How to get rid of foreign object sensation? A guide to common causes and remedies

October 1, 2025 •

5 min read

According to a study cited by the Cleveland Clinic, globus sensation—the feeling of a lump in the throat when nothing is there—is a common symptom linked to various health conditions. For those wondering how to get rid of foreign object sensation, the correct approach depends heavily on the affected area and whether a physical object is truly present or if it is a phantom feeling.

Quick Summary

This guide provides practical remedies and advice for addressing the feeling of a foreign object in the throat, eye, and ear. It covers common causes, safe at-home solutions, and identifies symptoms that require professional medical attention.

Key Points

Identify the Location: The correct treatment for a foreign object sensation depends entirely on whether it's in the throat, eye, or ear.
Treat the Underlying Cause for Globus: Sensation in the throat (globus) is often caused by reflux, anxiety, or muscle tension, and addressing these issues with lifestyle changes and relaxation is key.
Use Flushing for Eye Irritation: For a foreign sensation in the eye, flushing with water or saline is the safest initial step, while rubbing should be strictly avoided.
Never Insert Anything into the Ear: If you suspect a foreign object or infection in the ear, avoid using cotton swabs and seek professional removal to prevent further damage.
Know When to Seek Medical Help: Persistent symptoms, severe pain, vision changes, or suspected embedded objects in any area require immediate medical attention.
Reduce Stress for Phantom Sensations: High stress and anxiety can create or exacerbate foreign object sensations, particularly globus, so managing your mental state is a vital part of recovery.

The experience of a foreign object sensation can be startling and uncomfortable, but the feeling doesn't always indicate an actual obstruction. The cause and appropriate solution vary significantly based on the location. Understanding the specific nature of your discomfort is the first step toward effective relief.

How to get rid of foreign object sensation in the throat

When there is no physical object present, the feeling of a lump in the throat is known as globus pharyngeus or globus sensation. This is a common and usually benign condition, though it can be persistent and bothersome. It is often linked to underlying medical issues or psychological factors.

Common causes of globus sensation

Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR) and GERD: Acid reflux, particularly LPR where stomach acid irritates the throat, is a leading cause of globus sensation.
Muscle Tension: Stress, anxiety, or emotional distress can cause muscle tension in the throat, creating a tight or constricted feeling.
Postnasal Drip: Excessive mucus from the nose and sinuses can build up and irritate the back of the throat, triggering the sensation.
Vocal Strain: Overusing or straining your voice can lead to muscle tension in the throat.
Other Factors: Thyroid disease, inflammation, and esophageal motility disorders can also contribute to this feeling.

At-home remedies for globus sensation

Stay Hydrated: Sipping water frequently, especially when you feel the urge to clear your throat, can help relax the throat muscles and alleviate the sensation.
Practice Relaxation Techniques: Since stress and anxiety are major triggers, practicing breathing exercises, meditation, or neck stretching can help reduce muscle tension.
Modify Your Diet: If reflux is the suspected cause, avoid trigger foods such as spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated beverages. Avoid eating late at night.
Elevate Your Head: Sleeping with your head slightly elevated can reduce the backflow of stomach acid.
Resist Throat Clearing: Excessive throat clearing can worsen irritation. Instead, try swallowing or taking a sip of water.

How to get rid of foreign object sensation in the eye

A foreign object sensation in the eye may be caused by a small particle like dust or an eyelash, or by an underlying condition like dry eye or conjunctivitis. A safe and gentle approach is crucial to avoid further damage.

Safe removal techniques for the eye

Wash Your Hands: Always start by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water to prevent introducing more irritants.
Flush the Eye: Use a gentle stream of clean, warm water or sterile saline solution. You can use an eyecup, a clean glass, or do so in the shower.
Try Blinking: Your eye's natural tears can often flush out small particles. Blinking a few times may be all that's needed.
Pull Eyelid Over: Gently pull your upper eyelid over your lower one. The lower lashes can help brush the object off the upper lid.

What to avoid

Do Not Rub: Rubbing can scratch the cornea and make the situation much worse.
Do Not Use Sharp Objects: Never use tweezers or other sharp instruments to try to remove an object.
Do Not Touch the Cornea: Avoid touching the center of the eye directly.

