How to Remove Hair from Your Throat

If you're struggling to get rid of the uncomfortable feeling of hair being stuck in your throat, try using a few methods to alleviate this issue. You can safely swallow a few strands of hair or eat a soft food item to help push the hair down. It may also be necessary to address other health issues that could cause a sensation of something being stuck in your throat, such as smoking, acid reflux, or allergies.

Try swallowing the hair. If you suspect a hair or two is stuck in your throat, attempt to swallow it. The hair will move through your digestive system like food and be expelled. The hair will not break down in your body since it is primarily made of keratin, a dense protein. If the hair seems long, try pulling it out with clean hands if possible.

Eat soft foods. You can remove a hair strand from your throat by swallowing a large bite of food. Choose soft and soothing foods for your throat, such as a few pieces of banana or soft bread.

• Only attempt to swallow a piece of food that is an appropriate size. Trying to swallow something too large could lead to choking.
• The hair strand will move through the digestive tract along with the food if you're able to swallow it.

Consult an ENT specialist. If you're unable to remove the hair strand from your throat and the sensation becomes bothersome, consider scheduling an appointment with an ENT specialist. If you also experience other symptoms such as pain when swallowing or pus on your tonsils, you need to be thoroughly examined.

• The doctor may need to conduct tests or take X-rays. Be sure to provide a complete medical history and describe all your symptoms.

Gargle with warm saltwater. Sometimes, you may feel like there's a hair stuck in your throat even when nothing is there. Other issues might be causing discomfort. To soothe your throat, pour a cup of warm water and dissolve a bit of salt. Gargling with saltwater can help calm your throat.

• Studies also show that gargling with saltwater can prevent or alleviate cold symptoms.

Quit smoking. The toxins and particles generated from smoking can irritate the lining of your throat. This irritation may create the sensation of having a hair stuck in your throat. Try to reduce the amount you smoke each day to lessen throat irritation and coughing caused by smoking.

Treating Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). If you suffer from GERD, stomach acid can flow back into your throat, which may irritate it, especially when it reaches the vocal cords. This condition can give you the sensation that something is stuck in your throat. It’s a good idea to consult your doctor about the best treatment options for your specific case.

• If you experience hoarseness, frequent coughing, or feel the constant need to clear your throat, you might have a condition called laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), a type of reflux affecting the throat and vocal cords.

Taking Antihistamines for Allergies. If you have an allergic reaction to food you've consumed, you might find it hard to swallow and feel as though something is lodged in your throat or that your tongue feels coated. It's important to follow your allergy treatment plan or quickly reach out to your doctor.

• Your doctor may recommend taking antihistamine medications to prevent the allergic reaction.