What causes a sensation of blockage in the throat among elderly individuals, and how should it be managed?

Generally, if elderly individuals feel a sensation of something blocking their throat, it could be caused by allergies, pharyngitis, reflux esophagitis, tonsillitis, or throat tumors. Targeted treatments are usually required. Specific causes are analyzed as follows:

1. Allergies

Exposure to allergens such as pollen, dust mites, or pet dander may trigger allergic laryngeal itching and congestion. Allergic reactions can also cause a sensation of a foreign body in the throat. Under medical guidance, patients may take medications such as cetirizine hydrochloride tablets or loratadine granules for treatment.

2. Pharyngitis

Elderly individuals generally have lower immunity than average, making the pharynx more susceptible to bacterial or viral infections. This may lead to inflammatory reactions in the pharyngeal mucosa, resulting in pharyngitis. Inflammation can cause redness and swelling of the pharyngeal mucosa, leading the elderly to feel a blockage in the throat. Antibiotics such as amoxicillin capsules or cefixime capsules may be used under medical supervision.

3. Reflux Esophagitis

Lying down immediately after eating may cause stomach contents to reflux into the esophagus, damaging the esophageal mucosa and causing erosion or ulceration—leading to reflux esophagitis. This condition often results in a noticeable feeling of throat blockage in elderly individuals. Treatment typically involves medications that suppress gastric acid secretion, such as omeprazole enteric-coated capsules or lansoprazole enteric-coated capsules, taken as directed by a physician.

4. Tonsillitis

Long-term malnutrition in the elderly can lead to weakened resistance, making it easier for viruses or bacteria to invade the tonsils and cause tonsillitis. Inflammatory stimulation may result in swollen tonsils. Enlarged tonsils can obstruct the junction between the oral cavity and the pharynx, producing a distinct sensation of a foreign body in the throat. Medications such as ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets or roxithromycin tablets may be prescribed under medical guidance.

5. Throat Tumors

A blocked sensation in the throat may also be one of the symptoms of a throat tumor. The incidence of laryngeal cancer is relatively high among the elderly, and the presence of a tumor may cause a persistent sensation of a foreign body in the throat. It is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and, under medical advice, consider surgical treatment.

If symptoms are severe, patients should seek prompt medical attention to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment. It is advisable to maintain healthy lifestyle habits and avoid spicy or irritating foods, which may hinder recovery.