Pseudodysphagia

Pseudodysphagia (pronounced soo-doh-dis-fay-gee-uh) is a medical condition characterized by a fear of swallowing. It is often associated with anxiety disorders and phobias, and is not related to any physical abnormalities or diseases.

Etymology

The term "Pseudodysphagia" is derived from the Greek words "pseudo," meaning false, and "dysphagia," which refers to difficulty in swallowing. Thus, the term literally translates to "false difficulty in swallowing."

Symptoms

Patients with Pseudodysphagia often experience a sensation of a lump in their throat, known as globus sensation, and may avoid eating or drinking due to their fear of choking. Other symptoms may include dry mouth, nausea, and anxiety.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Pseudodysphagia typically involves ruling out physical causes of swallowing difficulties, such as esophageal stricture or neurological disorders. This may involve procedures such as endoscopy or barium swallow. If no physical cause is found, a psychological evaluation may be conducted to assess for the presence of anxiety disorders or phobias.

Treatment

Treatment for Pseudodysphagia often involves cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which can help patients to manage their fear of swallowing. In some cases, medication may be prescribed to help manage associated symptoms of anxiety.

Related Terms

• Dysphagia
• Globus sensation
• Anxiety disorder
• Phobia
• Cognitive behavioral therapy

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Pseudodysphagia
• Wikipedia's article - Pseudodysphagia

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