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Hi I’ve Had This Issue For A Good Few Years

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Posted on Wed, 8 May 2019
Question: Hi I’ve had this issue for a good few years and have never been able to control it.

So basically I think it’s related to anxiety in a way. But for example if my friends asked if I wanted to go to a water park or something which I didn’t like or was a little scared I would start gagging when it gets closer to the time. Sometimes I would be sick. Both ways after the gagging or me being sick I usally feel much better and I don’t have that feeling of me going to start gagging or being sick.

Only recently though it’s started happening to things I’m not even scared of like playing tennis and things.

I just want to know what this could be and how it can be fixed if possible.

Thanks
doctor
Answered by Dr. K. V. Anand (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
CBT and anti-depression medicines are sure cure.

Detailed Answer:
Dear friend.

I am sure that you have consulted your doctor regarding the gagging sensation. Gagging is characteristic of choking or retching. In medical terms gagging is an an involuntary retching reflex that may be stimulated by something touching the posterior palate or throat region. I suggest you to consult your doctor for an examination of your inner mouth and throat.

In the case of anxiety or fear or phobia, these sort of gagging symptoms are quite common. These comes usually with fear and phobia. But can also be seen with anxiety. In a sense, fear and phobia also are anxieties.

If not associated with an underlying health problem, the gagging you're experiencing may be due to stress and anxiety. In fact, gagging and dry heaving can manifest itself for many reasons, including:

1. Panic attacks brought on by stressful situations, such as tests and public speaking
2. Unpleasant odors, such as sulfur from rotten eggs
3. Intense physical activity, including sex
4. Sensitivity to certain foods and liquids to which you might be allergic

I am ruling out second, third and fourth options because you have not mentioned anything about those. If you have something about those, please tell me.

So the option 1 remains. Panic attacks brought on by stressful situations, such as tests and public speaking. In your case it was water earlier, and has started affecting now more and more.

The best method of treatment for this, in the initial stages will be to consult a mental health specialist. A small doze of anti-depressant should provide you with good relief. Sometimes the doctor may ask you to continue the dosage for some months so that you get complete relief.

Physical exercise, relaxation breathing, meditation can also help.

But the main idea here should be removing the cause of the symptom. Usually the fear. Cognitive Behavior Therapy will be useful for that. Techniques such as cognitive restructuring, positive imagery etc can restructure your thought pattern that causes the symptoms.

Therefore, don't worry about the symptoms. Just because it is totally curable.
All the best. Take care


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. K. V. Anand (25 minutes later)
Ok thanks.

But I don’t think it’s fear anymore it’s more the way I think. It’s not a health problem it’s in the mind. Like I say I’m not scared of playing tennis or football or going out for meals yet it has started happening in these situations and is hard to hide as I have to rush to toilet. What would you recommend?
doctor
Answered by Dr. K. V. Anand (51 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
It psychosomatic problem

Detailed Answer:
Yes. You are right. It is beyond conscious fear. The fear has become unconscious. That is why we call it psychosomatic problem.

No need to worry. The treatment method is still the same.

Anti-depressant medicines.
Physical exercises, relaxation breathing and mindfulness.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy

Take care
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. K. V. Anand

Psychologist

Practicing since :1993

Answered : 7324 Questions

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Hi I’ve Had This Issue For A Good Few Years

Brief Answer: CBT and anti-depression medicines are sure cure. Detailed Answer: Dear friend. I am sure that you have consulted your doctor regarding the gagging sensation. Gagging is characteristic of choking or retching. In medical terms gagging is an an involuntary retching reflex that may be stimulated by something touching the posterior palate or throat region. I suggest you to consult your doctor for an examination of your inner mouth and throat. In the case of anxiety or fear or phobia, these sort of gagging symptoms are quite common. These comes usually with fear and phobia. But can also be seen with anxiety. In a sense, fear and phobia also are anxieties. If not associated with an underlying health problem, the gagging you're experiencing may be due to stress and anxiety. In fact, gagging and dry heaving can manifest itself for many reasons, including: 1. Panic attacks brought on by stressful situations, such as tests and public speaking 2. Unpleasant odors, such as sulfur from rotten eggs 3. Intense physical activity, including sex 4. Sensitivity to certain foods and liquids to which you might be allergic I am ruling out second, third and fourth options because you have not mentioned anything about those. If you have something about those, please tell me. So the option 1 remains. Panic attacks brought on by stressful situations, such as tests and public speaking. In your case it was water earlier, and has started affecting now more and more. The best method of treatment for this, in the initial stages will be to consult a mental health specialist. A small doze of anti-depressant should provide you with good relief. Sometimes the doctor may ask you to continue the dosage for some months so that you get complete relief. Physical exercise, relaxation breathing, meditation can also help. But the main idea here should be removing the cause of the symptom. Usually the fear. Cognitive Behavior Therapy will be useful for that. Techniques such as cognitive restructuring, positive imagery etc can restructure your thought pattern that causes the symptoms. Therefore, don't worry about the symptoms. Just because it is totally curable. All the best. Take care