What causes a sore throat and a foreign body sensation?

May 08, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Lu Cheng

Introduction

In general, discomfort and a foreign body sensation in the throat may be related to dry throat, throat muscle tension, tonsillar hypertrophy, chronic pharyngitis, or reflux laryngitis. To prevent these symptoms, it is recommended to maintain humid indoor air and avoid staying in dry environments for prolonged periods. Learn to relax, avoid speaking continuously for long periods or shouting loudly, and protect the health of your throat.

In general circumstances, the throat refers to the pharynx. Discomfort and a sensation of a foreign body in the throat may be related to dryness of the pharynx, pharyngeal muscle tension, enlarged tonsils, reflux pharyngitis, or chronic pharyngitis. If discomfort occurs, timely medical consultation is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Dry Pharynx

Dryness of the pharynx is commonly caused by insufficient environmental humidity, prolonged speaking, or inhaling dry air, leading to dehydration of the pharyngeal mucosa and resulting in discomfort and a foreign body sensation. Maintain indoor air humidity using humidifiers, and drink plenty of water to keep the throat moist.

2. Pharyngeal Muscle Tension

Prolonged states of tension, anxiety, or overuse of the vocal cords may lead to pharyngeal muscle tension and a sensation of a foreign body. Learn to relax by methods such as deep breathing or yoga to relieve stress.

3. Enlarged Tonsils

Tonsillar enlargement is usually caused by repeated episodes of chronic tonsillitis or inflammation affecting surrounding tissues. The enlarged tonsils narrow the pharyngeal space, causing a foreign body sensation. This condition is often accompanied by symptoms such as throat pain, difficulty swallowing, and snoring. Treatment typically involves the use of antibiotics such as Penicillin V potassium tablets, Amoxicillin and Clavulanate Potassium tablets, or Cefixime capsules, under a doctor's guidance.

4. Reflux Pharyngitis

Reflux pharyngitis may occur when stomach acid flows back into the throat area, irritating the pharyngeal mucosa and causing a foreign body sensation. Acid irritation can lead to this sensation along with burning discomfort. Additional symptoms may include belching, acid regurgitation, and retrosternal burning. Treatment typically follows medical advice to use medications such as Omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, Domperidone tablets, or Hydrotalcite chewable tablets.

5. Chronic Pharyngitis

Chronic pharyngitis may result from recurrent episodes of acute pharyngitis, long-term irritation from smoking and alcohol, or environmental factors. Chronic inflammation causes congestion, thickening of the pharyngeal mucosa, and lymphoid follicle hyperplasia, resulting in a foreign body sensation. Symptoms may also include dryness, heat, and pain. Under a doctor's recommendation, treatment options may include Compound Borax Mouthwash, Watermelon Frost Lozenges, or Yinhuang Particles.

To prevent this symptom, it is recommended to maintain indoor air humidity in daily life and avoid prolonged exposure to dry environments. Learn to relax, avoid speaking continuously for long periods or shouting loudly, and protect the health of your throat.

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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.