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

Dec 21, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Lu Cheng

Introduction

Under normal circumstances, the throat refers to the pharynx. A sensation of a foreign body in the throat may be caused by improper diet, excessive use of the voice, chronic pharyngitis, reflux esophagitis, tonsillar hypertrophy, or other similar reasons. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. In daily life, one should strengthen physical exercise, improve physical fitness, enhance immunity, and reduce the occurrence of respiratory infections.

Generally speaking, the throat refers to the pharynx. A sensation of a foreign body in the throat may be caused by improper diet, excessive voice use, chronic pharyngitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or enlarged tonsils. If discomfort occurs, timely medical consultation is recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Improper Diet

Consuming spicy, greasy, irritating foods, or food that is too hot or cold may irritate the pharyngeal mucosa, causing temporary discomfort and a sensation of a foreign body in the throat. Maintain healthy eating habits, avoid excessive intake of irritating foods, eat at moderate temperatures, chew food thoroughly, and eat slowly.

2. Excessive Voice Use

Extended periods of loud talking, shouting, singing, or continuous vocalization can fatigue the throat muscles, cause congestion and swelling of the pharyngeal mucosa, alter the normal physiological condition of the throat, and result in a sensation of a foreign body. It is recommended to manage vocal usage appropriately and avoid prolonged continuous speaking or singing.

3. Chronic Pharyngitis

Chronic pharyngitis often results from repeated episodes of acute pharyngitis, nasal or sinus diseases causing postnasal drip syndrome, or long-term smoking and alcohol consumption. Inflammatory stimulation keeps the pharyngeal mucosa in a state of chronic inflammation, leading to mucosal proliferation and thickening, as well as lymphoid follicle hyperplasia, which may cause a sensation of a foreign body. Symptoms may also include nausea and dry retching. Medications such as Watermelon Frost Throat Lozenges, Pharyngitis Tablets, and Qinghou Lisan Granules may be used under a doctor's guidance.

4. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

GERD may be caused by dysfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter, abnormal esophageal motility, delayed gastric emptying, and other factors that lead to reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus and even up to the throat. Refluxed gastric acid and pepsin irritate the pharyngeal mucosa, causing mucosal inflammation and edema, impairing normal sensory nerve function in the throat, and causing a sensation of a foreign body, often accompanied by heartburn and acid regurgitation. Patients may take medications such as Omeprazole Enteric-coated Capsules, Domperidone Tablets, and Hydrotalcite Chewable Tablets as directed by a physician.

5. Enlarged Tonsils

Recurrent episodes of tonsillitis may lead to hyperplasia and enlargement of the tonsils. Allergic reactions and genetic factors may also be contributing factors. Enlarged tonsils occupy space in the throat, stimulate nerve endings, and cause a sensation of a foreign body. Patients may also experience symptoms such as snoring and breathing pauses. If the enlargement is caused by inflammation and frequently recurs, surgical removal of the tonsils may be considered.

In daily life, it is important to strengthen physical exercise, enhance physical fitness, improve immunity, and reduce the occurrence of respiratory infections. Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing teeth morning and night and rinsing the mouth after meals to reduce bacterial growth and prevent throat infections.

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In general, whether hoarseness caused by a cold can recover depends on the specific situation. Hoarseness due to mild mucosal congestion usually resolves completely; however, if the vocal cords suffer severe damage or pathological changes, recovery becomes more difficult. Daily care should include adequate vocal rest, avoiding loud talking or singing. Drinking plenty of warm water helps keep the throat moist, while spicy or excessively hot foods should be avoided to prevent irritation.

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