Today, I want to talk about something many people with swallowing anxiety or fear of choking ask:

“Is this just anxiety or could it be something physical? And when should I push for more medical tests?”

When You Don’t Feel Okay — Who Do You See?

When you’re dealing with an uncomfortable symptom — whether it’s fear of swallowing, a lump in the throat, or choking anxiety — one of the first questions you’ll probably ask is:

“Who do I go to? A doctor? A psychiatrist? A psychologist?”

Asking that question is already a great first step. It shows that you’re acknowledging there’s a problem that needs attention.

Start with Medical Checks

It’s totally okay — and often wise — to start with a medical professional. There may be a physical cause behind your symptoms: throat infection, acid reflux, inflammation, or something else.

Tests like:

• Barium swallow
• Endoscopy
• ENT evaluations

…can help rule out physical conditions. Of course, I’m not a doctor — this isn’t medical advice — but based on experience and research, it’s valid to pursue these tests first.

When Do You Stop Pushing for More Tests?

Sometimes, tests lead to a dead end. The doctor says, “Everything’s fine.” You’ve done multiple scans. No lump. No obstruction. Nothing to suggest a serious issue.

That’s when it might be time to stop chasing physical answers — and start looking at psychological ones.

It doesn’t mean you can’t go for more tests if you really feel the need to — but if every test says you’re fine, yet the fear is still there, it’s time to explore what your mind is holding onto.

What If the Tests Don’t Reassure You?

This is where many people get stuck.

You might feel:

• “I’ve done the tests… but I still don’t feel okay.”
• “Doctors say I’m fine, but I feel like I’m dying every time I swallow.”
• “What if they missed something?”

When fear takes over, the mind starts steering the wheel. It tells you, “Do another test,” not necessarily because you need it — but because the mind is avoiding something deeper. It’s trying to protect you from change, uncertainty, or looking inward.

And here’s the truth:
 The mind prefers familiar patterns — even if those patterns are fear-based.

When Fear Becomes the Loop

If your anxiety has been there a long time, your trust in healing or even in doctors can get low. You may find yourself repeating the same cycle — more tests, more appointments — but still stuck in fear.

At that point, the mind isn’t looking for healing.
 It’s just avoiding change.

A Real-Life Example

I worked with a client recently who had chronic pain for years. She’d tried every test and treatment — even surgeries — hoping the next thing would be her cure.

What we uncovered together was powerful:
 She had lost faith in healing.

She didn’t actually believe she could heal. That belief was feeding her fear and pain more than anything else.

Once she faced that, things began to shift — without needing to chase another treatment.

So, What’s the Balance?

1. ✅ Do the tests — especially at the beginning.
2. 🚦 If the results say you’re fine physically, pause.
3. 🧠 Start exploring the psychological root — fear, trauma, beliefs, etc.
4. 🔁 If fear still lingers, and you feel another test would help — go for it. But do it intentionally, not out of panic.

Final Thoughts

The key takeaway is:
 Push for more tests when it feels medically necessary — but also be aware if you’re avoiding the deeper fear underneath.

Sometimes, the real healing begins when you stop searching out there and start looking in here.

Have you done tests for swallowing anxiety or fear of choking? What’s been your experience?