What causes the feeling of something blocking the throat?

Dec 31, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Lu Cheng

Introduction

In general, the sensation of having a lump in the throat may be caused by a dry throat, throat muscle tension, chronic pharyngitis, reflux pharyngitis, or enlarged tonsils. To prevent this symptom, it is recommended to maintain adequate hydration in daily life to avoid a dry throat. At the same time, avoid prolonged exposure to harmful gases or dusty environments, and reduce throat irritation.

Generally, the throat refers to the pharynx. A sensation of something blocking the throat may be caused by pharyngeal dryness, pharyngeal muscle tension, chronic pharyngitis, reflux pharyngitis, or tonsillar hypertrophy. If discomfort occurs, timely medical consultation is recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Pharyngeal Dryness

Pharyngeal dryness may occur due to insufficient moisture to the oral and throat mucous membranes, leading to dryness of the mucosal surface and causing a foreign body sensation. This commonly occurs after prolonged speaking, inadequate water intake, or in dry environments. Maintain adequate hydration, use a humidifier, or place a water basin indoors to increase air humidity.

2. Pharyngeal Muscle Tension

Pharyngeal muscle tension may be caused by anxiety, stress, or unhealthy lifestyle habits (such as prolonged looking down at a mobile phone), causing contraction of the throat muscles and resulting in a foreign body sensation. Maintain good lifestyle habits, reduce prolonged head-down activities, and perform relaxation exercises to relieve pharyngeal muscle tension.

3. Chronic Pharyngitis

Chronic pharyngitis may be caused by repeated episodes of acute pharyngitis, long-term irritation from smoking and alcohol consumption, or inhalation of harmful gases or dust. The inflammation leads to congestion and edema of the pharyngeal mucosa, causing a foreign body sensation, possibly accompanied by symptoms such as throat pain, dryness, and burning. Local treatments, such as compound borax mouthwash, cydiiodine lozenges, and menthol throat tablets, should be used according to medical advice.

4. Reflux Pharyngitis

Reflux pharyngitis may occur when stomach acid refluxes to the throat, irritating the pharyngeal mucosa and causing inflammation. Acid irritation causes a foreign body sensation, often accompanied by a burning feeling. Symptoms may also include hoarseness, retrosternal pain, and coughing. Treatment may include medications such as omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, rabeprazole sodium enteric-coated tablets, and domperidone tablets, as advised by a physician.

5. Tonsillar Hypertrophy

Tonsillar hypertrophy is usually caused by repeated episodes of chronic tonsillitis, infection, or allergic reactions. The enlarged tonsils occupy space in the throat, causing a foreign body sensation. It may also lead to difficulty swallowing, breathing difficulties, and headaches. Medications such as amoxicillin capsules, cefradine capsules, and roxithromycin capsules may be used under medical guidance for treatment.

To prevent this symptom, it is recommended to maintain adequate hydration in daily life to avoid pharyngeal dryness. At the same time, avoid prolonged exposure to harmful gases or dusty environments to reduce throat irritation.

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Will my voice return to normal after a cold causes hoarseness?

In general, whether hoarseness caused by a cold can recover depends on the specific situation. Hoarseness due to mild mucosal congestion usually resolves completely; however, if the vocal cords suffer severe damage or pathological changes, recovery becomes more difficult. Daily care should include adequate vocal rest, avoiding loud talking or singing. Drinking plenty of warm water helps keep the throat moist, while spicy or excessively hot foods should be avoided to prevent irritation.

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Can people with bronchitis and cough eat eggs?

In general, patients with tracheitis and cough can usually consume eggs if they are not allergic to them; however, those with a history of egg allergy must absolutely avoid eggs. During tracheitis with cough, the diet should be light and nutritionally balanced, and drinking plenty of warm water helps keep the throat moist. It is also important to ensure indoor ventilation, avoid exposure to irritants such as dust and smoke, reduce coughing episodes, and promote recovery.