Hard To Swallow Mucus In Back Of Throat

How Is Throat Clearing Treated

Your doctor may prescribemedication and behavioral modifications to treat acid reflux disease. Nose andthroat sprays may be prescribed to treat underlying allergies or asthma.Avoiding possible irritants is recommended as well. However, without changes inbehavior, these treatments will not be successful. The following modificationsare recommended:

Call San Diego ENT at for more information or to schedule an appointment.

What Are The Symptoms Of Postnasal Drip

Postnasal drip can cause an irritated sore throat. Your tonsils and other tissues in your throat may swell up, leading to discomfort. You may feel like theres a lump in the back of your throat. Other symptoms of postnasal drip may include:

• A feeling of mucus draining into your throat.
• Frequent swallowing.
• Cough that bothers you more at night.
• Nausea and vomiting from excess mucus draining to your stomach.

Postnasal drip can also cause painful ear infections if mucus clogs up your Eustachian tubes. Your Eustachian tubes are what connect your nose and throat to your middle ears.

Is Postnasal Drip Contagious

No, postnasal drip is not in itself contagious.

However, it may depend on the cause of the excess mucus production. For example, if a person develops a postnasal drip because of a viral infection, they could pass the virus to another individual. They may then develop a cold or another infection.

65% of study respondents experienced nasal congestion symptoms. Doctors call this pregnancy rhinitis, but they do not know the exact cause.

The increase in blood volume and hormone fluctuations during pregnancy may contribute to the increased mucus production that the body expels through the nose. The excess mucus can block the sinuses and drain down the throat, causing postnasal drip and the associated symptoms.

Pregnant individuals can typically treat their symptoms at home with nasal saline solutions. However, they should contact a doctor before starting any new medications.

A person should consult with their doctor about postnasal drip under some circumstances, including if they have:

• discolored mucus that does not clear up
• foul-smelling mucus
• symptoms that accompany a significant fever
• symptoms lasting 10 days or more

An individual may have a bacterial infection that requires antibiotics. Viral infections are another possibility, but a doctor does not treat these with antibiotics.

occurrence, but it is not typically serious. Although bothersome, it usually resolves on its own or with OTC medications and home remedies.

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Other Throat Clearing Causes

Other causes of throat clearing may include the following.

• Tic disorders: Certain neurological disorders including Tourette syndrome cause involuntary movements and vocalizations called tics. Examples of tics include throat clearing, shrugging, and sniffing.
• Medications: Inhaled steroids and certain blood pressure medications can cause throat clearing as a side effect.
• Habit: Some people develop habitual throat clearing due to the perception of an irritating sensation, even without any underlying medical condition causing throat irritation.

This list does not constitute medical advice and may not accurately represent what you have.

Causes Of Mucus In Throat And Hard To Breathe

You may develop excess mucus in throat and find it hard to breathe because of the following reasons.

1. Cold and Flu

These viral infections are usually the most common causes of developing excessive mucus in the air passages. These are acute conditions and usually take a few days to resolve completely. You do not require any treatment, but it sometimes makes sense to take supportive measures to feel better. You may continue to have excessive mucus production even when your main symptoms resolve.

2. Pneumonia

The condition causes inflammation of the lung tissues and may even lead to infections in the bronchi. Pneumonia can be of different types and some of them are likely to produce more mucus as compared to others. When you have pneumonia, the mucus you produce goes straight in your lungs and settles there. This aggravates the whole situation and makes breathing worse. You may even experience the sensation of suffocating sometimes.

3. Asthma

Asthma usually occurs in early childhood but may continue throughout adulthood. This chronic airway condition may cause excessive mucus in throat. Hard to breathe, wheezing, chest tightness, coughing, and breathing difficulties are other common symptoms of asthma. The condition becomes worse when the excessive mucus accumulates in the airway and narrows it down.

4. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

5. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

6. Lung Cancer

7. Acute Bronchitis

8. Anxiety

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Problems That Can Develop If You Have Postnasal Drip

You probably dont give nasal mucus a thought until its aggravated by a cold or allergies. Then, it can dominate your days until the underlying cause is over. While in most cases,postnasal drip is a temporary symptom that clears up with time, it can have complications, or it may be part of other rare health conditions that may not clear up naturally.

When postnasal drip becomes chronic, visitAlexis Furze, MD in Newport Beach. As an otolaryngologist and facial surgeon, Dr. Furze is uniquely qualified to diagnose and treat many of the conditions that cause post nasal drip and its complications.

What Causes The Globus Sensation

The actual cause is much less scary. Most cases of globus are caused by acid reflux. Your stomach acid comes up into your throat and irritates the mucosa, the lining of your throat, which causes a little bit of swelling. The way your throat lining defends itself against injury like acid is by producing mucus. Mucus is a protective barrier. So if acid is frequently coming up as high as your throat in an abnormal way, its going to cause injury and incite inflammation in your throat lining. In reaction to that, your throat is going to weep mucus and phlegm. Thats probably what gives you this globus sensation.

