What causes a feeling of throat blockage or foreign body sensation, and what should I do?

Under normal circumstances, the throat refers to the pharynx. A sensation of a foreign body blocking the throat may be caused by factors such as pharyngeal dryness, emotional factors, chronic pharyngitis, reflux pharyngitis, or pharyngeal neurasthenia. Treatment options include general management, medication, and psychotherapy, under the guidance of a physician. If discomfort persists, timely medical attention is recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Pharyngeal Dryness

Pharyngeal dryness may result from dry environmental conditions, insufficient water intake, or prolonged speaking, leading to inadequate moisture to lubricate the mucous membranes of the throat and causing a foreign body sensation. This sensation is typically due to dryness and tightness of the mucous membrane. It is recommended to maintain appropriate indoor humidity, drink more water, avoid prolonged speaking or loud shouting, and reduce irritation from smoking, alcohol, and spicy foods.

2. Emotional Factors

Emotional factors, such as anxiety and depression, can also lead to a foreign body sensation in the throat. In such cases, the sensation is usually a subjective feeling unrelated to the actual condition of the throat. Learning to regulate emotions, maintaining a pleasant mood, and avoiding excessive tension and anxiety are recommended.

3. Chronic Pharyngitis

Chronic pharyngitis may be caused by environmental factors, occupational factors, unhealthy lifestyle habits, diet, or acute pharyngitis. Long-term inflammation irritates the pharyngeal mucosa, leading to pathological changes such as mucosal congestion, edema, and hypertrophy. These changes can stimulate the nerve endings in the throat, resulting in a foreign body sensation. Symptoms may also include throat pain, dryness, and a burning sensation. Under a doctor's guidance, medications such as compound borax solution, furacilin solution, and cytidine iodide tablets may be used for treatment.

4. Reflux Pharyngitis

Reflux pharyngitis may be caused by dysfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter, delayed gastric emptying, obesity, unhealthy lifestyle habits, or psychological factors. Gastric acid reflux can cause congestion and edema of the pharyngeal mucosa, resulting in the aforementioned symptoms. Additional symptoms may include heartburn, acid regurgitation, and retrosternal pain. Under a doctor's guidance, medications such as omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, rabeprazole sodium enteric-coated tablets, and hydrotalcite chewable tablets may be used for treatment.

5. Pharyngeal Neurosis

Pharyngeal neurosis may be associated with psychological factors and autonomic nervous system dysfunction. Patients commonly experience sensations such as a foreign body, tightness, or blockage in the throat, although no organic lesions are present. Psychotherapy under a doctor's guidance can help alleviate symptoms such as anxiety and depression. Additionally, medications like diazepam tablets, estazolam tablets, and fluoxetine hydrochloride capsules may be used as directed by a physician.

In daily life, it is recommended to maintain good lifestyle habits, follow a regular作息 schedule, avoid staying up late, engage in moderate exercise, and enhance physical fitness.