Why does it feel like there's a foreign object in the throat, and what should I do?

Generally speaking, a sensation of a foreign body in the throat may be caused by dietary factors, psychological factors, tonsillitis, chronic pharyngitis, epiglottic cysts, and other reasons. Treatment can be conducted under a doctor's guidance through general therapy, medication, surgical treatment, etc. If discomfort occurs, timely medical attention is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Dietary Factors

Consumption of spicy, greasy, or irritating foods, or overly dry or hard foods may irritate or scratch the mucous membrane of the throat, leading to temporary congestion, swelling, or abnormal sensations in the throat area, thus causing a feeling of a foreign body in the throat. A balanced diet with reduced intake of such irritating foods is recommended. Increased consumption of fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins and moisture, such as apples and cucumbers, is also advised.

2. Psychological Factors

When experiencing high levels of tension, anxiety, excessive stress, or emotional depression, the nervous system can affect the muscles and sensory nerves in the throat area, increasing throat muscle tension and sensitivity, thereby creating a false sensation of a foreign body in the throat. Attention should be given to psychological adjustment, and stress can be relieved through regular physical exercise, such as walking or yoga.

3. Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis may be caused by air pollution, reduced immunity, bacterial infection, and other factors. When the tonsils become inflamed and swollen, they occupy part of the space in the pharynx, altering its normal anatomical structure. Inflammatory stimulation of surrounding tissues and nerves leads to the sensation of a foreign body in the throat. Symptoms may include fever, sore throat, and increased pain during swallowing. It is recommended to follow a doctor's guidance for treatment with medications such as amoxicillin clavulanate potassium dry suspension, Pudi Lan Xiao Yan oral liquid, and Kehou Jian spray.

4. Chronic Pharyngitis

Chronic pharyngitis may be caused by environmental factors, occupational factors, unhealthy lifestyle habits, diet, or acute pharyngitis. Under the long-term effects of chronic inflammation, pathological changes such as congestion and lymphoid follicle hyperplasia occur in the pharyngeal mucosa, affecting the spatial structure and nerve endings in the throat area, thus causing the sensation of a foreign body in the throat. Symptoms may include itching, burning, or mild pain in the throat. Under a doctor's guidance, medications such as Pharyngitis tablets, Qinghou Liyan granules, and Cetylpyridinium Iodide lozenges can be used to alleviate symptoms.

5. Epiglottic Cyst

Epiglottic cysts may be caused by mechanical injury, laryngopharyngeal reflux, allergic reactions, chronic inflammatory stimulation, congenital developmental abnormalities, and other factors. As the cyst gradually enlarges, it occupies a certain amount of space in the throat, compressing surrounding tissues and stimulating sensory nerves in the throat area, thereby creating the sensation of a foreign body in the throat. Symptoms may include a feeling of obstruction during swallowing and difficulty breathing. Usually, surgical removal of the cyst under a doctor's guidance is required.

In daily life, it is advisable to drink more water, avoid prolonged voice use, and maintain suitable indoor humidity. Intake of spicy, greasy, and irritating foods should be reduced, and a light diet should be maintained.