Phagophobia, or the fear of swallowing is a relatively rare type of phobia. It is sometimes confused with pseudodysphagia(the fear of choking).
The major difference is that those with phagophobia are afraid of the act of swallowing, while those with pseudodysphagia are afraid that swallowing will lead to choking.
Below are 10 symptoms of Phagophobia Nigerian women should be aware of:
1. Phagophobia can cause a number of different symptoms, the most noticeable of which is an extreme reluctance or avoidance of swallowing foods, liquids, or pills.
2. Anticipatory anxiety before meals.
3. Eating in very small mouthfuls and drinking frequently during meals to aid in swallowing.
4. Extreme anxiety and fear at the thought of swallowing.
5. Panic attacks.
6. Rapid heart rate and breathing.
7. Reluctance or avoidance of eating or drinking in front of others.
8. Sweating whenever food is served.
9. Switching to an all-liquid diet as an attempt to alleviate some of the anxiety around swallowing food.
10. Weight loss.
Fear of Foods
Phagophobia may surface in people who experience other food-related fears. Food phobias may involve a fear of specific types of food like perishables or foods that are dangerous when undercooked. Persistent worrying about eating contaminated food may also lead to phagophobia.
Anxiety and Tension
Phagophobia is one of the few phobias that can actually bring about the feared condition. Anxiety and tension can cause the throat muscles to constrict, feeling to some like “a lump in the throat.”
Those who fear swallowing may find themselves physically unable to do so once they become too anxious. This, in turn, can worsen the fear, creating a perpetuating cycle that is difficult to break.
Negative Experiences With Eating
Phagophobia is often, though not always, triggered by a negative experience while eating. A prior experience with choking, for example, can lead to phagophobia (and potentially pseudodysphagia). A painful medical procedure involving the throat, like a tracheotomy, may also cause anxiety around swallowing.
Treatment
Phagophobia can lead to progressively more restricted eating habits and, in serious cases, significant health issues. However, specific phobias do respond to treatment, and several options have shown promise for treating phagophobia.
Find a therapist who will work with you to develop a treatment plan that addresses your phagophobia and any related disorders. Developing a relationship with a mental health professional who comes to know you well can be very helpful, as your phagophobia treatment plan will need to be designed to meet your specific needs.
While professional help is beneficial for phagophobia, you can also use coping techniques to help you overcome distress on your own. Since the throat muscles often constrict during bouts of anxiety, coping strategies generally focus on remaining calm.
Coping with Phagophobia
Find distractions: Some people find that watching TV or listening to music while eating provides a welcome distraction that makes chewing and swallowing a less intense experience.
Chew food thoroughly: Chewing your food well makes it easier to swallow, which may help alleviate some of your anxiety.
Eat soft foods: Soft foods may irritate your throat less than hard, scratchy foods will. Use trial and error to find the foods you’re most comfortable with.
Take small bites: Small bites or small sips of liquid may feel easier to swallow than larger portions.
Drink liquids between bites: Taking a sip of liquid with each bite eases the swallowing process.
