@rwinney, Your new "trick" has been around my neighborhood for more than a year. It started when I flew home to CA right before the big fire last summer. My granddaughter drove me up the mountain.

Shortly after we arrived, we got the notice to evacuate. We were just finishing our breakfast at the Plant Food Supper Club (cool place). I was pretty anxious and that is when it started...could not swallow and I panicked because of the discomfort. My granddaughter told me not to talk so much and it would get better because I was sucking air too fast........and I think she was right. Evidently I was taking in too much air because of the anxiety. Now I know how to stop the esophageal swallowing issue. If I have problems, a few moments of MFR (myofascial release therapy) will calm everything down. My MFR therapist told me it is not an uncommon problem. First step to try is meditation. Just ramp everything down.....
Be at ease with your body. Chris