Case 17-2017: A 14-Year-Old Boy with Acute Fear of Choking while Swallowing

A 14-year-old boy was seen in the emergency department because he had a fear of choking while swallowing that had lasted for 2 days. On examination, he was alert and appeared to be anxious, with involuntary burping and drooling. Diagnostic tests were performed. Presentation of Case Dr. Juliana Mariani (Pediatrics): A 14-year-old boy was seen in the emergency department of this hospital because of fear of choking while swallowing. The patient had been well until 2 days before admission, when he choked while eating a piece of chicken during dinner. He became fearful of swallowing and was unable to finish the meal despite cutting his food into small pieces. The next day, he vomited after trying to eat ice cream, and his daily fluid intake decreased to only 710 ml (24 oz) of water. He reportedly needed his mother near him throughout the . . .