choking and suffocating

I'm now officially afraid to be alone. For years now I have experienced choking fits every once in awhile, now it happens at least twice a week. Last night I was sitting watching tv and I said two words to my husband and my throat closed up. It feels like an air bubble blocking my air way. I'm suffocating! I have never choked on food it just comes on randomly.  I've scared my daughter and my son so many times lately that I don't want to be alone with them anymore. What is it?  Please help!!

[Paderla Anitha, DNB]

Hello and hope you are doing well.

The common causes for choking episodes could be enlarged tonsils and GERD. Gastro esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is caused due to reflux of acid from the stomach into the esophagus. It can also happen due to iron deficiency anemia causing Plummer-Vinson syndrome, where there changes to the soft lining of the throat.

You will need to consult your primary care physician who will examine your throat and may ask for some tests like barium swallow or endoscopy to determine the cause for your symptoms.

Hope this helped and do keep us posted.