Throat Foreign Body Sensation and Pain: Causes and Solutions - Otolaryngology

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The sensation of a foreign body in the throat, often accompanied by pain, can be quite distressing and may stem from various underlying causes. Based on your description, it seems you have been experiencing this sensation for several years, with episodes of pain that intensify during physical exertion, such as climbing stairs or jogging. This pattern suggests a possible connection between your throat discomfort and physical activity, which may exacerbate the symptoms.

One potential cause of your symptoms is chronic pharyngitis, which you have already been diagnosed with. Chronic pharyngitis can result from several factors, including persistent irritation from environmental factors (like secondhand smoke), allergies, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD can lead to acid irritating the throat, causing inflammation and the sensation of a lump or foreign body. The fact that you experience increased pain during physical exertion could be related to increased airflow and pressure changes in the throat, which may aggravate the already inflamed tissues.

Another possibility is that you may be experiencing a condition known as globus sensation, which is the feeling of having a lump in the throat without any actual obstruction. This sensation can be associated with anxiety, stress, or muscle tension in the throat area. The pain you feel during exertion could be due to muscle strain or tension in the throat muscles, which may be more pronounced when you are breathing heavily.

In terms of treatment and management, here are some suggestions:
1. Consultation with a Specialist: Since you have already seen an ENT specialist, it may be beneficial to follow up with them or seek a second opinion if your symptoms persist. They may recommend further diagnostic tests, such as a laryngoscopy, to get a more detailed view of your throat.

2. Management of GERD: If GERD is contributing to your symptoms, lifestyle modifications such as avoiding trigger foods (spicy, acidic, or fatty foods), eating smaller meals, and not lying down immediately after eating can be helpful. Over-the-counter antacids or proton pump inhibitors may also provide relief.

3. Hydration and Humidification: Keeping your throat well-hydrated can help alleviate irritation. Drinking plenty of water and using a humidifier, especially in dry environments, can soothe the throat.

4. Avoid Irritants: Since you mentioned exposure to secondhand smoke, try to minimize this exposure as much as possible. Additionally, avoiding allergens and irritants can help reduce throat inflammation.

5. Stress Management: If anxiety or stress is contributing to your symptoms, consider techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, or gentle exercise like yoga, which can help reduce muscle tension and improve overall well-being.

6. Physical Therapy: If muscle tension is a significant factor, a speech therapist or physical therapist specializing in throat and neck issues may provide exercises to help relax the throat muscles.

7. Dietary Adjustments: Incorporating anti-inflammatory foods into your diet, such as fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids, may help reduce inflammation in the throat.

Chronic pharyngitis can take time to resolve, and the duration of symptoms can vary widely among individuals. It's essential to be patient and consistent with your management strategies while keeping an open line of communication with your healthcare providers.

In summary, the sensation of a foreign body in the throat, particularly with associated pain during exertion, can be multifactorial. Addressing potential underlying causes like GERD, chronic pharyngitis, and muscle tension, along with lifestyle modifications, can significantly improve your symptoms. If your condition does not improve or worsens, further evaluation and treatment by a specialist will be necessary.