A foreign body sensation describes the feeling that something is present within or on the body, even when no external object is actually there, or when a minor irritation causes disproportionate discomfort. It often mimics the feeling of a physical object, causing discomfort or an urge to remove something that may not exist. This sensation can range from a mild annoyance to a significant disruption of daily life.
Common Locations and Causes
Foreign body sensations frequently occur in specific areas of the body. The eye is a very common site, where sensations can arise from actual foreign bodies like dust, sand, or eyelashes. Issues with contact lenses, such as improper fit or debris under the lens, can also create this feeling. Furthermore, a corneal abrasion, which is a scratch on the eye’s surface, can produce a similar sensation even if no object remains.
The throat is another common location for this sensation, often referred to as globus sensation. While it can feel like a lump, there is typically no physical obstruction. Specific causes include post-nasal drip, where mucus irritates the throat tissues. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, can also lead to a foreign body sensation in the throat. Tonsil stones, small calcifications that form in the tonsils, can also create a feeling of something being stuck.
On the skin, a foreign body sensation usually points to the presence of an actual object, such as a splinter, thorn, or embedded piece of glass. Insect stings or bites can also leave behind tiny remnants that cause a persistent feeling. Sometimes, even after a small object is removed, the irritation or a minor wound can continue to trigger the sensation. The ear canal can also experience this feeling due to accumulated earwax, small insects, or cotton swab remnants.
Recognizing Accompanying Signs
Accompanying symptoms provide important clues about the underlying cause. In the eye, accompanying signs might include redness, excessive tearing, or a persistent urge to rub the eye. Blurry vision or increased sensitivity to light can also occur, indicating a more significant irritation or injury to the cornea.
When the sensation is in the throat, other signs often include frequent throat clearing, a persistent cough, or mild difficulty swallowing. Hoarseness or a sensation of dryness in the throat can also accompany the feeling of something being stuck. For skin foreign body sensations, localized redness, swelling, tenderness to the touch, or even pus may indicate an embedded object or an infection developing around the site.
Diagnosis and Relief
Medical professionals diagnose the cause of a foreign body sensation with a thorough physical examination. For sensations in the eye, an ophthalmologist might use a slit lamp to examine the eye’s surface for foreign objects or abrasions. They may also use fluorescein dye, which highlights any damage to the cornea.
In cases of throat sensations, a doctor might perform a visual inspection of the throat and neck. If reflux is suspected, lifestyle modifications or medications to reduce stomach acid may be recommended. For persistent or concerning throat sensations, an endoscopy might be performed, involving a thin, flexible tube with a camera to examine the esophagus and vocal cords. Relief strategies depend entirely on the identified cause, ranging from simple removal of an object, like a splinter, to prescribing medications for conditions such as GERD or allergies.
For irritations or conditions like dry eye, lubricating eye drops can provide significant relief. When the sensation is due to inflammation, anti-inflammatory medications, either topical or oral, may be prescribed. For throat issues, treatments might include antacids, proton pump inhibitors, or even speech therapy in some instances to help manage globus sensation.
When to Seek Professional Help
Seek professional medical help if a foreign body sensation persists or is accompanied by concerning symptoms. If the sensation in your eye is accompanied by severe pain, sudden vision changes, or an inability to open the eye, immediate medical attention is necessary. These signs could indicate a serious injury to the eye that requires prompt treatment to prevent complications.
Similarly, if a throat sensation is accompanied by genuine difficulty breathing or swallowing, unexplained weight loss, or persistent hoarseness, you should consult a doctor. These symptoms could point to more serious underlying conditions that require thorough evaluation. For skin sensations, seek medical help if you cannot remove a visible object, if there are signs of infection such as increasing redness, warmth, swelling, or pus, or if the sensation does not resolve within a few days.