Pain and foreign body sensation in the left upper throat
May 24, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xu Gang
Introduction
In general, the throat is a collective term referring to the pharynx and larynx. Pain with a foreign body sensation in the upper left side of the throat may be caused by conditions such as pharyngitis, tonsillitis, or embedded foreign objects. Other causes include oral ulcers, glossopharyngeal neuralgia, and pharyngeal papillomas, which can also lead to a sensation of a foreign body on the left side of the throat accompanied by pain. Regarding diet, avoid spicy and irritating foods, drink plenty of water, and engage in moderate exercise.
Generally, the throat refers to the combined pharynx and larynx. Pain with a foreign body sensation in the upper left side of the throat may be caused by pharyngitis, tonsillitis, or foreign body impaction, among other reasons. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Pharyngitis
Pharyngitis is usually caused by viral or bacterial infections and refers to inflammation of the mucous membranes and underlying lymphoid tissues in the throat. Common clinical symptoms include dryness of the throat, difficulty swallowing, and throat pain, which can lead to pain and a sensation of a foreign body in the upper left part of the throat. Treatment typically involves taking anti-inflammatory and throat-soothing medications as directed by a physician, such as Pudilan Anti-inflammatory Capsules or Qinghou Liyan Granules. Lozenges may also help relieve discomfort, for example, Yinhuan Lozenges or Guilin Watermelon Frost Lozenges.
2. Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis is a common upper respiratory tract infection, possibly caused by bacterial infection or frequent consumption of spicy and irritating foods. When the tonsils become inflamed, they may swell, become congested, and cause pain, primarily manifesting as throat discomfort and sore throat. For tonsillitis caused by viruses, medications such as Lanqin Oral Liquid or Pudilan Anti-inflammatory Oral Liquid may be used under medical guidance. Antibiotics may also be prescribed to prevent complications, including amoxicillin or norfloxacin capsules, as directed by a doctor. In cases of severe complications, recurrent infections, or ineffective drug treatment, surgical intervention—such as tonsillectomy—may be considered.
3. Foreign Body Impaction
While eating foods containing bones or spines (e.g., fish), bone fragments or spines may accidentally lodge in the upper left area of the throat, causing throat pain and a foreign body sensation. This may also be accompanied by difficulty swallowing or breathing. If the foreign object is visible when saying "ah" with the mouth open, it may be removed directly using forceps. If the object is deeply lodged, it is recommended to go to the hospital, where removal can be performed under indirect laryngoscopy using specialized forceps. When the object cannot be easily visualized via indirect laryngoscopy, a fiberoptic laryngoscope may be used; this instrument allows passage of grasping forceps through its channel to extract the object. In the most severe cases, removal under anesthesia using a suspension laryngoscope may be required.
In addition, conditions such as oral ulcers, glossopharyngeal neuralgia, and pharyngeal papillomas may also cause a foreign body sensation and pain on the left side of the throat. Regarding diet, avoid spicy and irritating foods, drink plenty of water, and engage in moderate physical activity. If symptoms do not improve, it is advisable to visit an otolaryngology department at a hospital for accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment to prevent disease progression.
