After the flu or respiratory infection, it is common to feel the volume and thickness of the mucus increase; this occurs because the production of mucus increases to fight against the infectious agents that seek to penetrate our body. Mucus also helps us defend ourselves against allergens and keep the nasal membranes slightly wet so that the air we breathe contains the necessary amount of moisture. However, when the mucus in the throat is permanent or excessive, it is time to pay attention to this symptom and discover the condition that generates it to find an effective solution.
This FastlyHealarticle explains the most common causes of constant mucus in the throat and their solutions.
Chronic throat mucus from postnasal drip
The postnasal drip or postnasal drip occurs when excessive mucus builds up in the back of the throat, which can cause coughing and sore throat. In addition to a sensation of phlegm stuck in the throat, this picture produces frequent clearing of the throat and general discomfort, one of the most frequent causes of permanent mucus in the throat in adults.
The most common causes of a postnasal drip are:
- Gastric reflux, which irritates the back of the throat, increases the mucus density in this area. If you frequently suffer from heartburn and reflux, it is essential to consult a gastroenterologist to treat this condition and thus reduce throat discomfort.
- The allergic rhinitis or the presence of compounds that cause allergies in the environment, such as pollen and dust mites, may also give rise to this problem.
- Posterior nasal drip is also a common disease in people who suffer from sinusitis. Treating this condition will reduce discomfort.
- Breathing frequently in an environment with constant air conditioning or heating can cause the throat to dry out, increasing mucus production to balance the moisture in the nasal membranes.
An otolaryngologist must diagnose this condition and help identify possible causes and facilitate timely treatment. Nasal sprays can reduce discomfort in appropriate cases, although symptoms may persist until the underlying condition is treated. In the following article, we show good home remedies for postnasal drip.
The sensation of mucus in the throat due to the deviation of the septum
The mucus in the throat constant also can occur due to a deviation of the septum, a condition that may be hereditary or the result of a stroke or trauma to the nose.
The deviated septum, on many occasions, is not visible but manifests itself through nasal obstructions or difficulty breathing, nasal dryness, snoring when sleeping, headaches, and even sinusitis. This condition can also cause an increase in mucus in the throat.
The deviated septum can be easily diagnosed in consultation with an otolaryngologist, who will also indicate the severity of the deviation and the need to operate or not since the only treatment for this condition is surgical.
Mucus in the throat from allergies
Allergic rhinitis or allergy pictures to factors such as pollen and dust mites are also common causes the mucus thickens and mucus stuck in the throat, increasing discomfort.
In these cases, permanent mucus in the throat usually appears when we are exposed to the components that cause allergies, causing our nose to produce thicker mucus to prevent allergens from entering our body. To reduce the discomfort, it will be necessary to treat the allergy, which is usually done with antihistamines and nasal sprays. You can expand this information by consulting the Respiratory article allergies: types, symptoms, and treatment.
Permanent throat mucus from smoking
Smoking is a habit with many negative consequences on our health, increasing the possibility of suffering from various respiratory problems and cancers in the throat, tongue, larynx, or mouth.
Smoking frequently can also cause inflammation in the mucous membranes that line the nose and throat, increasing the production of thick mucus that will remain in our throat, causing discomfort, clearing, and coughing.
Kicking this habit is a healthy measure that will help improve the condition of anyone with excessive mucus. In the following article, you can see good tips to calm anxiety when quitting smoking.
Constant throat mucus from chronic infections
When we suffer from common respiratory infections such as tonsillitis, laryngitis, pharyngitis, sinusitis, or other conditions such as pneumonia or bronchitis, the production of mucus increases to hinder the action of the bacteria or virus that wants to attack our body. If these infectious diseases are not treated properly and become chronic, the mucus likely remains in the throat constantly, causing discomfort.
Taking timely medication to reduce the symptoms of these chronic conditions will help minimize phlegm stuck in the throat and ensure better breathing.
Mucus in the throat and cough from environmental reactions or polluting factors
Anything can irritate our nasal membranes causing thicker mucus to be produced and in greater quantity, so if you live in an arid environment or are exposed to significant pollution and environmental contamination, it is very likely that this is the cause of your discomfort.
Using nasal sprays to keep the area moist and reduce the effects of pollution can be the ideal solution to treat these discomforts. However, it will be necessary to visit a specialist to identify the most appropriate treatment.
Mucus in the throat from reflux
Another condition that can cause permanent mucus in the throat is gastroesophageal reflux. When you have this condition, stomach acids back up into the esophagus, causing symptoms such as a burning or burning sensation radiating from the upper abdomen to the throat, nausea, regurgitation, chest pain, cough, sore throat, and excess saliva. In addition to this, the irritation that reflux causes in the throat can cause it, in defense mode, to generate thick mucus, and, as a result, that annoying sensation of phlegm stuck in the throat is experienced.
When reflux occurs frequently, it is imperative to see a gastroenterologist make diet changes and take the appropriate medications that help reduce heartburn. In more detail, you can find out in the article Gastroesophageal reflux: causes, symptoms, and treatment.
How to remove mucus in the throat
In addition to seeing a doctor determine the exact cause of permanent throat mucus and possible treatment, making a few changes to your daily routine can help improve this condition and decrease the presence of mucus.
Some recommendations that it is appropriate to implement to expel phlegm are:
- Drink more fluids, at least 2 liters of water a day, as this will help make your fluids, including mucus, less thick and cause minor discomfort.
- Limit the consumption of milk and dairy products as these increase the volume of mucus and can aggravate congestion.
- It is also advisable to reduce the intake of wheat-based cereals, sugar, legumes, and eggs, foods that also increase mucus.
- Avoid smoking or exposing yourself to elements that can cause you discomforts, such as smoke, pollution, pollen, or dust.
- Keep your house clean and dust-free by vacuuming frequently; it is also essential to wash the sheets often to avoid the presence of mites.
- Use the air conditioning and heating sensibly to prevent dryness in your throat.
Home remedies to remove phlegm from the throat
You can help to expel the phlegm with any of the following natural remedies:
- The gargle of warm salt water applied three times a day can help reduce mucus in the region and combat possible infection if this symptom is due to some bacteria or virus.
- Mix some powdered ginger with honey and take one tablespoon of the preparation two times a day. It will help you relieve throat irritation and get relief from coughing up phlegm.
- Make eucalyptus mist to clear mucus in the throat and fight congestion.
- One of the best natural infusions you can take to expel mucus from the throat is fennel, an excellent natural expectorant. Take it three times a day.
This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor if you present any condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Constant mucus in the throat: causes, we recommend that you enter our Ear, nose, and throat category.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.