What causes a sudden feeling of throat blockage and difficulty breathing?

Generally, sudden throat blockage accompanied by difficulty breathing may be caused by allergies, tonsillitis, acute laryngitis, or other reasons. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Allergy

Exposure to allergens such as foods (e.g., peanuts, soybeans, milk) or environmental factors (e.g., pollen, house dust, mites) may trigger an allergic reaction, leading to symptoms such as chest tightness, shortness of breath, and swelling of the tongue or pharynx. Other manifestations may include eczema or flat papules. Patients should avoid contact with known allergens and, under medical guidance, may use medications such as loratadine capsules or cetirizine hydrochloride tablets for treatment.

2. Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis may result from decreased immunity due to habits such as heavy smoking or excessive alcohol consumption. Patients may experience fever, sore throat, throat pain, and even difficulty swallowing or breathing. When suffering from tonsillitis, individuals may feel a sensation of something blocking the throat, making it hard to breathe. In such cases, patients may take medications like amoxicillin capsules or azithromycin dispersible tablets as directed by a physician.

3. Acute Laryngitis

Patients with acute laryngitis may experience symptoms including sore throat and a foreign body sensation, often accompanied by hoarseness and coughing. Treatment may include medications such as cefixime dispersible tablets or compound borax mouthwash, used according to medical advice.

Besides the above three causes, throat blockage and breathing difficulties could also result from foreign bodies in the throat, acute epiglottitis, laryngeal cancer, or other conditions. It is recommended that patients promptly visit a hospital to determine the underlying cause and receive timely treatment from qualified medical professionals to prevent disease progression.