar

Just be cautious putting it down to anxiety.
My SIL was initially diagnosed with anxiety but it turned out to be something else

Anxiety which could develop into a phobia. Hypnosis would help.

Did they check for EOE when they did your endoscopy? Did they do a biopsy and measure eosinophils?

@Weenurse good to know - is tricky as I do have anxiety but am bit worried about that being what they say and it turns out to be something else. Would have assumed endoscopy would have found anything sinister but I dont think they did measure it no @EvelynBeatrice - will ask!

Yes I agree with @Weenurse as I've already said further up this thread I'm a cbt therapist and we must always rule out a physical cause first which sounds like is already doing 😊😊 hope your ok x

Right so, bit of an update. Found out a couple of months ago that I was covered on my dh’a private health he gets through work. Mention the timing because he has been there years and literally never needed to see GP let alone anything more serious in all that time bar contraception stuff and this year have had health anxiety and loads of - at the time - legitimate seeming aches and pains which Ive been able to get referrals to look into. The problem I’ve discovered, I think, is that where the NHS is sometimes criticised for being too slow (have to say always had good care), private medicine can maybe over test? I don’t know. Anyway, saw a specialist today who was lovely and referred me for barium swallow, endoscopy and CT scan. On balance I think the CT scan is not only not needed at this stage but given (small) radiation risk not advisable. He recommended as have lost weight but I have intended to lose weight and not lost more than 2-3lb a week. Ive emailed to say I want to stick with the swallow and scope as I think these should show anything sinister in mouth / oesophagus that could be behind this. Am a little bit worried tbh but also pleased to have a plan.

That sounds good, if that comes back all clear then maybe it is anxiety based x

thank you - I am definitely super aware of it and wondering if it is a hyper aware thing… whenever i poke (dont… i know…) down to see if there are bits of food at the back of my tongue there rarely are or only small ones… do wish I wasnt such a weirdo sometimes.

Ask your GP for a referral to speech and language therapy. Given what you've reported sounds appropriate to be seen for an assessment of your swallowing. I'm a speech and language therapist myself :) hope it gets sorted x

@Flippinghecklike hi , what was outcome of this ? i have same

Was all clear and diagnosed as globus - sertraline has been a gift!!!