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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Having Anxiety Problems. Feared For Drinking Water Down The Wrong Pipe. What Is The Possibility?

hi! i m 17 and i have having anxiety problems and also i m afraid of choking or aspiration pneumonia . while drinking water earlier i unconsiously swallow a little amount but i didnt choke or cough (but i m coughing purpoesly) since then i m having negative thoughts that it might have went down the wrong pipe... i m extremly afraid now for even swallowing my saliva or goin to sleep. plzzzzzzzz i need help... i m i too afraid or anxious or is there a possibility it went through the wrong pipe
Tue, 10 Jul 2012
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
If you have had tests that prove that there is nothing wrong with your mechanism of swallowing, then you are likely suffering from an anxiety disorder called hypochondriasis. This is a disorder that manifests as feelings that something is medically wrong, even when the person has had extensive tests proving that there is nothing at all medically wrong. The treatment for hypochondriasis is psychotherapy and psychotropic medications that treat anxiety, such as sertraline and paroxetine or fluvoxamine. I suggest you see an ENT surgeon first to make sure there is nothing physically wrong with you. If after seeing the surgeon, it is determined that nothing is physically wrond, you should of course consult a psychiatrist regarding your fears and anxieties. I hope this answers your concerns! Best of luck and do try to feel better!
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Having Anxiety Problems. Feared For Drinking Water Down The Wrong Pipe. What Is The Possibility?

If you have had tests that prove that there is nothing wrong with your mechanism of swallowing, then you are likely suffering from an anxiety disorder called hypochondriasis. This is a disorder that manifests as feelings that something is medically wrong, even when the person has had extensive tests proving that there is nothing at all medically wrong. The treatment for hypochondriasis is psychotherapy and psychotropic medications that treat anxiety, such as sertraline and paroxetine or fluvoxamine. I suggest you see an ENT surgeon first to make sure there is nothing physically wrong with you. If after seeing the surgeon, it is determined that nothing is physically wrond, you should of course consult a psychiatrist regarding your fears and anxieties. I hope this answers your concerns! Best of luck and do try to feel better!