Before I found this part out (and after the "it's some weird neuro glitch" part), I asked others on the board if they experienced choking as a result of spasms related to SD, and got about 1/2 dozen responses or so, so I'm assuming that the choking and the SD are most likely related. (at least to me it makes more sense that two neuro glitches affecting the same area are going to be related than unrelated) For me, the dysphagia issues revolve around choking unpredictably, usually in the middle of swallowing food or drink, or just after, but sometimes I also choke for no particular reason. I was told it was probably because with a delayed swallwoing reflex, there is a de-regulation in terms of the fluid level in my throat... I choke either when there is too much saliva, or not enough....

I had trouble swallowing for several years prior to the onset of SD symptoms. I go in every 2-3 years for the esophagul dilation (not sure that's what it's called but it sounded pretty clinical). I tend to have trouble swallowing breads, especially yeast rolls....pity. I have asked my ENT about a connection between that and SD; he pretty much shrugged.

Here's the reference:

I have since found though that dry, crumbly foods tend to be the worst thing when I'm having particular difficulty (it seems to wax and wane, much as my problems with SD do, only it never wanes completely anymore, as I discovered repeatedly (and still do) if I forgot, and tried to swallow WITHOUT thinking about it... that was a sure bet for choking)... I think every major choking fit I've had had been a result of either liquid, or tiny crumbly things like chocolate, or cookie dough, or cheezies, or things like that. ('course, I've also choked on rice, and larger things, but....) popcorn too can be bad 'cause of those kernal husks...

I have discovered one place in the back of my throat that is consistently trouble... if food falls in there I WILL choke guaranteed. (Interetingly, I also discovered at my last dentist's appointment that trying to drink while the freezing is in is a REALLY BAD IDEA!!! It caused quite a commotion that time! (I had been choking on the freezing getting into the bad spot in the back of my throat, so they offered me some water, and that made things worse!! I had NO CONTROL over where the water went! I discovered after I got home though that if I used a straw and the part of my mouth and throat that I COULD geel, then it was okay. That was when I discovered that I really need to be able to know where those parts of my anatomy are in order to be able to coordinate swallowing. I don't know if that's typical or just some weird glitch with my brain (there are enough of them). I don't remember ever having the same problem before last summer though (when the dysphagia started).

For me, besides the usual chin tuck, smaller bits, and lots of liquid to wash food down, I've also found it prudent to not try to eat and talk even in close proximity to each other anymore, never mind talk while eating, because that also is guaranteed to provoke choking; I just don't seem to have the coordination for it anymore.

One in 100 people are sensitive to sulfites. Most people with sulfite sensitivities are also sensitive to MSG and aspartame (nutrasweet). Do a search for foods that contain sulfites and MSG. It's a lot.

For example, salad dressings (MSG), fresh grapes (sprayed with sulfites), many chips and dips, wine, beer, peanuts (read the label), dried fruit (sulfites), and on and on.