Why does my throat feel like there's a foreign object stuck in it, causing a sensation of wanting to cough but unable to swallow it down? What should I do?

Generally speaking, the throat refers to the pharynx. A sensation of a foreign body in the throat that cannot be coughed out or swallowed may be caused by improper diet, excessive voice use, poor environmental conditions, chronic pharyngitis, chronic tonsillitis, and other factors. Treatment options include general therapy and medication, under the guidance of a physician. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Improper Diet

Consuming excessive spicy, greasy, or irritating foods or overeating can slow digestion in the stomach, easily causing acid reflux to the throat. The refluxed gastric acid irritates the pharyngeal mucosa, leading to mucosal congestion, swelling, and a sensation of a foreign body. It is important to maintain regular eating habits, avoid binge eating, and reduce consumption of spicy, greasy, and irritating foods.

2. Excessive Voice Use

Speaking loudly for prolonged periods, singing, shouting, or continuous talking can fatigue the throat muscles and cause frequent vibration and friction of the vocal cords. This leads to congestion and dryness of the pharyngeal mucosa, increased local sensitivity, and stimulation of nerve endings, resulting in a sensation of a foreign body in the throat that cannot be coughed out or swallowed. It is recommended to plan voice usage appropriately and avoid prolonged continuous vocalization.

3. Poor Environmental Conditions

Being in a dry, dusty, or polluted environment with irritating gases can directly stimulate the pharyngeal mucosa, triggering a mucosal stress response and causing a sensation of a foreign body in the throat. It is advisable to avoid staying in such adverse environments for extended periods. Using a humidifier indoors can help maintain moisture in the pharyngeal mucosa.

4. Chronic Pharyngitis

Chronic pharyngitis often results from repeated episodes of acute pharyngitis or long-term smoking and alcohol consumption. The throat remains in a state of chronic inflammation, with submucosal tissue hyperplasia and thickening. Increased sensitivity of nerve endings makes the throat prone to experiencing a foreign body sensation upon mild external stimulation or during normal physiological activities. This feeling is particularly noticeable during swallowing. It may also be accompanied by symptoms such as nausea and dry heaving. Treatment options include medications like Yinhuang Tablets, Pharyngitis Tablets, and Pudilan Xiaoyan Oral Liquid, under the guidance of a physician.

5. Chronic Tonsillitis

Chronic tonsillitis usually develops from unresolved recurrent episodes of acute tonsillitis or due to poor drainage of the tonsillar crypts, allowing bacterial and viral growth and infection. Long-term chronic inflammation of the tonsils leads to tissue hyperplasia and enlargement, directly irritating the throat and causing a sensation of a foreign body and difficulty swallowing, often accompanied by throat pain. Treatment typically involves medications such as Amoxicillin-Clavulanate Potassium Dispersible Tablets, Cetylpyridinium Iodide Tablets, and Compound Chlorhexidine Gargle, as directed by a physician.

In daily life, it is important to strengthen physical exercise to improve immunity and reduce the risk of illness. Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing teeth properly in the morning and evening, and rinsing the mouth promptly after meals to prevent bacterial growth.