Why does it feel like there's a foreign body in the throat when swallowing, and what should I do?
Jan 25, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lu Cheng
Introduction
In general, a sensation of having a foreign body in the throat while swallowing may be caused by factors such as dry throat, pharyngeal mucosa irritation, chronic pharyngitis, tonsillitis, or reflux laryngitis. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical attention at a hospital and follow standardized treatment under a doctor's guidance. In daily life, one should maintain a bland diet and avoid foods such as fried dough sticks (youtiao), fatty meats, chili peppers, and other irritants.
Generally, a sensation of a foreign body in the throat during swallowing may be caused by factors such as dry throat, pharyngeal mucosal irritation, chronic pharyngitis, tonsillitis, or reflux laryngitis. Treatment can be administered under a doctor's guidance through general management, medication, and other approaches. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical attention and undergo standardized treatment under a doctor's guidance. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Dry Throat
When the throat is dry, the mucosal surface lacks sufficient lubrication, causing a sensation of a foreign body during swallowing. This is usually caused by dry environmental conditions, insufficient water intake, or prolonged voice use. It is recommended to maintain an appropriate indoor humidity level and regularly ventilate the room; drink plenty of water to keep the throat moist.
2. Pharyngeal Mucosal Irritation
Pharyngeal mucosa exposed to external irritants, such as smoke, dust, or irritating gases, may develop mucosal congestion and edema, resulting in a sensation of a foreign body during swallowing. Avoid exposure to harmful gases and smoke; wear a mask in environments with poor air quality.
3. Chronic Pharyngitis
Chronic pharyngitis is usually caused by repeated episodes of acute pharyngitis, chronic upper respiratory tract inflammation, excessive smoking or alcohol consumption, occupational factors, etc. Chronic pharyngitis leads to mucosal congestion and edema, along with lymphoid follicle hyperplasia, producing a foreign body sensation. Symptoms may include sore throat, dryness, and a burning sensation. Treatment under a doctor's guidance may include medications such as compound borax solution, cetiedil iodine lozenges, and menthol throat tablets.
4. Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis is primarily caused by bacterial or viral infections. Tonsillitis results in swollen and congested tonsils that irritate the pharyngeal mucosa, causing a sensation of a foreign body. Symptoms may include sore throat and difficulty swallowing. Treatment under a doctor's guidance may include medications such as amoxicillin capsules, cefradine capsules, and honeysuckle granules.
5. Reflux Laryngitis
Reflux laryngitis is usually caused by unhealthy lifestyle habits, psychological factors, obesity, pregnancy, or weakened function of the lower esophageal sphincter. Substances in the refluxate, such as gastric acid and pepsin, irritate the pharyngeal mucosa, causing mucosal congestion and edema, which leads to a foreign body sensation. Symptoms may include sore throat, burning sensation, and belching. Treatment under a doctor's guidance may include medications such as omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, hydrotalcite chewable tablets, and domperidone tablets.
In daily life, a bland diet should be maintained. Avoid foods such as fried dough sticks, fatty meat, and chili peppers to prevent irritation of the throat and worsening of the condition.
