What causes a sensation of a foreign body in the throat?

Generally, a sensation of a foreign body in the throat may be caused by factors such as muscle tension in the pharynx, dry environments, chronic pharyngitis, reflux esophagitis, or enlarged tonsils. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Muscle Tension in the Throat

Emotional stress, anxiety, or prolonged loud speaking can lead to muscle tension in the throat, causing a sensation of a foreign body. Relaxing the mind, getting appropriate rest, and avoiding overuse of the vocal cords are recommended. Deep breathing exercises and gentle throat massage may also help relieve symptoms.

2. Dry Environment

Excessively dry air, especially during winter or in air-conditioned rooms, can cause the throat's mucous membranes to dry out, resulting in a foreign body sensation. It is important to maintain moderate indoor humidity, drink plenty of water, and use a humidifier.

3. Chronic Pharyngitis

Long-term smoking, alcohol consumption, or inhalation of harmful gases may lead to chronic pharyngitis, damaging the throat's mucous membranes and causing a sensation of a foreign body. This may be accompanied by symptoms such as sore throat, cough, and hoarseness. Treatment under a doctor’s guidance may include medications such as amoxicillin capsules, Yinhuang lozenges, or pharyngitis tablets.

4. Reflux Esophagitis

Delayed gastric emptying may trigger reflux esophagitis, allowing stomach acid to flow back into the throat, irritating the mucosa, causing inflammation and a foreign body sensation. Symptoms may also include chest pain, heartburn, and belching. It is recommended to follow medical advice and take medications such as omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, famotidine tablets, or rabeprazole sodium enteric-coated capsules.

5. Enlarged Tonsils (Tonsillar Hypertrophy)

Inflammation in nearby organs such as the nasal cavity, sinuses, or tonsils may spread to the nasopharynx, leading to enlarged tonsils. This can compress surrounding tissues, affecting swallowing and breathing and producing a foreign body sensation. Symptoms may include difficulty swallowing and snoring. Under medical guidance, treatment may involve low-temperature plasma ablation surgery, which removes the tonsils by ablating connective tissue within the tonsillar capsule using low-temperature plasma.

In daily life, modifying lifestyle habits—such as avoiding eating immediately before lying down, reducing intake of high-fat foods, and drinking sufficient water—is recommended. When undergoing the above procedures, it is advisable to visit a reputable hospital and have the procedure performed under the guidance of a qualified physician to ensure safety and effectiveness.