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

Generally, a sensation of a foreign body in the throat may be caused by dietary irritation, stress, chronic pharyngitis, reflux laryngitis, tonsillar hypertrophy, or other reasons. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a正规 hospital. Specific causes are analyzed as follows:

1. Dietary Irritation

Long-term consumption of spicy or excessively hot foods can irritate the pharyngeal mucosa, causing congestion and swelling that leads to a foreign body sensation, often accompanied by mild burning. Adjust the diet to include cool, bland foods; avoid irritants such as chili peppers and hot pot; rinse the mouth with warm water after meals to clean the throat.

2. Mental Stress

Chronic anxiety and high stress levels can overstimulate the sympathetic nervous system, affecting sensory nerves in the throat and causing a foreign body sensation. Symptoms often improve when the individual relaxes emotionally. Listening to soothing music before bedtime, soaking feet in warm water, avoiding excessive thinking before sleep, and maintaining emotional stability can help alleviate symptoms.

3. Chronic Pharyngitis

Prolonged exposure to dust, tobacco smoke, or alcohol can lead to chronic inflammation of the pharyngeal mucosa. Mucosal thickening and hyperplasia result in a foreign body sensation, often accompanied by dryness and increased phlegm. Treatment under medical guidance may include Yinhuang Throat Tablets, Lanqin Oral Liquid, or Compound Borax Mouthwash. Avoid environments with dust, smoke, and alcohol.

4. Reflux Laryngitis

Acid reflux from the stomach into the throat can erode the mucosa, causing inflammation and edema that produce a foreign body sensation. This is commonly associated with acid regurgitation and a burning sensation behind the sternum. Under a doctor's supervision, medications such as omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, domperidone tablets, and hydrotalcite chewable tablets may be used. Avoid lying down immediately after meals.

5. Tonsillar Hypertrophy

Recurrent tonsil infections can lead to enlargement and hypertrophy, which compresses the throat and causes a foreign body sensation, often accompanied by swallowing discomfort. Medications such as cefaclor capsules, Pudilan Anti-inflammatory Oral Liquid, and compound chlorhexidine mouthwash may be used as directed by a physician. In severe cases, surgical removal of the tonsils (tonsillectomy) may be required.

In daily life, maintain regular sleep patterns and avoid staying up late; avoid shouting loudly to reduce strain on the throat; practice good oral hygiene with regular cleaning; if the sensation of a foreign body persists for more than two weeks, seek prompt medical evaluation to identify the underlying cause.