Why does it feel like something is blocking my throat when I exercise, and what should I do about it?

Jun 05, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Xu Gang

Introduction

The term "sore throat" refers to the pharynx. A sensation of blockage in the throat during exercise may be caused by overly intense physical activity, upper respiratory tract infection, chronic pharyngitis, tonsillar hypertrophy, or epiglottic cyst, among other conditions, and requires targeted treatment. Besides these causes, similar symptoms can also arise from hypertensive heart disease, lung tumors, and other conditions. It is recommended to drink plenty of water in daily life and avoid strenuous exercise.

　　1. Overly Intense Exercise

　　If running duration is too long or exercise intensity is excessive, inhaling large amounts of air through an open mouth can lead to this sensation. Generally, no special treatment is required. It is recommended to gradually slow down, stop exercising, drink more water, and symptoms will usually resolve on their own.

　　2. Upper Respiratory Tract Infection

　　Upper respiratory tract infections may be caused by pathogens such as bacteria or viruses. Inflammatory changes in the nasal passages and pharynx under such conditions can result in a blocked throat sensation. Under medical guidance, patients may take medications such as amoxicillin capsules or cefixime dispersible tablets for treatment.

　　3. Chronic Pharyngitis

　　Chronic pharyngitis may result from inflammatory changes in the pharyngeal mucosa. Inflammatory factors can irritate the mucosal lining of the throat, leading to symptoms such as sore throat, dryness, and a foreign body sensation. Running may exacerbate this irritation, causing the aforementioned sensation. Under medical supervision, medications such as cefuroxime axetil tablets or ribavirin capsules may be used for treatment.

　　4. Tonsillar Hypertrophy

　　Tonsillar enlargement may occur due to heightened immune activity, tonsillar cysts, tonsillar tumors, or acute and chronic tonsillar inflammation. When the pharyngeal space becomes significantly narrowed and affects normal swallowing, patients may feel as though their throat is blocked. Patients may follow medical advice to take oral medications such as acetaminophen tablets or azithromycin dispersible tablets to alleviate symptoms.

　　5. Epiglottic Cyst

　　When mucus glands in areas such as the vallecula, lingual surface of the epiglottis, or aryepiglottic folds become obstructed, mucus retention cysts can form. As the cyst enlarges, it may compress the epiglottis, creating a sensation of throat blockage. If the cyst is large and affects breathing or eating, surgical removal at a正规 hospital should be considered.

　　In addition to the above causes, conditions such as hypertensive heart disease or lung tumors may also produce similar symptoms. It is recommended to drink plenty of water daily, avoid strenuous exercise, and maintain a balanced lifestyle with adequate rest and activity.

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Does the face not sweating during exercise mean the pores are clogged?

In general, the absence of facial sweating during exercise is not necessarily due to clogged pores; judgment should be based on specific symptoms. If accompanied by rough skin and frequent acne, clogged pores may be the cause. However, if only the face fails to sweat while other body areas sweat normally, it is likely related to individual differences or exercise intensity. For daily care, maintain proper facial cleansing, use gentle cleansers, and regularly exfoliate to remove dead skin cells, helping prevent excess oil buildup.