What causes a sudden feeling of something blocking the throat?

Generally, a sudden sensation of something blocking the throat may be caused by factors such as eating too quickly and causing irritation, mental stress and anxiety, chronic pharyngitis, reflux esophagitis, or epiglottic cysts. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive symptomatic treatment under a doctor's guidance. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Irritation from eating too quickly: Eating hastily or consuming excessively hot or spicy foods can directly irritate the pharyngeal mucosa, leading to temporary congestion and swelling of the mucosa and a sensation of blockage. Immediately stop consuming irritating foods, slowly drink cool or lukewarm water to soothe mucosal irritation, and subsequently eat at a slower pace with thorough chewing.

2. Mental stress and anxiety: During intense emotional fluctuations, autonomic nervous system dysfunction can cause tightness in the throat muscles, resulting in a sensation of a foreign body, although no organic lesions are present. Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and meditation, avoid excessive focus on throat discomfort, maintain regular sleep patterns, and reduce triggers of anxiety.

3. Chronic pharyngitis: Long-term inflammatory stimulation of the pharyngeal mucosa leads to lymphoid follicular hyperplasia, causing a persistent sensation of a foreign body in the throat, often accompanied by symptoms like dryness and itching. Patients should follow medical advice to use medications such as Lan Qin Oral Liquid, Pudi-Lan anti-inflammatory tablets, or Xigua Shuang (watermelon frost) lozenges. Avoid overusing the voice and exposure to tobacco and alcohol.

4. Reflux esophagitis: Gastric contents reflux into the throat, where stomach acid irritates and inflames the mucosa, causing a sensation of blockage, often accompanied by heartburn and acid regurgitation. Patients should take medications such as omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, rabeprazole sodium enteric-coated tablets, or domperidone tablets as prescribed. Avoid lying down immediately after meals to reduce reflux episodes.

5. Epiglottic cyst: A cyst forms when mucus glands in the epiglottic mucosa become blocked. As it enlarges, it may compress the throat, causing a sensation of obstruction and, in severe cases, affecting breathing. Small cysts may be monitored conservatively, while larger ones require surgical removal—epiglottic cyst excision—to relieve airway compression and restore normal airflow.

In daily life, maintain a light and soft diet, avoiding hard or fried foods. Keep oral hygiene by brushing teeth twice daily and rinsing the mouth with warm water afterward. Engage in regular physical activity to strengthen overall health and reduce the frequency of throat inflammation, thereby maintaining throat health.