Throat Discomfort: Foreign Body Sensation and Hoarseness

Foreign body sensation in the throat with hoarseness?

Hello, doctor.
I've been feeling something unusual in my throat these past few days.
It feels like there's a foreign body sensation and a hoarseness (although my voice isn't actually hoarse).
I have to swallow very hard every time I swallow saliva.
My throat doesn't hurt or itch, but it's making it hard for me to sleep.
I looked online and it seems like it could be globus sensation, but my eating and sleeping habits are the same as usual.
Why did these symptoms suddenly appear? How can I alleviate them? Thank you.
Note: My dad tested positive for COVID-19 a few days ago, and I'm currently in quarantine.
Could this be one of the symptoms?

hank, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/10/03

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology

Hello, this may be commonly associated with a mild infection or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
It is recommended to maintain a regular routine, drink plenty of water, and temporarily avoid coffee, tea, or sweets.
If symptoms persist for more than a week without improvement, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation for confirmation.

Reply Date: 2022/10/03

More Info

Throat discomfort, particularly the sensation of a foreign body and hoarseness, can be quite distressing. Your description suggests that you are experiencing a sensation often referred to as "globus sensation," which is the feeling of having something stuck in the throat. This sensation can occur without any actual obstruction and is often linked to various factors, including stress, anxiety, or even changes in your environment or health status.

Given that you mentioned your father has recently been diagnosed with an illness and you are currently in isolation, it is possible that stress and anxiety related to your situation could be contributing to your symptoms. Stress can lead to muscle tension in the throat area, which may exacerbate the sensation of a foreign body. Additionally, anxiety can heighten your awareness of bodily sensations, making you more sensitive to normal physiological responses.

Another potential factor to consider is the possibility of post-nasal drip, which can occur due to allergies or respiratory infections. This condition can lead to irritation in the throat, causing discomfort and the sensation of something being stuck. Even if you do not have a sore throat or cough, post-nasal drip can still occur and lead to these sensations.

In terms of hoarseness, while you mentioned that your voice does not sound hoarse, the sensation of hoarseness can still be present without an actual change in voice quality. This can be due to muscle tension or irritation in the throat.

Here are some strategies to help alleviate your symptoms:
1. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to keep your throat moist. Warm teas with honey can be soothing.

2. Humidify Your Environment: Using a humidifier can help keep the air moist, which may ease throat discomfort.

3. Practice Relaxation Techniques: Engage in deep breathing exercises, meditation, or gentle yoga to help reduce stress and muscle tension.

4. Avoid Irritants: Stay away from smoke, strong odors, and other irritants that could exacerbate throat discomfort.

5. Gargle with Salt Water: This can help soothe the throat and may alleviate the sensation of discomfort.

6. Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in your symptoms. If they persist or worsen, it would be wise to consult a healthcare professional.

7. Consider Psychological Factors: If anxiety is a significant factor, speaking with a mental health professional may provide you with coping strategies to manage stress and anxiety.

If your symptoms do not improve or if you develop additional symptoms such as fever, difficulty swallowing, or persistent pain, it is essential to seek medical attention. Given your father's recent illness, it would also be prudent to discuss your symptoms with a healthcare provider to rule out any potential viral infections or other underlying conditions.

In summary, while the sensation of a foreign body in the throat and hoarseness can be uncomfortable, they are often related to stress, anxiety, or minor irritations. By implementing some of the strategies mentioned above, you may find relief from your symptoms. However, do not hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional for further evaluation and guidance.

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