What should I do if I feel phlegm or a foreign body in my nose and throat?

Generally, a sensation of phlegm or foreign body in the nose and throat may be caused by dry air irritation, consumption of spicy and greasy foods, chronic pharyngitis, postnasal drip syndrome, reflux esophagitis, and other reasons. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and then improve symptoms under a doctor's guidance through general management, medication, and other treatments. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Dry air irritation: When humidity is low, moisture in the nasal and pharyngeal mucosa evaporates, causing secretions to become thick and sticky, leading to a phlegmy or foreign body sensation accompanied by dry mouth and nasal passages. Use a humidifier indoors to maintain humidity at 50%–60%, perform daily nasal irrigation with normal saline spray, and drink plenty of warm water to moisturize the mucous membranes.

2. Spicy and greasy diet: Long-term consumption of chili peppers, fried foods, and similar items can stimulate increased and thicker mucus secretion, which accumulates in the nose and throat, causing a foreign body sensation. Immediately switch to a bland diet, consume more throat-soothing foods such as pears and white fungus (silver ear), rinse the mouth with warm water after meals, and reduce residual food irritation.

3. Chronic pharyngitis: Prolonged inflammation of the pharyngeal mucosa leads to lymphoid follicle hyperplasia and increased secretions adhering to the mucosal surface, resulting in a persistent foreign body sensation accompanied by dryness and itching in the throat. Patients should follow medical advice to use medications such as Lanqin Oral Liquid, Pudilan Xiaoyan Tablets, and Watermelon Frost Throat Lozenges, avoid excessive voice use, and stay away from tobacco and alcohol irritation.

4. Postnasal drip syndrome: Nasal secretions from allergic rhinitis or sinusitis drain backward into the throat, accumulating and producing a phlegmy feeling and foreign body sensation, often accompanied by nasal congestion and runny nose. Patients should follow medical advice to use medications such as loratadine tablets, mometasone furoate nasal spray, and eucalyptus-camphor enteric soft capsules, and regularly clean indoor spaces to reduce allergens.

5. Reflux esophagitis: Gastric contents flow back into the throat, where stomach acid irritates the mucosa, causing inflammation, increased secretions, and a sensation of a foreign body, often accompanied by acid regurgitation and heartburn. Patients should follow medical advice to take medications such as omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, domperidone tablets, and hydrotalcite chewable tablets to relieve symptoms.

In daily life, ensure good indoor ventilation and avoid prolonged stays in air-conditioned rooms. Maintain regular sleep patterns and avoid staying up late. Develop habits such as brushing teeth morning and night and rinsing the mouth after meals to reduce bacterial growth in the oral cavity and throat, thereby helping to alleviate discomfort.