Feeling of a Foreign Body in the Throat: Causes and Relief Options

Feeling of a foreign body in the throat?

Hello, doctor.
About a month ago, I had a slight cold and visited an ENT specialist.
The doctor mentioned some inflammation.
After taking medication for three days, I felt better and didn't return for a follow-up, allowing myself to recover gradually.
However, today while eating and laughing, I accidentally felt food get stuck in my throat and ended up vomiting it out.
Since then, I've had a sensation of something foreign in my throat, particularly in the area that looks like a teardrop when I open my mouth.
It feels uncomfortable when I touch that part of my throat.
I would like to ask if this is due to food being stuck there, but I don't feel like coughing.
My understanding is that if something is lodged in the trachea, coughing would be quite evident.
I’m concerned it might lead to aspiration pneumonia, as I've seen online, but I'm not sure if that's correct.
If there isn't actually any food debris stuck, what methods can help alleviate these symptoms? I'm wondering if the act of vomiting might have irritated the mucosa or that teardrop-shaped area.
I have some amoxicillin 500mg, Tylenol, and some cough expectorants that I brought from Taiwan.
I apologize for the lengthy question.
Since I'm currently studying in Japan, I prefer not to visit a local clinic for what seems to be a minor issue, which is why I'm consulting you.
Sorry for the inconvenience, and thank you!

Siyang, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/03/19

Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine

Hello,
1.
Based on your description, it seems to be just a throat inflammation and not aspiration pneumonia, unless there is severe coughing or wheezing, which would warrant concern.

2.
If something is lodged in your throat, usually consuming soft foods can help alleviate the discomfort.
However, if a sharp object like a fish bone is stuck, you will need to visit an otolaryngology clinic for removal with a laryngoscope.

3.
The antibiotic you mentioned, amoxicillin, is not necessary for your current condition unless you continue to have a fever, in which case you should consult an infectious disease specialist or a family medicine physician to evaluate whether antibiotics are needed.

Thank you for your inquiry.

Reply Date: 2020/03/19

More Info

The sensation of a foreign body in the throat, often described as a feeling of something stuck or lodged, can be quite distressing. Based on your description, it seems that this sensation began after a recent episode of throat inflammation and was exacerbated by eating while laughing, which may have caused food to momentarily obstruct your throat. Here’s a comprehensive overview of potential causes and relief options for your symptoms.

Possible Causes
1. Post-Inflammatory Changes: After an episode of throat inflammation, it’s common for the throat tissues to remain sensitive or reactive. This can lead to a sensation of tightness or the feeling of a lump (often referred to as "globus sensation"). The inflammation can cause swelling or irritation of the mucous membranes, which may persist even after the initial infection has resolved.

2. Food Particles: It’s possible that small food particles may have temporarily lodged in the throat during your meal. While you mentioned that you did not experience a strong cough, sometimes food can cause a mild obstruction that may not trigger a significant cough reflex.

3. Esophageal Spasm: Occasionally, the esophagus can undergo spasms, leading to a sensation of tightness or discomfort. This can happen after eating, especially if one is laughing or talking while swallowing.

4. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): If you have a history of acid reflux, the reflux of stomach contents can irritate the throat and lead to a sensation of a lump or foreign body.

5. Anxiety and Stress: Psychological factors can also contribute to the sensation of a lump in the throat. Anxiety can heighten awareness of bodily sensations, making normal feelings seem more pronounced.

Relief Options
1. Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids, especially warm liquids like herbal tea or warm water with honey. This can help soothe the throat and may assist in clearing any residual food particles.

2. Gargling: Gargling with warm salt water can help reduce inflammation and soothe the throat. Mix about half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gargle several times a day.

3. Avoid Irritants: Stay away from irritants such as smoke, strong odors, or very spicy foods that could further irritate your throat.

4. Over-the-Counter Medications: Since you have amoxicillin, it’s important to note that this antibiotic is only effective against bacterial infections. If your throat inflammation was viral, antibiotics would not be beneficial. However, if you suspect a bacterial infection, consult a healthcare professional before taking any medication. For symptomatic relief, over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help alleviate discomfort.

5. Lozenges: Throat lozenges can provide temporary relief by lubricating the throat and reducing the sensation of irritation.

6. Monitor Symptoms: If the sensation persists or worsens, or if you develop additional symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, significant pain, fever, or respiratory issues, it’s crucial to seek medical attention. While you may be hesitant to visit a local clinic, persistent symptoms warrant a professional evaluation to rule out any serious conditions.

Conclusion
In summary, the sensation of a foreign body in the throat can arise from various causes, including post-inflammatory changes, food particles, or even psychological factors. While home remedies can provide relief, it’s essential to monitor your symptoms closely. If they persist or worsen, seeking medical advice is the best course of action. Given your current location in Japan, consider reaching out to a local healthcare provider who can assist you in person. Your health is paramount, and addressing these symptoms early can prevent further complications.

Similar Q&A

Feeling of a Foreign Body in the Throat: Causes and Solutions

Recently, I took medication in capsule form and felt like the capsule was stuck in my throat. Despite drinking a lot of water, it didn't help. I have no issues swallowing water or food, but I feel a foreign body sensation when swallowing saliva. I went to the hospital for an...

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello: Chronic pharyngitis is commonly caused by post-nasal drip or gastroesophageal reflux. If there is no improvement, medical attention and ongoing treatment are necessary. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology...

Understanding the Sensation of a Foreign Body in the Throat

Hello, doctor. Recently, I've been feeling something unusual in my throat; sometimes it feels like there's something stuck in there, but the sensation disappears while I'm eating. I only experience this foreign body sensation when I'm not eating. How should I ...

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello Ms. Eva: The sensation of a foreign body can be caused by acid reflux and stress. Medication can be taken for treatment, and it is important to relax and maintain a normal routine. If necessary, please visit an otolaryngology and gastroenterology clinic for further examinat...

Feeling of a Foreign Body in the Throat: Causes and Solutions

There is a sensation of a foreign body on the right side of the throat when swallowing, and a feeling of obstruction on the right side during breathing.

Dr. Li Jiaxuan reply Otolaryngology
Inflammation or foreign bodies in the tonsils or base of the tongue may warrant a consultation with an otolaryngologist. Wishing you good health.

Throat Foreign Body Sensation: Is Stress the Hidden Culprit?

I have been experiencing a sensation of a foreign body in my throat for the past four days, and sometimes I feel something unusual with my heart. I am unsure if this is related to stress and accompanied by a psychological condition.

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello, the most common cause of the sensation of a foreign body in the throat is inflammation of the larynx, which can be related to stress, gastric acid irritation, dietary irritants, and other factors. It is recommended that if the symptoms do not improve after one week, a medi...