Dealing with an anxious cough & overactive pharyngeal reflex

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Does anyone else have a cough and/or a very, very sensitive pharyngeal reflex that flares up when you're anxious? Right before a job interview (F2F or online), right before you've to head out to run an errand, even in a familiar neighbourhood. That sort of thing.

I've had it for a while now but it feels like it's getting progressively worse and either malady is easily triggered these days. I've access to propranolol due to my hyperthyroidism, but it doesn't do anything at all. All I have are mints to relieve the symptoms (I've given a lot of my money to Wrigley's over the years) momentarily. Even then it doesn't look good on me to keep popping mints during an interview just to suppress the reflex. And I feel like they're slowly losing their efficacy over time...

Just how do you guys deal with it?

I'm no doctor yet, but since it's triggered by anxiety the best way to deal with it is CBT and stress management.
Maybe try herbs e.g lemon balm if anxiety medication is not an option. I used to deal with the same problem but it's less dramatic when I take Atarax(hydroxizin which is antihistamine).

I believe you can make yourself less sensitive to the reflex by brushing your tongue with a toothbrush.

Also, do you have stomach problems by any chance? Acid reflux makes gag reflex worse or just causes it and generally when you're in stress the body produces much more gastric acid.

Hope you get better

I know it sounds cliché, but try to take it easy. Focus on activities that bring you joy to limit negative thoughts. Sleep is important as well so be sure to get plenty of that. And don't feel guilty for taking your time to rest properly. Avoid caffeine and sugar. Nowadays we're all living too fast and living up to often exaggerated NT's expectations isn't helpful either.

I've found that most of the time I'm being too hard on myself. I will beat myself up because I couldn't focus on my obligations thanks to the stress which led me to massive meltdowns and burnout.

Self-compassion is the key ability to learn in hard times. It's okay that you experience anxiety when you're about to approach stressful situations, the body reacts like that to warn you of possible danger. I recommend practicing breathing exercises and meditation, too. Maybe listen to relaxing binaural beats - they work for me.

I'm sure it's just temporary and you'll get over it soon tho.

Just a thought. Could it be propranolol that's the issue? Am I taking it too soon before I head out?

Have you ever had singing lessons? Maybe doing throat loosening vocal exercises before you need to do a lot of talking would help.

I'm sure you could find some tutorials online.

Has anyone tried acupuncture?

I've heard that making your left hand into a fist puts pressure on a point that prevents the reflex from triggering. Hasn't quite worked out for me, however.

I went to a GP and was prescribed lorazepam as a quick fix. Fingers crossed...

Lorazepam didn't really work. Didn't feel any less anxious.