Why Do I Feel a Foreign Body Sensation in My Throat?

Throat diseases are quite common in daily life, including pharyngitis, laryngitis, tonsillitis, etc. These conditions can lead to symptoms such as pain, itching, and dryness in the throat. Some individuals may also experience a sensation of a foreign body in the throat, which can be caused by various factors, including underlying diseases or improper use of the voice. When these symptoms arise, it is important to actively seek out the cause and undergo targeted treatment. Let's explore the possible reasons for the sensation of a foreign body in the throat.

a. Long-term nasal congestion and mouth breathing: The nasal cavity has the function of warming and moistening the air. However, when there is hypertrophic rhinitis or excessive burning of the inferior turbinate leading to loss of physiological function, dry and cold air can reach the throat directly, causing dryness and pain.

b. Chronic rhinorrhea stimulating the throat: Common in patients with chronic rhinitis, mucous secretions can disrupt the ciliary activity of the surface cells in the throat, making it easier for bacteria to proliferate.

c. Persistent or recurrent throat infections: Repeated cases of "cold" or "tonsillitis" can lead to the sensation of a foreign body or the presence of mucus in the throat.

d. Gastric acid reflux burning the throat: Common in individuals who indulge in heavy eating and drinking before bedtime, as acidic gastric juice can reflux and burn the esophagus and throat. Long-term irritation can lead to waking up with a burning and dry sensation in the throat.

e. Stimulating diet and improper oral hygiene: Excessive consumption of alcohol, spicy and irritating foods, and smoking after meals without regular brushing and rinsing can irritate the throat, eventually leading to chronic pharyngitis.

f. Excessive talking with inadequate water intake: Talking excessively can lead to dryness and soreness in the throat. Middle-aged and elderly individuals may have reduced saliva secretion, making it important to stay hydrated by drinking small amounts of water frequently.

g. Work stress, emotional tension, and sleep disorders: These factors can lead to a sensation of a foreign body in the throat due to tightened throat muscles caused by stress or anxiety. Long-term psychological stress can exacerbate symptoms, and half of the patients experience relief after ruling out throat tumors through detailed examination. Sleep disorders can also contribute to discomfort as the throat does not get adequate rest.

h. Working environments with high temperatures, dust, or irritating gases: Prolonged exposure to such environments can predispose individuals to chronic pharyngitis.

a. Tongue root exercises can be performed when experiencing a sensation of a foreign body in the throat. This can help alleviate throat soreness, itching, and the feeling of a foreign body during swallowing.

b. Consuming a mixture of grated white radish and ginger juice can effectively alleviate the sensation of a foreign body in the throat. This mixture has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can provide relief for individuals experiencing throat discomfort.

c. Gargling with salt water can help cleanse the mouth and moisturize the throat, effectively killing fungi in the oral cavity and reducing the risk of bacterial infection, thus aiding in the treatment of pharyngitis.

d. Eating pears, which are rich in water and nutrients, can be beneficial for individuals with chronic pharyngitis or a sensation of a foreign body in the throat. Pears have a lubricating effect and can help clear heat, resolve phlegm, and nourish the throat, making them an excellent choice for those with throat discomfort.