I feel like there's something choking in my chest.

Many people work long hours due to the pressure of life and lack of exercise, which leads to sub-health status. Some people feel as if there is something choking on their chest and think they are choking on food, but they cannot solve the problem no matter how many methods they try. In fact, there are many reasons for such symptoms. It may also be caused by respiratory tract or stomach lesions, and requires treatment based on the specific cause.

The feeling of something choking in the chest

Chronic pharyngitis is a chronic inflammation of the pharyngeal mucosa, submucosal and lymphoid tissue. Diffuse pharyngitis is often part of chronic inflammation of the upper respiratory tract; localized pharyngitis is mostly inflammation of the pharyngeal lymphoid tissue. This disease is common in clinical practice, has a long course, and symptoms are prone to recurrence.

1. Upper respiratory tract lesions adjacent to the pharynx

For example, chronic inflammation of the nasal cavity, sinuses, and nasopharynx may irritate the pharyngeal mucosa due to the reflux of inflammatory secretions through the posterior nasal cavity to the pharynx; diseases such as chronic rhinitis, deviated nasal septum, chronic sinusitis, adenoids hypertrophy, snoring, or space-occupying lesions in the nasal cavity, sinuses, and nasopharynx affect nasal ventilation, causing long-term open-mouth breathing, resulting in long-term excessive dryness of the pharyngeal mucosa and leading to chronic pharyngitis; chronic inflammation of chronic tonsillitis can directly spread to the posterior pharyngeal wall, causing chronic pharyngitis; if oral inflammation is not controlled in time, it can also lead to chronic pharyngitis as the inflammation spreads.

2. Changes in climate and regional environment

Changes in temperature and humidity, poor air quality, stimulation from tobacco and alcohol, spicy and irritating foods, dust, harmful gases and radioactive exposure are also causes of chronic pharyngitis.

3. Occupational factors

People who use their voice extensively for a long time, such as teachers, singers, and those with susceptible physical conditions may also develop this disease.

4. Systemic factors

Chronic pharyngitis can also be caused by anemia, indigestion, gastroesophageal reflux, heart disease (due to blood circulation disorders affecting the pharyngeal venous return and causing local congestion in the pharynx), chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, rheumatism, liver and kidney diseases, etc. Endocrine disorders, autonomic nervous system disorders, infection with Bacillus rhinorrhoeae and diphtheroids, vitamin deficiency and immune dysfunction are all related to atrophic and dry pharyngitis.

5. Allergic factors

Inhaled allergens (including seasonal and perennial allergens), medications, chemical irritants in the workplace, and food allergens can all cause allergic pharyngitis.

How to care for pharyngitis in daily life

1. Pay attention to the combination of work and rest, avoid cold, stay in bed during the acute stage, and keep the indoor air circulating

2. People who are often exposed to dust or chemical gases should wear masks, face shields and other protective measures.

3. Drink more light salt water, eat easily digestible food, and keep bowel movements smooth.

4. Avoid tobacco, alcohol, spicy, overly cold, overly hot, and irritating foods with fishy smells. It is also a good way to care for pharyngitis in daily life

5. Pay attention to oral hygiene and develop the habit of rinsing your mouth after meals to prevent bacteria from growing.

Dietary considerations for pharyngitis

Patients with chronic pharyngitis should avoid irritating foods, including spicy, roasted, fried, spicy, and dry foods, and drink more tea.

1. Keep the indoor air fresh, humidity and temperature appropriate.

2. Quit smoking and drinking, and do not place items with pungent odors indoors.

3. Cleanliness of the oral cavity and pharynx is very important. Keep brushing your teeth in the morning, evening and after meals.

4. Pay attention to reducing dust irritation and correct the bad habit of mouth breathing.

5. Systemic diseases should be treated actively.

6. Pay attention to nutritional balance and eat a light, vitamin-rich diet. Eat less fried foods and spicy foods, and eat more vegetables and fruits.