What causes the constant feeling of something blocking the throat, and what should I do about it?

Feeling a persistent sensation of something stuck in the throat may be caused by improper diet, excessive voice use, chronic pharyngitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or allergic pharyngitis. This can be improved through dietary adjustments, vocal rest, and medication. If the sensation persists or is accompanied by difficulty swallowing or pain, prompt medical attention is recommended.

1. Improper Diet: Long-term consumption of spicy or excessively hot foods, or overeating, can irritate the pharyngeal mucosa, causing congestion and food residue that leads to a foreign body sensation. It is recommended to switch to a light and easily digestible diet, chew food thoroughly, drink plenty of water, and avoid spicy or overheated foods.

2. Excessive Voice Use: Prolonged speaking or loud shouting can cause fatigue of the throat muscles and dryness of the mucous membrane, resulting in a sensation of a foreign body. It is advised to reduce vocal strain, avoid loud talking, drink warm water frequently to soothe the throat, and use sugar-free lozenges if necessary.

3. Chronic Pharyngitis: Long-term inflammation of the pharyngeal mucosa leads to congestion, swelling, and increased secretions, causing a persistent sensation of a foreign body, often accompanied by dryness and itching in the throat. Patients may use medications such as watermelon frost lozenges, Pudilan anti-inflammatory oral liquid, or menthol throat tablets under medical guidance to relieve symptoms.

4. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Acid reflux irritates the pharyngeal mucosa, leading to inflammation and tissue growth, which causes a foreign body sensation along with heartburn and acid regurgitation. It is recommended to take medications such as omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, domperidone tablets, or hydrotalcite chewable tablets under a doctor’s supervision to alleviate discomfort.

5. Allergic Pharyngitis: Exposure to allergens such as pollen or dust mites triggers an allergic reaction in the pharyngeal mucosa, causing congestion and swelling that results in a foreign body sensation, often accompanied by throat itching and irritative coughing. Patients may follow medical advice to use medications like loratadine syrup, montelukast sodium granules, or budesonide suspension to improve symptoms.

To maintain throat health, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, avoid exposure to dust and allergens, maintain regular and light meals, avoid late nights and ensure adequate rest, and engage in moderate exercise to strengthen overall immunity and reduce throat discomfort.