Why does it feel like there is an obstruction in the throat when swallowing saliva, and what should be done?

Generally, the throat refers to the pharynx. A feeling of obstruction in the pharynx when swallowing saliva may be related to不良生活习惯, mental stress, reflux pharyngitis, chronic pharyngitis, tonsillar hypertrophy, and other factors. It is recommended to seek timely medical consultation and receive general treatment, medication, or other treatments under a physician's guidance. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Unhealthy lifestyle habits

Long-term smoking, alcohol consumption, or intake of irritating foods may irritate the throat mucosa, causing a sensation of obstruction during swallowing. It is recommended to maintain healthy lifestyle habits, quit smoking, limit alcohol consumption, and avoid consuming spicy or irritating foods.

2. Mental stress

Being in a state of prolonged mental tension or excessive life stress may lead to neurogenic swallowing disorders, resulting in a feeling of obstruction when swallowing saliva. It is helpful to practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga to relieve mental stress.

3. Reflux pharyngitis

Reflux pharyngitis may be caused by gastric contents flowing back into the pharynx. Refluxed substances such as gastric acid can damage the pharyngeal mucosa, causing inflammation and a foreign body sensation. Symptoms typically include hoarseness, difficulty speaking, and throat pain. Medications such as omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, hydrotalcite chewable tablets, and domperidone tablets may be used under medical guidance for treatment.

4. Chronic pharyngitis

Chronic pharyngitis is usually caused by long-term irritation from smoking and alcohol consumption, environmental pollution, and other factors. Chronic congestion of the pharyngeal mucosa and lymphoid follicle hyperplasia may lead to a feeling of obstruction when swallowing saliva. Symptoms often include coughing, nausea, and a dry throat. Medications such as Yinhuang tablets, pharyngitis tablets, and compound borax mouthwash may be used under a physician's guidance for treatment.

5. Tonsillar hypertrophy

Tonsillar hypertrophy is usually caused by repeated episodes of tonsillitis. The enlarged tonsils occupy pharyngeal space, causing a sensation of obstruction during swallowing. Symptoms may also include mouth breathing, snoring during sleep, and throat pain. Medications such as amoxicillin capsules, compound chlorhexidine mouthwash, and Pudilan anti-inflammatory oral liquid may be used under medical guidance for treatment.

Maintain healthy lifestyle habits in daily life, avoid excessive voice use, keep the throat moist, and undergo regular physical examinations to maintain throat health.