Feeling of a Foreign Object in the Throat: Causes and Concerns

There is a persistent sensation of a foreign body stuck in the throat?

Hello, Doctor.
On Monday, while eating a chicken leg, I felt like I swallowed a bone.
Since then, I've experienced a sore throat and a prickling sensation when swallowing.
I came to ask for advice, and the doctor replied that if something was truly lodged, the pain would worsen over the next few days, along with difficulty breathing, swallowing difficulties, fever, etc.
However, I haven't experienced any of those symptoms.
Over the past few days, I've felt like the location of the suspected lodged bone has changed, moving from the left side near my jaw to the left side of my neck, and then yesterday it shifted to the right side of my neck.
This morning, I initially felt that all the discomfort had alleviated, but when I had edamame at noon, I suddenly felt a foreign body sensation again.
Later, that sensation subsided, but during dinner, I felt a prickling sensation with every bite I swallowed.
Now, the sensation of a foreign body feels very strong.
I searched online and found no cases of edamame shells getting lodged in the throat.
Is it possible for an edamame shell to get stuck in the throat? What would happen if it did? I still feel uncomfortable, as if something is stuck there, and I can't tell if it's the original bone or if I actually got an edamame shell stuck.
I am sure I chewed everything thoroughly before swallowing.
Is there something wrong with my throat, or could it be that I've been under a lot of stress lately, leading to anxiety and overthinking? Sorry for the lengthy explanation, and thank you, Doctor.

Teresawu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/06/04

Dr. Ji Zhaoyun reply Otolaryngology

Hello, the situation you described may be due to esophageal ulcers, foreign bodies, or chronic pharyngitis, among other conditions.
It is recommended to undergo an endoscopic examination to rule out the presence of masses or foreign objects, as well as to receive appropriate medication treatment.
In addition to medication, please pay attention to the following daily living precautions: avoid lying down for two hours after eating, and refrain from coffee, tea, cigarettes, alcohol, fried foods, and spicy foods, as these can help improve symptoms.
Wishing you safety and good health.

Reply Date: 2021/06/04

More Info

Feeling a sensation of a foreign object in the throat can be quite distressing and is often referred to as "globus sensation." This feeling can arise from various causes, and understanding these can help alleviate your concerns.

Possible Causes
1. Physical Obstruction: The most immediate concern is the possibility of a physical obstruction, such as a piece of food or bone. In your case, you mentioned feeling as if you swallowed a chicken bone, which could potentially cause irritation or injury to the throat. If a bone were to become lodged, it could lead to pain, difficulty swallowing, and even infection if not addressed. However, you noted that you have not experienced severe symptoms like difficulty breathing or swallowing, which is a positive sign.

2. Irritation or Inflammation: Eating sharp or hard foods can irritate the lining of the throat. This irritation can lead to a sensation of something being stuck, even if there is nothing physically lodged. The throat can also become inflamed due to allergies, infections, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which can contribute to this sensation.

3. Muscle Tension: Stress and anxiety can lead to muscle tension in the throat, which may create a feeling of tightness or discomfort. If you are experiencing increased stress, this could be a contributing factor to your symptoms. The mind-body connection is powerful, and anxiety can manifest physically in various ways, including the sensation of a lump in the throat.

4. Psychological Factors: Sometimes, the sensation of a foreign object can be linked to psychological factors. If you are preoccupied with the idea of having something stuck in your throat, this can exacerbate the feeling, leading to a cycle of anxiety and discomfort.

What to Do
1. Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms. If they worsen or if you develop new symptoms such as severe pain, difficulty swallowing, or fever, it is essential to seek medical attention promptly.

2. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids can help soothe the throat and may assist in clearing any minor irritations.

3. Relaxation Techniques: If stress is a contributing factor, consider practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or gentle neck stretches to relieve tension.

4. Avoid Irritants: Try to avoid foods that are sharp or hard until your throat feels better. Soft foods may be easier to swallow and less likely to irritate the throat.

5. Consult a Healthcare Provider: If the sensation persists or if you have concerns about a possible obstruction, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider. They may perform a physical examination or recommend imaging studies to rule out any serious issues.

Conclusion
While the sensation of a foreign object in the throat can be alarming, it is often related to irritation, muscle tension, or psychological factors rather than a serious obstruction. However, it is crucial to listen to your body and seek medical advice if your symptoms do not improve or if you have any concerns. Taking proactive steps to manage stress and monitor your symptoms can help you feel more in control and alleviate discomfort.

Similar Q&A

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...

Feeling of a Choking Sensation in the Throat: Possible Causes and Concerns

Hello doctor, about a month ago I noticed a sensation of a foreign body in my throat. I then went to the hospital and consulted an otolaryngologist who performed a physical examination and a nasopharyngoscopy, but no abnormalities were found. Later, I felt uneasy and visited a ga...

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello, if a physician has examined you and found no obvious abnormalities, and the symptoms are commonly associated with chronic pharyngitis, it is recommended to start by improving dietary control and adjusting your daily routine. If symptoms persist without improvement, regular...

Feeling of a Foreign Object in Throat: Symptoms and When to Seek Help

Hello Doctor: For the past two months, I have been feeling a sensation of a foreign body in my throat. When I wake up, I often feel like I want to vomit, but I can't bring anything up, which results in a lack of appetite in the morning. Sometimes, when I eat, I experience a ...

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello: The most common condition is chronic pharyngitis, which is related to gastroesophageal reflux, smoking, and postnasal drip. If there is no improvement, it is recommended to consult an otolaryngologist or a gastroenterologist for further examination. Wishing you safety and ...

Understanding the Sensation of a Foreign Body in the Throat

You may be experiencing symptoms related to a condition known as globus sensation, which is the feeling of having a lump in the throat. This can be accompanied by difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), discomfort, and may also lead to symptoms such as belching, shortness of breath, a...

Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: It could be a throat issue or possibly related to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It is advisable to avoid foods that may trigger acid reflux. If there is no improvement, you may consider consulting a gastroenterologist and an otolaryngologist. Changhua Hospital ca...