What causes a foreign body sensation in the throat?
I always feel like there's something in my throat, something I can't swallow down or spit out. It doesn't affect my eating, but it's persistently uncomfortable. I'd like to ask what could be causing this?
Doctor's answer (1)
A foreign body sensation in the throat is a common symptom that can be caused by various factors.
Actual foreign body retention, such as fish bones or bone fragments lodged in the throat, is the most direct cause. Overuse of vocal cords, prolonged breathing of dry air, smoking, or drinking alcohol may also lead to throat discomfort. In addition, it may be related to throat diseases such as acute or chronic pharyngitis and tonsillitis. These conditions can directly stimulate the sensory nerve endings in the pharyngeal wall, causing a foreign body sensation in the throat.
Lesions in adjacent areas of the throat, such as sinusitis, lymphadenitis, and goiter, may also irritate the throat via secretions reflux or other pathways, resulting in a foreign body sensation. Lesions in distant areas, such as peptic ulcer or hypertension, may also cause abnormal throat sensations through neural reflexes and conduction.
Psychological factors should not be overlooked either. When experiencing anxiety or high stress, some individuals may develop what is known as "globus pharyngeus"—a sensation of having a foreign body in the throat without any organic disease. If this sensation persists, timely medical consultation is recommended to determine the exact cause through professional examinations and to receive appropriate treatment.
