Throat Foreign Body Sensation: Causes and Solutions

Sensation of a foreign body in the throat?

Hello Doctor, on the night of July 8th, while eating fish, I felt something scratch my throat, which was painful.
When I woke up in the morning, I noticed discomfort on the right side of my throat.
I visited a clinic where the doctor said he didn’t see any fish bones and prescribed medication for me.
However, the next day my throat still hurt, and I felt a burning sensation.
I then consulted a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner, but there was no improvement.
By July 12th, the pain intensified, and swallowing saliva was painful, although the pain would disappear after swallowing a few times, replaced by a cooling sensation.
However, I still experienced pain when dry heaving.
By evening, I felt discomfort in my throat with a sensation of a foreign body from my tonsils down to my Adam's apple.
On the morning of July 13th, due to ongoing discomfort, I visited an ENT specialist who cleaned my tonsils, but my throat still hurt, and I began to lose my appetite.
At night, I felt a sensation of a foreign body below my Adam's apple.
On July 14th, I suddenly experienced severe abdominal pain, feeling bloated, and I noticed my stomach was noticeably distended.
I went to the bathroom; initially, I couldn’t pass anything, but the second time my stool was loose, and I still felt a foreign body sensation in my throat.
I felt weak and lethargic.
On the morning of July 15th, I felt a sharp pain in my throat when drinking water, particularly on the right side near my Adam's apple.
I had diarrhea twice in the morning and still felt a foreign body sensation in my throat.
By noon, I had a decreased appetite and difficulty swallowing, feeling fatigued and weak, with a temperature consistently above 37.5 degrees Celsius, peaking at 37.5 degrees.
I returned to the clinic where the doctor suspected a cold and prescribed medication, but my temperature remained around 37.5 degrees.
I also took a rapid test which was negative.
By evening, I had little appetite and felt a bit dizzy, and while lying down, I felt something move to my right chest.
On July 16th, I woke up with diarrhea, feeling exhausted and lacking energy, with my temperature still hovering around 37.5 degrees.
I felt a foreign body sensation in my right chest and a strange feeling from my neck to my collarbone.
My body felt internally heated, and I was sweating from my hands and feet.
I still had a poor appetite and difficulty swallowing, feeling something stuck in my throat near the esophagus, making it hard to swallow pills.
At night, I felt something move to my heart, causing some pain that lasted about 30 seconds.
This morning, I had loose stools again, and my throat felt distinctly blocked with a tight sensation.
I had difficulty swallowing during breakfast and with pills as well.
Throughout the day, I felt lethargic and weak, with a maximum temperature of 37.7 degrees and some tightness in my chest.
Swallowing medication still felt difficult, and my head felt somewhat swollen.
I forgot to mention that during this time, I occasionally felt discomfort in my sternum and tightness in my shoulders, but the pain would only last a few seconds.
I would like to ask you, Doctor, what do you think my condition is? Is it possible that a fish bone is still lodged, or could it be psychological factors or something else? I found many cases online of fish bones getting lodged in the esophagus, piercing arteries, or entering the bronchi or heart, which frightens me.
Additionally, I feel that the pain in my throat has shifted downward, and I am experiencing difficulty swallowing.
Therefore, I am seeking your advice on whether I should go to a major hospital for further examination.
Thank you, Doctor.

Dùdùniǎo, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/07/17

Dr. Ji Zhaoyun reply Otolaryngology

Based on your detailed description, your symptoms include sore throat, a sensation of a foreign body, difficulty swallowing, elevated body temperature, loss of appetite, fatigue, chest tightness, as well as abdominal pain and diarrhea.
These symptoms may be caused by various factors, including but not limited to a fishbone lodged in the throat or esophagus, infections, gastrointestinal issues, or other factors.
Given the numerous possibilities and the fact that you have already visited a clinic for examination, but your symptoms continue to progress, it is advisable to seek medical attention at a hospital in person.
Here are some potential conditions to consider:

Possible Conditions
1.
Fishbone lodged in the throat or esophagus: Although initial examinations did not reveal a fishbone, it may be lodged deeper or have moved, causing persistent sensations of a foreign body and pain.
2.
Infection: Sore throat, fever, and fatigue may be caused by an infection, such as pharyngitis, tonsillitis, or other upper respiratory infections.
3.
Gastrointestinal issues: Abdominal pain, diarrhea, and loss of appetite may be related to gastrointestinal problems, such as gastritis or gastroenteritis.

Recommendations
1.
Seek immediate medical attention: Due to the persistence and variety of your symptoms, it is recommended that you go to a major hospital or specialty clinic for a comprehensive evaluation.
This may include endoscopy, chest X-rays, or CT scans (to be determined by the attending physician based on examination results) to ascertain whether there is a foreign body lodged in the esophagus or airway.
2.
Specialist evaluation: An otolaryngologist (ENT specialist) and a gastroenterologist can provide more detailed examinations and diagnoses to identify the root of the problem.
3.
Avoid hard or irritating foods: Until the issue is determined, avoid consuming hard or irritating foods to prevent further irritation of the throat or esophagus.

