Why does my throat feel uncomfortable, as if there's a foreign body sensation all the time?
Disease description:
Recently, I have constantly felt as if something were stuck in my throat, experiencing a sensation similar to having a foreign body, especially noticeable upon waking up in the morning and before going to bed at night. This feeling causes me great discomfort, and sometimes even triggers mild coughing. What could be the cause of this?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Lu Cheng
Feeling uncomfortable in the throat and frequently experiencing a sensation of having a foreign body are most commonly caused by chronic pharyngitis, an inflammation of the throat area resulting from prolonged irritation (such as smoking, air pollution, overuse of the vocal cords, etc.). In addition, inflammatory conditions such as tonsillitis, acute simple pharyngitis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), in which stomach acid flows back into the esophagus and throat, can also cause throat discomfort and a sensation of a foreign body.
Patients should avoid potential irritants, such as quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, and avoiding spicy foods. They should drink more water, keep indoor air fresh, and avoid dry environments that might irritate the throat. For the symptoms of throat discomfort and the sensation of a foreign body, treatment should be based on the specific underlying cause. If it is chronic pharyngitis, a doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications or recommend local treatments. If the foreign body sensation is related to gastroesophageal reflux, dietary habits should be adjusted and antacids used to reduce acid irritation.
In addition, patients should maintain a cheerful mood, reduce stress, monitor bodily changes regularly, and seek timely medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen.
