Why do i keep swallowing

The guard is worn while sleeping to keep the throat open. Benign or cancerous lesions or tumors in the throat can narrow the esophagus and make it difficult to swallow saliva, triggering choking. Your doctor can use an imaging test, like an MRI or CT scan, to check for lesions or tumors in your throat. Treatment may involve surgically removing a tumor, or radiation or chemotherapy to shrink cancerous growths.

Other symptoms of a tumor can include:. The salivary glands produce more saliva when nerves in the mouth detect a foreign object like food. If you wear dentures , your brain might mistake your dentures for food and increase saliva production. Too much saliva in your mouth could cause occasional choking. Saliva production may slow down as your body adjusts to the dentures.

If not, see your doctor. Your dentures may be too tall for your mouth or not fitted to your bite. This can lead to difficulty swallowing and choking on saliva. Other symptoms of a neurological problem may include:. Doctors use a variety of tests to check for neurological disorders. These include imaging tests, such as a CT scan and MRI, as well as nerve tests, such as an electromyography. An electromyography checks muscle response to nerve stimulation.

Treatment depends on the neurological disorder. Your doctor may prescribe medication to reduce saliva production and teach techniques to improve swallowing. Medications to reduce saliva secretion include glycopyrrolate Robinul and scopolamine, also known as hyoscine. Choking on saliva can also occur after heavy alcohol use.

Alcohol is a depressant. Consuming too much alcohol can slow muscle response. Being unconscious or incapacitated from consuming too much alcohol can cause saliva to pool in the back of the mouth instead of flowing down the throat. Sleeping with your head elevated can improve saliva flow and prevent choking. Saliva production continues as you talk.

To prevent choking, speak slowly and swallow in between phrases or sentences. Thick mucus or saliva triggered by allergies or respiratory problems may not easily flow down your throat. Dysphagia may mean that you avoid eating and drinking due to a fear of choking, which can lead to malnutrition and dehydration.

Dysphagia can also affect your quality of life because it may prevent you from enjoying meals and social occasions. If children with long-term dysphagia aren't eating enough, they may not get the essential nutrients they need for physical and mental development.

Children who have difficulty eating may also find meal times stressful, which may lead to behavioural problems. Our guide to care and support explains your options and where you can get support. Page last reviewed: 04 March Next review due: 04 March Dysphagia is the medical term for swallowing difficulties. Depending on the cause, the treatment can include certain types of therapies, medications, and home remedies. In extreme cases, surgery may be considered. Therapy : This can include behavioral modification and speech therapy.

People experiencing hypersalivation may benefit from help with posture and head control. They can also learn techniques for lip closure, better tongue control, and swallowing. Medication : The aim of medication for hypersalivation is to reduce salvia production.

Anticholinergic medication may be used, although it has a range of side effects, including drowsiness, restlessness, irritability, urinary retention, constipation , and flushing. Treatment can also include a beta-blocker or botulinum toxin Botox. Home remedies : Drinking plenty of water can reduce saliva production. Tooth-brushing and rinsing with mouthwash can also temporarily dry out the mouth. Some causes of hypersalivation may clear up over time without treatment.

Such causes include pregnancy, anxiety, and minor injuries. Other causes can pose more serious medical challenges. This category includes neurological causes and nerve disorders. Read the article in Spanish. Throat clearing is a normal response to irritation. However, frequent throat clearing can be a symptom of an underlying condition. Unfortunately, post-nasal drainage can cause throat irritation and trigger you to swallow.

Elevating yourself may help you limit this effect. Position extra pillows or an extra blanket under your head so your upper body is propped up.

See your doctor for a severe or long-lasting sore throat. Most sore throats are caused by common viruses and pass within around days. If your sore throat is extremely painful or lasts for more than 7 days, though, contact your doctor. Also call your doctor if you experience symptoms like a high fever, chills, or breathing difficulties.

Kids age are most at risk for developing strep throat and similar bacterial infections. Method 4. Talk to your doctor if swallowing causes you anxiety. Swallowing is a common sensorimotor disorder —a greatly increased awareness of an unconscious bodily function that causes tremendous anxiety.

If this sounds like your experience with swallowing, give your doctor a call. You might experience great anxiety when swallowing anything, or be particularly anxious about swallowing saliva. Your doctor may refer you to an OCD spectrum expert, who in turn will work with you to devise treatments and techniques to handle your unique condition.

These techniques help you to spread your awareness to your entire body, rather than focusing so much on swallowing. Body scanning involves drawing your focus to individual body parts in a sequential process. Similarly, mindfulness involves bringing your attention to all the sensory experiences you are having in the present moment. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Related wikiHows How to Grow Taller. How to. More References 9.

About This Article. Medically reviewed by:. Co-authors: 5. Updated: April 5, Categories: Health. Medical Disclaimer The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment.