Causes of Constant Phlegmy Throat or Throat Mucus
- Upper respiratory infections (URIs): URIs, such as the common cold, flu, and sinusitis, can cause inflammation and irritation of the throat, leading to excess mucus production.
- Allergies: Allergies to pollen, dust, animal dander, or other substances can also cause inflammation and irritation of the throat, leading to excess mucus production.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): GERD is a condition in which stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation in the chest (heartburn). GERD can also cause mucus to build up in the throat.
- Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR): LPR is a condition similar to GERD, but the stomach acid backs up into the larynx (voice box) and throat. This can cause a burning sensation in the throat, hoarseness, and excess mucus production.
- Chronic bronchitis: Chronic bronchitis is a lung disease that causes inflammation and irritation of the airways. This can lead to excess mucus production.
- Pneumonia: Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can cause inflammation and irritation of the airways. This can lead to excess mucus production.
- Cystic fibrosis: Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that affects the production of mucus. People with cystic fibrosis have thick, sticky mucus that can build up in the lungs and throat.
- Medications: Some medications, such as ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers, can cause excess mucus production.
- Environmental irritants: Exposure to smoke, dust, and other environmental irritants can cause inflammation and irritation of the throat, leading to excess mucus production.
If you have a constant phlegmy throat or throat mucus, it is important to see a doctor to determine the underlying cause. Treatment will depend on the cause. In some cases, home remedies, such as drinking plenty of fluids, gargling with salt water, and using a humidifier, may be enough to relieve the symptoms. In other cases, medication may be necessary.
Here are some home remedies that you can try to help clear your throat of constant mucus:
- Drink plenty of fluids. Fluids help to thin mucus and make it easier to cough up. Water, juice, and clear broth are all good choices.
- Gargle with salt water. Salt water can help to soothe a sore throat and loosen mucus. Mix 1 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water. Gargle for 30 seconds and then spit out.
- Use a humidifier. A humidifier adds moisture to the air, which can help to loosen mucus and make it easier to cough up.
- Take over-the-counter cough medicine. Cough medicine can help to suppress a cough and make it easier to breathe.
- Use a saline nasal spray or rinse. A saline nasal spray or rinse can help to clear mucus from the nose and sinuses, which can help to reduce the amount of mucus that drips down the back of the throat.
If you have a constant phlegmy throat or throat mucus, it is important to see a doctor to determine the underlying cause. Treatment will depend on the cause. In some cases, home remedies, such as drinking plenty of fluids, gargling with salt water, and using a humidifier, may be enough to relieve the symptoms. In other cases, medication may be necessary.