Feeling of Foreign Body in Throat and Dry Heaving: Causes and Solutions

Sensation of a foreign body in the throat with dry heaving?

On Saturday, after eating fish, I initially felt some soreness in my throat, but during dinner, I did not experience any difficulty swallowing.
By Sunday morning, I felt mostly fine, but by the afternoon and evening, I started to feel a sensation of something stuck in my throat, dry heaving, coughing, and occasionally taking deep breaths with some pain.
Now, on Monday morning, I still have the sensation of something in my throat, but I am coughing less, and I still occasionally take deep breaths with a bit of pain.
Could this be tonsillitis? Additionally, I am currently taking Doxycycline (Doxymycin) 100mg/cap, AceMETacin (Acemet) <60mg>/cap, and Iwell Tablets for prostatitis.
If it is tonsillitis, do I need to see a doctor for additional medication?

Chen, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/05/27

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology

Hello, the medication includes antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs.
You can finish the medication first, and if you still feel unwell, it is recommended to visit an otolaryngologist for a check-up.
Wishing you safety and health.
Sincerely, Zheng Jue-Yi, Department of Otolaryngology, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2019/05/27

More Info

The sensation of a foreign body in the throat, accompanied by dry heaving and coughing, can be quite distressing. Based on your description, it is possible that you are experiencing symptoms related to pharyngitis or tonsillitis, particularly if you have had recent throat irritation after eating fish. However, there are several potential causes for your symptoms, and it is essential to consider them in order to determine the best course of action.

Possible Causes
1. Tonsillitis or Pharyngitis: Inflammation of the tonsils (tonsillitis) or the throat (pharyngitis) can cause discomfort, a sensation of a lump in the throat, and difficulty swallowing. This condition is often accompanied by pain, redness, and swelling in the throat.

2. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Acid reflux can lead to irritation of the throat and esophagus, causing a sensation of something being stuck in the throat, along with coughing and dry heaving. If you have a history of GERD, this could be a contributing factor.

3. Allergic Reactions: Allergies to certain foods, including fish, can cause throat irritation and swelling, leading to a feeling of tightness or a foreign body sensation.

4. Infections: Viral or bacterial infections can lead to inflammation and swelling in the throat, which may cause similar symptoms. If you have a fever or other systemic symptoms, this could indicate an infection.

5. Anxiety or Stress: Psychological factors can also manifest as physical symptoms, including the sensation of a lump in the throat, often referred to as "globus sensation." Stress and anxiety can exacerbate this feeling.

Recommendations
1. Hydration: Ensure you are drinking plenty of fluids. Staying hydrated can help soothe throat irritation and reduce the sensation of a foreign body.

2. Warm Salt Water Gargle: Gargling with warm salt water can help reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief from throat discomfort.

3. Avoid Irritants: Stay away from smoke, strong odors, and other irritants that may exacerbate your throat symptoms.

4. Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms. If they worsen or if you develop a fever, difficulty swallowing, or severe pain, it is crucial to seek medical attention.

5. Consult a Healthcare Provider: Given your current medication for prostatitis (Doxycycline and AceMETacin), it is advisable to consult your healthcare provider about your throat symptoms. They may want to evaluate you for possible infections or other underlying conditions that may require specific treatment.

6. Consider Allergy Testing: If you suspect that your symptoms may be related to food allergies, discussing this with your doctor may lead to appropriate testing and management strategies.

Conclusion
While your symptoms may suggest tonsillitis or pharyngitis, it is essential to consider other potential causes, including GERD and allergic reactions. Given your current health conditions and medications, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional who can provide a thorough evaluation and appropriate treatment options. Early intervention can help prevent complications and improve your overall comfort.

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