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

Jun 30, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lu Cheng
Introduction
In general, a foreign body sensation in the throat refers to a feeling of blockage that patients perceive in their throat. This may be caused by factors such as throat dryness, emotional stress, pharyngitis, reflux laryngitis, or enlarged tonsils. It is recommended to maintain humid indoor air and avoid staying in dry environments for prolonged periods. At the same time, attention should be paid to healthy eating and maintaining regular dietary habits.

Generally speaking, the throat refers to the pharynx. A sensation of a foreign body in the throat may be caused by dryness of the pharynx, emotional factors, pharyngitis, reflux pharyngitis, enlarged tonsils, and other reasons. If discomfort occurs, timely medical consultation is recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Dry Throat

When the pharyngeal mucosa is dry, the ciliary movement on the mucosal surface weakens, making it easier for small particles or secretions to adhere to the mucosa, causing a foreign body sensation. Maintaining indoor air humidity, drinking more water, avoiding prolonged voice use, and consuming adequate amounts of vitamin A and vitamin C-rich foods can enhance mucosal resistance.

2. Emotional Factors

Negative emotions such as anxiety and depression can cause autonomic nervous system dysfunction, leading to tension in the throat muscles and a foreign body sensation. Learning emotional management techniques, engaging in moderate exercise, meditation, or seeking psychological counseling can help alleviate negative emotions.

3. Pharyngitis

Pharyngitis may be caused by long-term irritation from smoking and alcohol consumption, inhalation of harmful gases, and other factors. Inflammation may lead to congestion and edema of the pharyngeal mucosa and lymphoid follicle hyperplasia, resulting in a foreign body sensation. It may be accompanied by symptoms such as burning sensation, cough, and nausea. Treatment may follow medical advice to use medications such as compound borax mouthwash, cydiiodine tablets, or Jinsuang Liyan Pills.

4. Reflux Pharyngitis

Reflux pharyngitis may be caused by stomach acid flowing back into the throat area, irritating the mucous membrane. Stomach acid can erode the throat mucosa, causing mucosal inflammation and swelling. It is usually accompanied by symptoms such as hoarseness, difficulty speaking, and acid regurgitation. Medications such as omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, rabeprazole sodium enteric-coated tablets, and domperidone tablets may be used under medical guidance to relieve discomfort.

5. Enlarged Tonsils

Causes of enlarged tonsils may include recurrent tonsillitis, allergic reactions, excessive nutrition, etc. Increased tonsil volume can compress or irritate the throat mucosa, causing the aforementioned symptoms. It may also be accompanied by sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and mouth breathing. Under a doctor's guidance, medications such as amoxicillin clavulanate potassium tablets, penicillin V potassium tablets, and cefuroxime axetil tablets may be used to control infection.

To prevent this symptom, it is recommended to maintain indoor air humidity in daily life and avoid staying in dry environments for prolonged periods. At the same time, attention should be paid to healthy eating, avoiding irritants such as smoking, alcohol, spicy and greasy foods, and maintaining regular eating habits.

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