New fear of choking while eating

[BettyBobble]

For the last month or so I have had this fear of choking while eating. It doesn't happen during every single meal and it doesn't happen straight away it can be the second bite or much later in the meal/snack.

It's actually terrifying and I seem to produce extra saliva which then I am also afraid to swallow. It's making me miserable. My fiancé suggested hypnotherapy. I have seen a GP and she said she didn't know what was causing it. I have been prescribed HRT patches a few days ago and she said to see if that changes things.

For context, I'm almost 50 and peri menopausal. Ive never experienced this before in my life and no idea where it's come from. I'm eating food I enjoy. It even happens with blended soups.

I hope someone can shed some light.

I’ve had this and avoid certain foods. Mine was entirely anxiety- I worry a lot about my children choking too.
if it’s happening with soup could there be something physical going on as well as anxiety? Some kind of blockage you’re feeling? I think it’s worth a GP appointment to double check.

Sorry you’ve been to GP. If you’re stressed or anxious in other areas of life it could be impacting. Or if you’ve had the sensation of choking which induces panic it could be about this?

My youngest DC has this - it's called Pseudodysphagia.
It was triggered at about 14yrs age by vomiting during a stomach bug and got so bad that they stopped eating and drinking except for miniscule amounts.
They had CBT & therapy for it to get them eating/drinking again but because it's an anxiety reaction they still get it periodically because they also have complex emetophobia too.
CBT & relaxation therapy can be a great help so this is probably what your GP should have suggested because it can lead to an eating disorder.
Do you have any idea of what set it off? It's a nasty anxiety condition that goes away and then pops back up again when you eat something that goes down differently or when you have a sore throat. We tried eating soft foods that you can't choke on easily such as mash, jelly, soup, soft breads etc which worked in getting food into DC but also small sips of drink through a straw helped too.

Sorry I missed your age and that you're on HRT. Menopause can cause sudden odd anxieties but your GP should give you a proper hands on feel around your neck and lymph nodes including armpit/chest areas as difficulty swallowing can be an indication of something more serious. Also have you checked your breasts recently? At 50 you should be due for a first mammogram soon so make sure that you get one.