Why is our six year old daughter refusing to eat?

[Bikercouple]

My wife and I have an otherwise healthy and normal six year old daughter. Within the last couple of weeks, she has developed a fear of eating solid foods, says it feels as though something is stuck in her throat, and chews food endlessly before swallowing and then will only eat a bite or two. We've taken her to the Pediatrician and everything checks out fine, yet the problem continues. We're making organic fruit smoothies, which she will consume, but nothing solid. She's losing weight and we're worried sick. Any answers?

[TheLightSeeker]

Her Pediatrician has not been very helpful.
There are 4 main possibilities:
A. Dysphagia
B. Pseudo-dysphagia/fear of choking
C. Omophydroid muscle syndrome
D. Phagophobia (fear of swallowing)

B&D are similar and possibly stemming from a negative -choking?- experience (self or observed) but not necessarily.
There could be other underlying emotional/mental issues, which should be investigated.
C is often difficult to diagnose and so could be A.
Ask the Pediatrician to look into those and perhaps make a referral to see a specialist and/or therapist.
Best wishes,
Niko

[Bikercouple]

Thank you for taking the time to answer Niko. This gives us some place to start. Blessings to you and yours.