What causes a sensation of a foreign body in the throat?
Dec 27, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lu Cheng
Introduction
A sensation of a foreign body in the throat may be caused by improper diet, poor environment, chronic pharyngitis, tonsillitis, epiglottic cysts, or other factors. If discomfort occurs, timely medical attention is recommended. Eating too quickly, overeating, or consuming irritating foods, such as spicy, greasy, or hard foods, may cause food residue to remain temporarily in the throat or irritate the throat mucosa, leading to a sensation of a foreign body.
Generally, a sensation of a foreign body in the throat may be caused by improper diet, poor environmental conditions, chronic pharyngitis, tonsillitis, or epiglottic cysts. If discomfort occurs, timely medical attention is recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Improper Diet
Eating too quickly, overeating, or consuming irritating foods such as spicy, greasy, or hard foods may cause food residue to temporarily remain in the throat or irritate the throat mucosa, leading to a sensation of a foreign body. It is important to develop the habit of chewing food thoroughly and eating slowly, avoid overeating, and reduce the intake of irritating foods.
2. Poor Environmental Conditions
If one is in a dry, dusty, or irritating gaseous environment, the throat mucosa may become irritated, dry, and sensitive, potentially causing a foreign body sensation. It is recommended to avoid staying in such unfavorable environments for extended periods. If unavoidable, wear a protective mask and maintain indoor air humidity.
3. Chronic Pharyngitis
Chronic pharyngitis is often caused by repeated episodes of acute pharyngitis, nasal or sinus diseases causing postnasal drip that chronically irritates the throat, long-term smoking or alcohol consumption, or inhalation of harmful gases. Repeated inflammation can irritate the throat mucosa, leading to mucosal thickening, lymphoid follicle hyperplasia, and a sensation of a foreign body. Patients may also experience symptoms such as throat itching and dry cough. Treatment may include medications such as Jinzhi Throat Tablets, Qinghou Liyan Granules, or Compound Borax Mouthwash, under a doctor's guidance.
4. Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis may be caused by bacterial or viral infections, leading to redness, swelling, and enlargement of the tonsils. Sometimes, the surface may also have purulent discharge. The enlarged tonsils and their secretions can irritate the throat, causing a foreign body sensation, along with symptoms such as throat pain and fever. Patients may follow medical advice to use medications such as Amoxicillin Clavulanate Potassium Dispersible Tablets, Cefaclor Capsules, or Pudilan Xiaoyan Oral Liquid for treatment.
5. Epiglottic Cyst
Epiglottic cysts are often caused by congenital developmental abnormalities, chronic inflammatory irritation of the throat, or mechanical stimulation, which block the mucus glands of the epiglottis and cause mucus retention and cyst formation. As the cyst enlarges, it occupies space in the throat, causing a foreign body sensation and possibly accompanied by difficulty swallowing. Patients may follow medical advice to undergo surgical removal of the cyst to eliminate the discomfort caused by the cyst's presence and irritation of surrounding tissues, restoring the normal anatomical structure and physiological function of the epiglottis.
In daily life, it is important to maintain a regular schedule, strengthen physical exercise to enhance immunity, maintain oral hygiene, and reduce the risk of throat infections.