Symptoms to Watch For
If you experience any of the following urgent symptoms, seek medical attention immediately:
- Difficulty breathing
- Persistent high fever
- Severe chest pain or palpitations
- Inability to eat or drink
- Severe abdominal pain or persistent diarrhea
In summary, it is advisable for you to go to the hospital and allow a professional physician to conduct a thorough examination to determine the root cause of your issues and provide appropriate treatment.

Reply Date: 2024/07/17

More Info

The sensation of a foreign body in the throat, particularly after eating fish, can be quite distressing and may stem from various causes. Based on your description, it seems you are experiencing a combination of throat pain, a sensation of something stuck in your throat, and gastrointestinal symptoms, which have persisted for several days. Let's break down the potential causes and solutions.

Possible Causes
1. Fish Bone Injury: The most immediate concern after eating fish is the possibility of a fish bone getting lodged in the throat or esophagus. Even if initial examinations did not reveal any foreign body, small bones can sometimes be difficult to detect. They can cause irritation, inflammation, and pain, leading to the sensation of something being stuck.

2. Esophageal Irritation or Inflammation: If a fish bone did scratch or irritate the lining of your throat or esophagus, it could lead to inflammation. This inflammation can cause pain, a burning sensation, and difficulty swallowing. Conditions like esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus) can arise from such injuries.

3. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Given your symptoms of burning sensation and discomfort, GERD could also be a contributing factor. Acid reflux can cause irritation in the throat and esophagus, leading to a sensation of a lump or foreign body.

4. Psychological Factors: Anxiety and stress can exacerbate physical sensations, leading to heightened awareness of discomfort in the throat. This can create a cycle where anxiety about the sensation leads to more discomfort.

5. Infection: A throat infection, such as pharyngitis or tonsillitis, could also cause pain and the sensation of something being stuck. Infections can lead to swelling and discomfort, making swallowing painful.

6. Gastrointestinal Issues: Your gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhea and abdominal pain, could suggest a broader issue, such as a viral or bacterial infection affecting your digestive system. This could contribute to your overall feeling of malaise and discomfort.

Recommended Actions
1. Seek Medical Attention: Given the persistence and severity of your symptoms, it is advisable to seek further medical evaluation. An ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) specialist can perform a thorough examination, possibly including imaging studies like an X-ray or endoscopy, to check for any foreign bodies or other abnormalities.

2. Hydration and Soft Foods: While waiting for medical attention, ensure you stay hydrated and consider consuming soft foods that are easier to swallow. Avoiding spicy or acidic foods may also help reduce irritation.

3. Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, may help alleviate throat pain. However, consult with a healthcare provider before taking any medication, especially if you have underlying health conditions.

4. Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in your symptoms, including the severity of pain, changes in swallowing, or any new symptoms such as fever or increased fatigue. This information will be valuable for your healthcare provider.

5. Consider Psychological Support: If anxiety is a significant factor in your experience, consider speaking with a mental health professional. They can provide strategies to manage anxiety and its physical manifestations.

Conclusion
The sensation of a foreign body in the throat can arise from various causes, including physical injuries, infections, or psychological factors. Given the complexity of your symptoms and their impact on your daily life, it is crucial to seek further medical evaluation to rule out serious conditions and receive appropriate treatment. Do not hesitate to visit a hospital or specialist if your symptoms worsen or if you feel increasingly unwell. Your health and well-being are paramount, and timely intervention can lead to better outcomes.

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...

Persistent Throat Tightness and Foreign Body Sensation: Causes and Solutions

Hello doctor, six weeks ago I performed a neck stretching maneuver too forcefully, which caused me to feel nauseous and experience difficulty breathing for about three minutes. After that, the symptoms subsided, but I was left with a sensation of a foreign body in my throat. I di...

Dr. Li Jiaxuan reply Otolaryngology
Mucosal damage caused by throat strain may take two to three weeks to heal. If symptoms do not improve, further examination is recommended. Wishing you good health.

Persistent Throat Sensation: Causes and Solutions for Discomfort

I have been feeling like something is stuck in my throat for the past few days. I have a sensation of needing to cough but can't, and swallowing is uncomfortable. I don't feel anything significant when eating or drinking, but the sensation of a foreign body becomes very...

Dr. Ji Zhaoyun reply Otolaryngology
Hello, if this has occurred within the past few days, it is important to rule out esophageal issues such as esophageal foreign body, esophagitis, or esophageal ulcers. Besides that, the situation you described could be chronic pharyngitis. However, I recommend seeking medical att...

Understanding Throat Foreign Body Sensation: Causes and Solutions

Hello Doctor, I currently have a sensation of a foreign body in my throat, along with pressure and strong halitosis, which is very distressing for me. I have a sensitive throat, and my first reaction to any foreign sensation is to gag. Initially, this sensation would occur in the...

Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello, if the gastroscopy does not reveal any significant abnormalities (such as ulcers or esophagitis), the likelihood of gastrointestinal issues is low. It is recommended to consult an otolaryngologist. Make sure to brush your teeth and rinse your mouth after each meal. If you ...