Why does a strong sensation of a foreign body in the throat persist despite normal laryngoscopy results, and what should be done?

In general, a significant sensation of a foreign body in the throat without any abnormal findings on laryngoscopy may be caused by factors such as mental stress, excessive voice use, chronic pharyngitis, reflux laryngitis, or elongated styloid process syndrome. Depending on the specific situation, improvements can be achieved through lifestyle adjustments, medication, or surgical treatment. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Mental stress: Long-term anxiety or high stress levels can cause tension in the throat muscles, leading to a sensation of a foreign body. Maintain regular作息 (sleep-wake cycles), relieve stress through exercise or listening to music, and keep emotional stability.

2. Excessive voice use: Prolonged loud speaking can cause congestion and swelling of the throat mucosa, resulting in a foreign body sensation. Reduce frequency of speaking, drink more warm water, and avoid spicy or irritating foods.

3. Chronic pharyngitis: Long-term irritation leads to chronic inflammation of the pharyngeal mucosa, with mucosal hyperplasia causing a foreign body sensation. Medications such as Qingyan Drop Pills, Pharyngitis Tablets, or Lanqin Oral Liquid may be taken under medical guidance. Avoid smoking and alcohol, and stay away from dusty environments.

4. Reflux laryngitis: Acid reflux irritates the throat mucosa, causing mucosal damage and a foreign body sensation. Proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, rabeprazole sodium enteric-coated tablets, or domperidone tablets may be used under medical supervision. Avoid lying down immediately after meals and limit high-fat foods.

5. Elongated styloid process syndrome: An abnormally long styloid process compresses surrounding tissues and stimulates throat nerves, causing a foreign body sensation. Medical evaluation and styloidectomy are required. Postoperatively, maintain good oral hygiene and gradually resume a normal diet.

Develop healthy voice-use habits in daily life, maintain a positive mood, and follow a light, regular diet. If the sensation persists or worsens, seek timely medical reevaluation to identify the underlying cause. Do not self-medicate, as this may delay proper diagnosis and treatment.