I can't stop swallowing and I'm not sure if I should fight the urge to ignore it or just swallow

[reneeh63]

Originally Posted by Parnassia

Interesting. Thanks.

According to the article people normally swallow about 10-12 times per minute, or once every 5-6 seconds. OP, you are right there on "normal" with your 10 seconds. Maybe that will reassure you?

Though the frequency may be within normal limits the fact that OP is noticing it due to his throat being so dry and tight may be the REAL issue. Need to find the reason behind the discomfort - dehydrated, dry mouth, irritation due to allergies or something else?

[Parnassia]

Originally Posted by reneeh63

Though the frequency may be within normal limits the fact that OP is noticing it due to his throat being so dry and tight may be the REAL issue. Need to find the reason behind the discomfort - dehydrated, dry mouth, irritation due to allergies or something else?

Agree. I just pulled that little bit out of the article to suggest that the OP's swallowing frequency wasn't abnormal or something more to worry about. Hopefully you'll be off that mental hamster wheel soon OP!

[Parnassia]

Originally Posted by brixx1990

This definitely does. I think we all swallow all the time unconsciously but I think when you focus on one of your bodily functions too much you feel you do it more, but reality is we swallow all the time. Approaching this situation in a non-judgmental way and accepting the fact that it is normal is making me feel better. Thank you SO much for your reply.

Great! Glad to hear it! I suppose it's a bit like having a lingering cough...you get so focused on the darned thing there's an illusion that you can't survive WITHOUT coughing every second.

I read an interesting article about habits...how they form and how to get rid of one you don't want. It takes longer to form or break them than previously thought. It also discussed how to break a bad habit by replacing it with a better one. If you want to stop eating a dessert, eat something pleasant but healthier instead. Keep it up and you'll find your habit has been replaced.

All fine if you don't mind finding that you can't end a meal without eating a carrot!

[Chint]

Originally Posted by brixx1990

I definitely agree. I think a great approach to this is in a non-judgmental way. If my body needs to swallow, then I will. I will not resist the urge and eventually I will get used to it instead of trying so hard to fight it off. It may be related to post nasal drip or allergies. Thank you so much for your reply. It is easy to Google stuff, however, it usually tends to freak out people more!

That's not really an appropriate use of the word judgmental - you are misleading yourself. That's starting to sound like some hokey ultra-left wing sociology professor made-up pseudointellectual claptrap. Is a doctor in the ER diagnosing, I mean judging you, being judgmental?


If this continues you should go to a doctor. If it abates of its own accord, well good for you.