Your symptoms might be attributed more to anxiety itself than any actual swallowing mechanism. There is a well documented phenomenon called Globus Sensation where an individual feels a constant sensation of a ball in the throat or difficulty swallowing for unclear physiological reasons. I cannot say for sure without further testing but I would encourage you to be patient to see if the sensation resolves. Other possibilities as you suggested include dehydration, for which I recommend continue with drinking fluids as you have. Alternatively, it could just be a dry environment where you live, try to use lozenges or throat drops to lubricate the areas of your throat that are dry. Dairy products are known to thicken mucous and salivatory fluid too. All in all, I would reassure you this isn t something to worry about. Hope that helps. Respectfully, Marco M. Zahedi M.D., M.P.H. Family Medicine