What should I do about a sensation of throat blockage and difficulty swallowing?
A sensation of throat blockage and difficulty swallowing may be caused by factors such as mental stress and anxiety, improper diet causing irritation, acute pharyngitis, reflux esophagitis, or chronic tonsillitis. Symptoms can be improved through emotional regulation, dietary adjustments, and medication. If symptoms persist or worsen, or if breathing difficulties occur, prompt medical attention is necessary.
1. Mental stress and anxiety: Prolonged anxiety or sudden stress can cause spasms in the throat muscles, leading to a feeling of obstruction. Muscle contractions during swallowing may intensify discomfort. It is recommended to relieve emotions through deep breathing and meditation, avoid excessive focus on throat sensations, and reduce psychological stress.
2. Dietary irritation due to improper eating: Consuming large amounts of spicy, hot, or hard foods in a short period can irritate the throat mucosa, causing congestion and swelling, which leads to a sensation of blockage and swallowing discomfort. It is advised to switch to cool or lukewarm, soft, liquid, or semi-liquid foods, drink plenty of water, and avoid further irritation to the throat.

3. Acute pharyngitis: Viral or bacterial infections cause acute inflammation of the throat mucosa. Swelling of the mucosa may partially obstruct the throat, resulting in a blocked sensation. Swallowing aggravates pain due to stimulation of inflamed tissues. Patients may use medications such as Lanqin Oral Liquid, Amoxicillin Capsules, or Compound Borax Mouthwash under medical guidance to alleviate symptoms.
4. Reflux esophagitis: Stomach acid reflux irritates the esophageal and throat mucosa, causing congestion and swelling, leading to a sensation of blockage. Swallowing intensifies discomfort due to acid irritation, often accompanied by acid regurgitation and heartburn. It is recommended to take medications such as Omeprazole Enteric-coated Capsules, Domperidone Tablets, or Hydrotalcite Chewable Tablets under a doctor's supervision to relieve symptoms.
5. Chronic tonsillitis: Repeated tonsil inflammation causes tonsillar hypertrophy, partially blocking the throat passage and creating a sensation of obstruction. Swallowing causes food to rub against enlarged tonsils, increasing discomfort, often associated with a foreign body sensation in the throat. Patients may follow medical advice to use medications such as Cefaclor Capsules, Pudilan Anti-inflammatory Oral Liquid, or Compound Chlorhexidine Mouthwash to improve symptoms.
Drink plenty of water to keep the throat moist, choose light and easily digestible foods, avoid spicy, hot, and hard foods, ensure adequate sleep, and maintain emotional calmness to support healing of the throat mucosa and symptom relief.