How to get rid of foreign object sensation in the ear

An object in the ear can cause a feeling of fullness, pain, or decreased hearing. In many cases, it is caused by something as simple as built-up earwax or an insect.

Causes of foreign object sensation in the ear

Earwax Buildup: Excessive earwax is a common cause of feeling like something is in the ear.
Insects: A small insect can crawl into the ear canal, causing a buzzing or crawling sensation.
Infections: Ear infections can cause a feeling of fullness and pressure as fluid builds up behind the eardrum.
Pressure Changes: Conditions like Eustachian tube dysfunction can cause a blocked or full feeling.

Actions to take for the ear

Do Not Insert Anything: Never use cotton swabs or other objects to try to remove something from the ear, as this can push the object deeper or puncture the eardrum.
Tilt Your Head: If you suspect an insect has entered the ear, try tilting your head to the side and pulling the earlobe to encourage it to come out.
See a Doctor: Most objects in the ear should be removed by a healthcare professional using specialized tools like suction catheters or tweezers.

How to get rid of foreign object sensation: When to seek medical help

While many sensations can be managed at home, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention. Be aware of these critical indicators:

Medical attention is required for the eye if:

The object is embedded or stuck in the eye.
You experience vision changes or loss.
Your eye has been exposed to a chemical.
Pain and irritation persist after flushing.

Medical attention is required for the throat if:

You have difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) or painful swallowing (odynophagia).
You suspect a real object is lodged in your throat.
Symptoms are persistent and not relieved by home remedies.

Medical attention is required for the ear if:

An insect or foreign object is suspected.
You have severe pain, fever, or drainage from the ear.
Hearing loss or dizziness occurs.

Comparison of foreign object sensation symptoms and remedies


Location	Common Causes (Phantom)	Typical Causes (Actual Object)	At-Home Remedies	When to See a Doctor
Throat	Globus sensation, Reflux (GERD/LPR), stress, muscle tension, postnasal drip	Food, pill (rarely lodged)	Sip water, stress relief, dietary changes, neck exercises	Persistent sensation, difficulty swallowing, pain
Eye	Dry eye, conjunctivitis, eye strain	Eyelash, sand, dust, small particle	Flush with water/saline, use artificial tears, blink	Embedded object, vision changes, chemical exposure
Ear	Earwax buildup, infection, fluid buildup	Small toy, insect, cotton swab tip	None recommended for removal, treat underlying infection	Object is suspected, pain, hearing loss, drainage

Conclusion

A persistent foreign object sensation is a sign from your body that something is out of balance. Whether it's a true obstruction in the eye or ear, a phantom globus sensation in the throat due to stress or reflux, or fluid buildup causing a full feeling in the ear, the first step is to identify the likely cause. For minor issues, gentle home remedies can offer relief. However, for any severe, painful, or persistent symptoms, or if you suspect an embedded object, it is essential to seek professional medical help to prevent complications. Speaking with a healthcare provider can help determine the correct course of action, ensuring your well-being and peace of mind.

For more detailed information on globus sensation, consult trusted medical resources like the Cleveland Clinic on Globus Sensation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Globus sensation, or globus pharyngeus, is the feeling of having a lump or foreign object stuck in the throat when there is no physical obstruction present. It is often linked to acid reflux, stress, or muscle tension.

To safely remove something from your eye, wash your hands thoroughly, then flush the eye with a gentle stream of clean water or saline. Do not rub your eye, and avoid using sharp objects near it.

Do not attempt to remove the object yourself by inserting anything into the ear canal, as this can cause serious damage. Instead, seek immediate medical attention from a doctor or an ENT specialist for safe removal.

Yes, anxiety and stress are common causes of globus sensation, the feeling of a lump in the throat. Increased muscle tension in the throat is a physical symptom of anxiety that can create this feeling.

You should see a doctor if the sensation is persistent, painful, or accompanied by other serious symptoms like vision loss, difficulty swallowing, fever, or ear drainage. If an object is embedded, seek emergency care.

Yes, dry eye syndrome is a very common cause of foreign body sensation in the eye. The lack of proper lubrication can make the eye feel gritty, scratchy, or as though something is in it, even when it's not.

For eye-related sensations, using lubricating or artificial tears can help soothe irritation and relieve the gritty feeling. Avoid using anti-redness drops for a persistent foreign body sensation.