Another cause of globus might be post-nasal drainage and excessive mucus from allergies. In this case, the sensation is coming from sticky phlegm and mucus hanging in your throat. You might not be able to clear it as well as you want. If you cant get it to go down your throat, it can annoy you.

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Signs And Symptoms Of Globus

Different people describe it differently. It may be felt as:

• tightness or a pressure in your throat
• catarrh/mucus that you are unable to clear
• an area of discomfort in your throat
• a feeling of something stuck or a lump in your throat

If you feel something sticking in your throat, but can eat and drink normally and without pain, you do not need to worry. Many people with globus sensation notice the symptoms most when they are swallowing their saliva, or that it increases with stress and worry. Your symptoms can vary from day to day.

How Is Postnasal Drip Treated

Postnasal drip can be hard to cure. Treatment depends on the cause of the condition. For common colds and flu, you can try drinking warm liquids like soup or tea to help thin out the excess mucus. Along with drinking plenty of water, these home remedies will also keep you hydrated. Other treatment options may include:

Allergies

To fix postnasal drip due to allergies, you should avoid things youre allergic to. Symptom relief may include medicines like:

• Decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine .
• Nasal saline irrigations, such as neti pots.

If postnasal drip is due to chronic sinusitis, your healthcare provider may recommend sinus surgery. Sinus surgery can open your blocked sinuses.

Chronic acid reflux

Treatment for postnasal drip caused by GERD may include:

• Avoiding foods and drinks for at least three hours before bedtime.
• Keeping your head elevated six inches to eight inches above your body at bedtime.
• Cutting out caffeine and alcohol.
• Taking antacids such as TUMS® or acid blockers such as Pepcid AC®.

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When To See A Doctor

If at-home treatments are not enough, you should schedule an appointment. Also, make an appointment with your medical provider for the following.

• Strange sensation: Such as you have a feeling of something stuck in your throat or chest
• You have a chronic cough or difficulty breathing when you exert yourself
• You have previously been diagnosed with a chronic respiratory or gastrointestinal condition: And you are now are having worsening symptoms
• Social distress: Your throat clearing is causing personal discomfort and/or problems in social settings.
• You started a new medication: And the throat clearing has followed
• You have involuntary movements and vocalizations in addition to throat clearing: This may indicate another underlying condition in need of evaluation.

Your medical provider may prescribe one or more of the following treatments, depending on the cause of your throat clearing symptoms:

• Inhalers and possibly also oral steroids: These are used to treat asthma or chronic bronchitis.
• Medication to prevent tics such as throat clearing: If they are impairing daily functioning.
• Stopping a medication that may be causing throat clearing
• Medication to decrease stomach acid: In order to reduce the negative effects of reflux.
• Referral for surgical management of gastrointestinal disorders: If more conservative treatments are not effective.
• Referral to a “vocal hygiene” program: This is to help eliminate habitual throat clearing.

How To Get Rid Of Thick Mucus In Throat

• Eucalyptus antiseptic, antiviral, and decongestant.
• Tea tree an effective antimicrobial, expectorant and antiseptic.
• Peppermint helps to open nasal passages.
• Thyme powerful antiseptic and great for colds, flu and chills.
• Basil an antiseptic that helps open nasal passages.
• Rosemary an antiseptic that helps open nasal passages.
• Pine decongestant and antimicrobial.
• Lavender antihistamine, antiseptic and antimicrobial.
• Chamomile relieves and soothes congestion.

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Continue Learning About Throat Disorders

Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

When To Seek Help For Throat Clearing

If your throat clearing is persistent or having a negative effect on your life, seek treatment. You doctor will do an examination and perhaps recommend an endoscopy to get a better look at whats happening in the throat. Allergy testing may be recommended as well.

Long-term treatment for chronic throat clearing depends on determining the underlying condition causing it. Treatment may include lifestyle changes, medications, or, in some cases, surgery.

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S To Clear Away Thick Mucus

You need to clear this sticky phlegm. Following steps and a little change in diet may help you do so-

• Salt water gargling, at least thrice a day would help clearing the phlegm. You need to do them regularly for 15 days to get results.
• Drink a lot of water. A thick sticky mucous may imply that you are not sufficiently hydrated. Taking water would help in thinning of this Flem.
• To open up your nostrils and sinuses, take steam inhalation. You may use Vicks vapour rub along with it. Do this before bedtime and when you get up. If required, repeat it in the daytime too. Try to breathe through the nose, if possible.
• Make a habit of gently blowing off your nose in the morning.
• Some food stuff aid in mucous formation. You may avoid them for some time. They are- fried stuff, refined foods, dairy food and heavy meals.
• Fresh fruits would be beneficial for you. Add prune or apple juice.

More references

How To Clear Phlegm From Your Throat

You dont really know how the phlegm in your throat got there, but removing it is kind of gross. It turns out, phlegm actually serves a useful purpose: The thick, sludgy substancemade up of mostly water, salt, and antibodiesis designed to help capture and clear bacteria and other unwanted microorganisms from your nose and throat. Even when youre feeling fine, your body naturally produces about a quart of phlegm every day. Without it, germs and irritants in the air would easily slip into your lungs through your air passages. And when youre sick or suffering from allergies, your body ramps up its phlegm production in an effort to clear away the bad bugs it knows are present.

