Why does my throat always feel like there's a foreign object in it?

Generally, the term "throat" refers to the pharynx. A persistent foreign body sensation in the throat may be caused by improper diet, poor environmental conditions, tonsillitis, chronic pharyngitis, or epiglottic cysts. If discomfort occurs, timely medical consultation is recommended. Specific explanations are as follows:

1. Improper Diet

Eating too quickly, overeating, or consuming irritating foods such as spicy, greasy, or hard foods may cause food residue to temporarily remain in the throat or irritate the pharyngeal mucosa, leading to a foreign body sensation. One should develop the habit of chewing food thoroughly and eating slowly, avoid binge eating, and reduce the intake of irritating foods.

2. Poor Environmental Conditions

If one stays in a dry, dusty, or irritating gaseous environment for a prolonged period, the pharyngeal mucosa may become irritated, dry, and sensitive, possibly causing a foreign body sensation. It is recommended to avoid staying in such adverse environments for long periods. If unavoidable, wear a protective mask and maintain indoor air humidity.

3. Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis may be caused by bacterial or viral infections, leading to redness, swelling, and enlargement of the tonsils. Sometimes, there may also be purulent discharge on the surface. The enlarged tonsils and their discharge may irritate the throat, causing the aforementioned symptoms, and may also be accompanied by symptoms such as sore throat and fever. Patients may take medications such as amoxicillin clavulanate potassium dispersible tablets, cefaclor capsules, and Pudi Lan Xiao Yan oral liquid as directed by a physician.

4. Chronic Pharyngitis

Chronic pharyngitis is often caused by repeated episodes of acute pharyngitis, nasal or sinus diseases causing postnasal drip that continuously irritates the throat, long-term smoking and alcohol consumption, or inhalation of harmful gases. Repeated inflammation may irritate the pharyngeal mucosa, leading to mucosal hyperplasia and thickening, and lymphoid follicle hyperplasia, resulting in a sensation of a foreign body in the throat. Patients may also experience symptoms such as throat itching and dry cough. Medications such as Jin Shengtang tablets, Qing Hou Li Yan granules, and compound borax mouthwash may be used under medical guidance.

5. Epiglottic Cyst

An epiglottic cyst usually develops due to congenital developmental abnormalities, chronic inflammatory irritation of the throat, or mechanical irritation causing obstruction of the epiglottic mucous gland ducts, resulting in mucus retention and cyst formation. As the cyst gradually enlarges, it occupies space in the throat, causing a foreign body sensation and possibly accompanied by symptoms such as difficulty swallowing. Under medical guidance, patients may undergo surgical removal of the cyst to completely excise it, eliminating the throat discomfort caused by the cyst's space-occupying effect and irritation to surrounding tissues, and restoring the normal anatomical structure and physiological function of the epiglottis.

In daily life, maintaining a regular schedule, strengthening physical exercise to enhance immunity, keeping the mouth clean, and reducing the risk of throat infections are recommended.