Welcome back. 

Many things can cause the felling you are having, including anxiety, GERD, etc. I read an article about Bulbar palsy and since your symptoms are not getting worse it is not from ALS. 

I was stuck in an elevator in my office building in March of 2025 for 4 hours. It was tough. The power went out and I left my cell phone in my office, and it was on a Sunday. I called the emergency phone in the elevator, but they would not call the fire department until the elevator technician called them back. It took forever and I had to urinate in the elevator. Finally, the fire department came and wedged the door open, and I was stuck between floors. I jumped on a stool they handed me and I was out. I have never taken the elevator again in my building. 

Many phobias can be brought on by past life experiences, etc. 

Hi NickThw, My bet is - it's a thought pattern that has become a habit.  You might have to retrain or try and smallow small bits of food without thinking. It's almost like developing a fear to something from a trauma.  It something you have to build through.