What causes the sensation of having a foreign body in the throat?

Dec 31, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Lu Cheng

Introduction

In general, possible causes of a foreign body sensation in the throat may include throat dryness, throat muscle tension, chronic pharyngitis, reflux pharyngitis, and enlarged tonsils. If discomfort occurs, timely medical attention is recommended. In daily life, it is important to keep the throat moist, learn to relax, and avoid unhealthy habits such as smoking and drinking alcohol, in order to reduce the occurrence of foreign body sensations.

Generally speaking, the throat refers to the pharynx. Possible causes of a foreign body sensation in the throat may include pharyngeal dryness, pharyngeal muscle tension, chronic pharyngitis, reflux pharyngitis, and enlarged tonsils. If discomfort occurs, timely medical consultation is recommended. A detailed explanation is as follows:

1. Pharyngeal Dryness

When the throat is dry, reduced moisture on the mucosal surface can easily cause a foreign body sensation. This is usually due to dry environmental conditions, prolonged talking, or insufficient water intake. Maintain appropriate indoor humidity, drink water regularly, and avoid speaking continuously for long periods.

2. Pharyngeal Muscle Tension

Prolonged mental stress, anxiety, or emotional fluctuations may lead to tension in the throat muscles, causing a foreign body sensation. This sensation is often a psychophysiological response. Learn to relax, practice deep breathing, reduce mental stress, and maintain a positive mindset and emotional stability.

3. Chronic Pharyngitis

Chronic pharyngitis is usually caused by recurrent episodes of acute pharyngitis, long-term smoking or alcohol consumption, or inhalation of harmful gases or dust. Chronic inflammation irritates the pharyngeal mucosa, causing mucosal congestion and edema, which leads to a sensation of a foreign body. Symptoms may also include dryness, burning, or mild pain in the throat. Under a doctor's guidance, medications such as compound borax mouthwash, Jinsuang Liyan Pills, or Pharyngitis Tablets can be used to relieve discomfort.

4. Reflux Pharyngitis

Reflux pharyngitis may be related to the backflow of gastric contents into the pharynx, irritating the pharyngeal mucosa. Substances in the refluxate, such as gastric acid and pepsin, can damage the pharyngeal mucosa, causing a foreign body sensation. Symptoms may include hoarseness, difficulty speaking, and throat pain. Follow medical advice to use medications such as omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, rabeprazole sodium enteric-coated tablets, or domperidone tablets for treatment.

5. Enlarged Tonsils

Recurrent inflammation or infection of the tonsils may lead to tonsillar hypertrophy. Enlarged tonsils can compress the pharyngeal space, resulting in a foreign body sensation. It is often accompanied by symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, breathing difficulties, and snoring. Under a doctor's recommendation, medications such as amoxicillin capsules, cefradine capsules, or penicillin V potassium tablets may be used for treatment.

In daily life, it is important to keep the throat moist, learn to relax, and avoid unhealthy habits such as smoking and drinking alcohol to reduce the occurrence of foreign body sensations.

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