Anxiety is a common mental health issue that most of us go through every day. In fact, some amount of anxiety is. However, some people may experience excessive levels of anxiety, leading to a range of physical and psychological symptoms. One lesser-known way anxiety can show up physically is through changes in swallowing. Some people may struggle to swallow, while others may find themselves swallowing constantly. Let’s understand the relationship between anxiety and swallowing difficulties in depth as we move ahead in this article.
Can Anxiety Cause Excessive Swallowing?
In simple terms, yes, anxiety can cause excessive swallowing due to the following reasons:
- Anxiety causes muscle tension
As mentioned earlier, anxiety can manifest in various physical and psychological symptoms. One of the physical symptoms of anxiety is muscle tension and breathing difficulties. When someone finds it hard to breathe, they may rely on their mouth to get more oxygen and feel ventilated, leading to constant swallowing. Anxiety may also affect the muscles in the throat and oesophagus. tense up, leading to a need to swallow frequently
- Hypersalivation
When the body is under stress, it tends to increase saliva production, leading to excess saliva. This excess saliva can trigger the urge to swallow more frequently than usual,
- Anxiety And Aerophagia
Aerophagia is a condition where a person swallows too much air, leading to other physical issues such as bloating, bleaching or flatulence. Research suggests that anxiety and stress can contribute to an increased frequency of swallowing, leading to aesophagia. Thus, there seems to be a link between anxiety and constant swallowing.
Why do I feel the need to constantly swallow?
While constant swallowing can be a sign of anxiety for some people, it is essential to know that many other factors, apart from anxiety, can cause constant swallowing as well. Medical conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or dry mouth (xerostomia) can also lead to constant swallowing, Thus, it is essential to consult a medical professional for an accurate diagnosis.
Other Symptoms Of Anxiety
It is also important to understand that anxiety is a complex condition that causes many signs and symptoms; thus, only constant swallowing may indicate anxiety only if it occurs with other symptoms such as.
- Constant worry
- Rumination or intrusive thoughts
- Difficulty in concentrating on tasks
- Difficulties in decision-making
- Feeling restless
- Sleep issues
- Feeling nervous or tense constantly
- Difficulties in daily functions due to excessive worry
- Rapid Heartbeat
How to overcome constant swallowing from anxiety?
Strategy |
How It Helps |
Practical Tips |
Deep Breathing Techniques |
Calms the nervous system and reduces throat tension, helping prevent constant swallowing. | Practice 4-7-8 breathing: inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7 seconds, exhale for 8 seconds. Repeat 5–10 times. |
Relax Your Throat Muscles |
Releases tension in the throat, reducing the feeling of a lump or constant swallowing. | Gently massage your neck and jaw, or perform slow neck stretches. Swallow slowly and consciously. |
Grounding Skills |
Shifts focus away from anxiety and physical sensations, reducing compulsive swallowing. | Use the 5-4-3-2-1 technique: name 5 things you see, 4 you feel, 3 you hear, 2 you smell, 1 you taste. |
Mindfulness & Meditation |
Helps manage anxiety and preventing sensations in the throat. Helps release tensions in the throat as well. | Set aside 5–10 minutes daily for mindfulness exercises or guided meditation. Focus on breathing and body awareness. |
Stay Hydrated |
Keeps the throat moist, preventing dryness that can trigger frequent swallowing. | Sip water regularly; herbal teas can also help soothe the throat. Avoid excessive caffeine or alcohol. |
Conclusion
In summary, constant swallowing can be a sign of anxiety, particularly when accompanied by other anxiety symptoms such as muscle tension, rapid heartbeat, or intrusive thoughts. However, constant swallowing may also be a symptom of other physical issues. Thus, it is important to consult a medical or mental health professional for the right diagnosis.
References:
- Anxiety Aerophagia: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, FAQ. (n.d.). AnxietyCentre.Com. Retrieved March 18, 2024, from https://www.anxietycentre.com/anxiety-disorders/symptoms/aerophagia/
- Appleby, B. S., & Rosenberg, P. B. (2006). Aerophagia as the Initial Presenting Symptom of a Depressed Patient. Primary Care Companion to The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 8(4), 245–246.
- How Anxiety Causes Trouble Swallowing. (n.d.). Retrieved March 18, 2024, from https://www.calmclinic.com/anxiety/symptoms/trouble-swallowing
- Saliva and Stress: Understanding the Anxious Connection. (n.d.). Resony Health – Digital Mental Health Solutions. Retrieved March 18, 2024, from https://www.resony.health/blog/saliva-and-stress-understanding-the-anxious-connection