So heres the big question: How do you clear phlegm from your throat?

Even though it might not taste good, theres nothing wrong with swallowing it. In fact, thats probably what your body expects you to do, which is why phlegm naturally drains down into the back of your throat. If you go the swallowing route, your stomach acids and digestive system will simply eradicate the phlegm and any of the harmful stuff it might have snared. Sipping on water may also be a helpful way to clear phlegm from your throat.

The color could provide important clues about your health:

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How Can I Get Rid Of The Urge To Clear My Throat

If throat clearing is a side effect of a medication, stopping the medication will lead to eventual improvement. Treatment for allergies or an underlying medical condition contributing to throat clearing will also help. Sometimes throat clearing becomes a habit, in which case taking a sip of water as a replacement can help get rid of the urge. For many causes of throat clearing, avoiding environmental irritants such as cigarette smoke will lead to improvement.

Difficulty Swallowing Sore Throat And Thick Saliva Or Mucus

• Medical Author: Carol DerSarkissian, MD

Last Editorial Review: 6/15/2020

Does the back of your throat look red or have white spots? It’s possible that your symptoms could be due to a throat infection caused by either a virus or bacteria. Do you have heartburn with your symptoms? It could be acid reflux from your stomach. Pay attention to your symptoms. If they get worse or don’t get better after a few days, check in with your doctor.

While the list below can be considered as a guide to educate yourself about these conditions, this is not a substitute for a diagnosis from a health care provider. There are many other medical conditions that also can be associated with your symptoms and signs. Here are a number of those from MedicineNet:

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Globus Why Do I Feel A Lump In My Throat Doc

Globus is the medical term for the feeling of something stuck in the throat. The term globus comes from the last route for globe or sphere. Hence, it is used to describe a feeling of a large lump or ball of mucus in the throat. This symptom is often described in multiple ways.

• Feeling of ball of mucus in throat

• Feeling of tightness in the throat

• Feeling of food or a lump stuck in throat

• Phlegm that will not come out

• A feeling or need to swallow harder than in the past.

It is not uncommon for symptoms to temporarily improve when people eat or drink. Globus can be one of the more frustrating symptoms and diagnosis to deal with as the physical exam is often unremarkable. The symptom generally does not cause pain, but can be extremely annoying. As a general rule, women of child bearing age and women around menopause tend to be affected the most.

Globus can last days to weeks to even months and can be recurrent. If symptoms last longer than a couple weeks, often, the patient will be referred to an Otolaryngologist or an ENT. The ENT will do a thorough exam which often includes a flexible scope being used to evaluate the entire throat. This is done to ensure there are no concerning findings. Often the exam is unremarkable.

Common causes of Globus include:

• Stress, anxiety, or depression

• Silent reflux also known as laryngopharyngeal reflux

• Post-nasal drainage

• Inflammatory disorders such as infection or allergies.

What treatment options are there for globus?

Why Snot Gets Stuck In The Back Of Your Throat

The mucus-producing glands that line the nasal cavity and sinus cavities produce mucus, explains Dr. Silvers.

Naturally cilia move the mucus to the back to clear.

Excess mucus, especially if thick, can get stuck on the soft palate, high in the throat after clearing it from the nose.

Cilia move mucus posteriorly . When mucus is excessive it will come forward too.

What are the boogers in the back of your throat made of?

Dr. Silvers says, Mucus is an adhesive viscoelastic gel produced in the airway by sub-mucosa glands and goblet cells and is principally water. It also contains high molecular weight glycoproteins.

The layman term is snot!

One need not have a cold or sinus infection to experience this problem.

However, a cold will increase the odds of it happening.

What further ups the chance is if mucus is trapped in the sinuses and patients have poorly draining sinuses to start, says Dr. Silvers.

After a cold seems to have resolved, The thick mucus can occur for months. Shortened significantly with a sinus/nasal rinse.

After the cold or sinus infection seems to have gone away, some residual mucus goop can still be trapped in the sinus cavities.

This can cause a mild headache that comes and goes, or a feeling of mild pressure behind the forehead, eyes and/or cheeks.

Sinuses are inflamed or full of mucus, says Dr. Silvers. This will lead to sinus pressure.

Image: Kaia Ugan

Your level of hydration affects whether boogers are thin , thick or hard .

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Causes Of Mucus In The Throat And Throat Clearing

The sensation of mucus in the throat and having to clear your throat can be symptoms of a hiatal hernia, a weakened diaphragm.

When the diaphragm is weakened it does not have the strength to hold the stomach in the right position. This results in the stomach acid starting to leak up into the oesophagus and causing corrosive damage to the mucous membranes there.

In the long-term this can lead to serious illness, so it is important to strengthen the diaphragm as soon as one realises that one might have a hiatus hernia.