Symptom 6: Choking on Food
The very act of eating is something that many of us undertake without a second thought. However, for those with EMD, the fear of choking on food becomes all too real. This isn’t about biting off more than one can chew, but rather a dysfunction in the esophagus that can hinder the smooth passage of food.
Every time a person with EMD sits down for a meal, there’s an underlying tension. Will the food go down smoothly, or will there be a sudden, alarming instance of choking? For some, the sensation might be mild, like a brief hiccup in the swallowing process. For others, it can be a full-blown choking episode, requiring immediate intervention.
It’s easy to see how this can transform eating from a pleasure into a source of anxiety. Foods that were once enjoyed now become potential hazards. Crunchy, hard, or overly dry foods might be avoided entirely, and there’s a newfound appreciation for softer, easily swallowable items.(6)
