Why does my throat feel like there's a foreign object even though it doesn't hurt, and what should I do?

Generally speaking, the throat refers to the pharynx. A sensation of a foreign body in the throat without pain may be caused by dietary factors, emotional factors, chronic pharyngitis, reflux laryngitis, epiglottic cysts, and other reasons. Treatment options include general therapy, medication, and surgery, under the guidance of a physician. If discomfort persists, timely medical consultation is recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Dietary Factors

Consuming excessive spicy, greasy, irritating, or overly hot foods may irritate the mucous membrane of the throat, leading to mild inflammatory reactions or mucosal congestion and edema, thereby causing a foreign body sensation. In daily life, avoid such foods, maintain a bland diet, consume more vegetables and fruits, and drink plenty of water to reduce throat irritation.

2. Emotional Factors

When the body remains in a state of tension, anxiety, depression, or other negative emotions for a prolonged period, it can cause dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system, resulting in tension in the throat muscles and a sensation of a foreign body. It is important to maintain a positive mindset in daily life and relieve stress through appropriate exercise, listening to music, traveling, and other activities to keep a pleasant mood.

3. Chronic Pharyngitis

Chronic pharyngitis is mainly caused by repeated episodes of acute pharyngitis, various nasal diseases, chronic respiratory tract inflammation, long-term mouth breathing, poor lifestyle habits, and other factors. Inflammatory stimulation leads to mucosal congestion and lymphoid follicle hyperplasia in the throat, resulting in a foreign body sensation. Common symptoms also include dryness, itching in the throat, and irritative coughing. Treatment options include compound borax mouthwash, Pharyngitis Tablets, Qinghou Lisan Granules, and other medications, under the guidance of a physician.

4. Reflux Laryngitis

Reflux laryngitis is caused by dysfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter, delayed gastric emptying, obesity, unhealthy lifestyle habits, psychological factors, and other reasons. Gastric acid reflux can damage the mucous membrane of the throat, triggering an inflammatory response and resulting in a sensation of a foreign body. Symptoms may also include heartburn, acid regurgitation, and belching. Treatment options include Omeprazole Enteric-coated Capsules, Mosapride Tablets, Hydrotalcite Chewable Tablets, and other medications, under the guidance of a physician.

5. Epiglottic Cyst

An epiglottic cyst may be caused by blockage of the mucous glands in the epiglottis or congenital abnormalities of the larynx. The cyst may occupy space and exert pressure on surrounding tissues, causing a sensation of a foreign body in the throat. Symptoms such as difficulty swallowing and breathing difficulties may also occur. Small cysts may not require treatment and can be monitored regularly, while larger cysts usually require surgical removal via epiglottic cystectomy under a supportive laryngoscope.

If symptoms worsen or persist, timely hospital visit is recommended.