Have you ever experience the sensation of a foreign body in the throat when swallowing? It is a very discomforting symptom for those who experience it. If the symptom persists, patients should see a specialist for a further examination.

 

Around 40% of population had similar experience

 

Studies showed that around 40% of population experienced the sensation of a foreign body in the throat in the past. And it is very common among the middle aged people. Possible causes include chronic tonsillitis, tonsillar hypertrophy, post-nasal drip, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Some studies also found that psychological distress and inadequate saliva can be associated with higher rates of this foreign-body sensation in throat.

 

What are the possible causes?

 

The exact causes are unknown, but research suggests a combination of factors are responsible. For patients with a foreign-body sensation in throat, the specialist will first conduct a few tests to determine whether it is caused by a certain oesophagus tumour or a lump. If the upper oesophageal sphincter does not function properly, the acid will enter into the throat and voice box and result in abnormalities.

 

Chronic tonsillitis

 

The tonsils are lymph nodes in the back of the mouth and top of the throat. They help to filter out bacteria and other germs to prevent infection in the body. A bacterial or viral infection can cause tonsillitis. Chronic tonsillitis is a persistent infection of the tonsils. Possible symptoms include difficult or painful swallowing, a foreign-body sensation in throat, the enlarged glands (lymph nodes) in the neck and so on.

 

 

Globus hystericus

 

Globus hystericus is a subjective feeling of a lump or foreign body in the throat and is often experienced by individuals at times of stress or anxiety. Another possible factor could be the inability to produce enough saliva.

 

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

 

GERD is caused by stomach acid reflux due to disorders of the lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS), a muscular valve at the junction between the oesophagus and stomach. Inflammation from acid may cause globus sensation. And it is often associated with persistent clearing of the throat, chronic cough, and extra mucus. When gastric acid comes into contact with the vocal cords, it can cause significant inflammation. If this occurs repeatedly, it can result in hoarseness, frequent throat clearing, coughing, or the sensation that something is stuck in the throat.

 

 

How to diagnose?

 

You should seek medical advice if the foreign-body sensation persists even by taking plenty of fluids and changing the lifestyle. The ENT specialist will use the endoscopy to see the inside of the throat, or require a barium X-ray test to detect abnormalities of the oesophagus.

 

*The above information is for reference only, please consult your doctor for detail.

 

 

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