Why Am I Clearing My Throat Constantly
As your body thrusts excess mucus up and out of your respiratory system, youll probably want to hack it up, spit it into a tissue and throw it in a bin.
Hence that feeling of wanting to clear your throat continuously.
It may not be pleasant, but the good news is by doing this, youre helping the phlegm protect your lungs from further infection.
Excess Mucus In Throat Causes
Throat mucus, or phlegm, can be a result of allergies or a sore throat, but there are numerous reasons for throat mucus, revealing what is going on inside your body. Even when you are healthy, your body is constantly producing mucus. Most of the time, this mucus drips down the back of your throat without you noticing. But during times of illness, that mucus can clog your throat.Your body doesnt necessarily produce more mucus when youre sick, but the consistency of the mucus changes so you begin to notice it. There are many factors that can change the consistency of mucus, like allergies or milk consumption for some people.
Why Have I Got Phlegm But No Cough
Its a form of mucus produced by the lower airways not by the nose and sinuses in response to inflammation. You may not notice phlegm unless you cough it up as a symptom of bronchitis or pneumonia. As is the case with mucus, phlegm that has a color such as green or yellow may indicate infection.
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Foods That Get Rid Of Phlegm
What you eat can encourage phlegm to thrive. Dairy products, certain grains, sugary treats, red meat, and caffeinated drinks are all examples of foods that have the potential to ramp up mucus production8. In addition, allergy-triggering foods are also common culprits.
So, for some people, eating eggs, wheat, dairy, tree nuts and gluten will be linked to a rise in mucus8. However, some foods can help in your fight against phlegm.
Positive Effect On The Immune System
Echinacea is best known for its beneficial effects on the immune system.
Numerous studies have found that this plant may help your immune system combat infections and viruses, which could help you recover faster from illness (
In short, while echinacea may boost immunity, its effects on the common cold are unclear.
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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:
Caffeine And Alcohol Consumption
Caffeine, found in coffee, black tea, and energy drinks, can lead to dehydration, which can contribute to the thickening of mucus produced by the cells in nasal and respiratory passages.
Heavy alcohol use can damage the mucociliary transport system, which functions to clear mucus from respiratory passages. When it is damaged, your body will have a hard time regulating mucus production.
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Foods To Eliminate Excess Mucus As Suggested By Luke Coutinho
1. Ginger
Ginger can be used as a natural decongestant and antihistamine. Antiviral and antibacterial properties of ginger can help in easing congestion in the chest by drying out excess mucus and stimulating removal of its buildup. Drinking ginger tea for a few times in a day can help in eliminating excess mucus.
2. Cayenne pepper
Excessive cough and mucus can be eliminated with the help of cayenne pepper. Capscaicin is a compound in cayenne pepper which helps in thinning of mucus.
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3. Garlic
Garlic can be used as a natural expectorant which can help in breaking down phlegm build-up. Anti-microbial properties of garlic can help in fighting viral, fungal and bacterial infections which causes respiratory glands to produce more phlegm. Including more garlic in your diet can help in eliminating excess phlegm from the body.
4. Pineapple
Pineapple is a fruit which can help in eliminating mucus. Pineapple juice contains a mixture of enzymes called bromelain. It has strong anti-inflammatory properties which can help with respiratory problems that are associated with asthma and allergies. Pineapple juice also contains mucolytic properties which can help in expelling and breaking up mucus.
5. Onion
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6. Cardamom
Excess Mucus In The Throat Causes And What Works Best
Though you may not be aware of it, the glands in your throat produce lots of mucus every day. Mucus, also known as phlegm, is essential for keeping your respiratory tract moist and healthy, and wards off infection. Excess mucus, however, can be unpleasant and bothersome and can cause a number of issues, including swallowing problems. Lets take a look at what causes a build-up of mucus and some of the remedies that work best.
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Why Do I Get Mucus In My Throat
Aside from the above, the following are generally the four most common reasons that excessive mucus develops in the throat.
1. Post-nasal drip. Normally we donât notice the mucus that coats the membranes in the nose, throat, and airway, but when too much is produced, or it becomes thicker than normal, it can pool in our throats, irritating us and making us cough. Postnasal drip means the mucus is running from the nose to the back of the throat.
2. Cold or flu. Clear, thin mucus is produced when we are sick with a cold or the flu, and it can thicken and turn yellow and green if thereâs an infection.
3. Pregnancy. When pregnant, women produce far more estrogen than normal and estrogen linked to the production of more mucus than normal. Many pregnant women experience nasal congestion and sneezing.
4. Seasonal allergies. Telltale signs of a seasonal allergy are itchy throat, watery eyes, sneezing, mucus in the throat, and coughing.
What Clears Up Sticky Mucus In Back Of Throat
When a foreign body, say a virus or some allergen enters our nose, the body reacts back by producing antibodies. The mucoid secretion, which we see is a mixture of this allergen plus the antibody produced, contained in a thick sticky substance. As the allergic or infectious process gets alright, the mucoid snot also gradually go away. This is a normal process.In some individual, excess of mucus is produced. Also, drainage may not be adequate. This leads to blocked sinuses and sticky throats.
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Symptoms Of Throat Mucus & Phlegm
The symptoms for this condition may range from:
- Coughing of Mucus & Phlegm
- Throat Congestion
- Shortness of Breath
Though not always, a little mucus in throat usually doesnt ruin your day. If you have a chronic problem you may be wondering what the problem is. You may have been told everything from allergies to reflux. While many people suffer from mucus build-up in throat from allergies, sometimes not even antihistamines clear up the problem.The upper respiratory system is very close to the opening to your digestive system. Excess mucus in throat can either come up from stomach, or nose and sinuses. Even your throat tissues secret mucus to keep it moist. But about persistently excessive mucus in throat, we are going to look on the causes and ways in which they can be controlled.
What Are Mucus And Phlegm
Mucus has an important role in your body. Its made by cells in your mouth, throat, nose and sinuses. Its slippery consistency helps protect and moisturize, and traps potential irritants.
Phlegm is made of mucus membranes, but its produced and used by your respiratory system to combat inflammation.
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Can Throat Clearing Be Caused By Gerd
Yes, excessive throat clearing can be a symptom of GERD. Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a condition where acid and food particles from the stomach re-enter the esophagus. Although GERD is usually associated with heartburn, for some people, other symptoms due to irritation of the larynx are more prominent. Laryngeal symptoms include throat clearing, hoarseness, and coughing.
How To Clear Phlegm
If youre suffering from allergies, asthma or another condition that is causing excess mucus production, its important to seek medical treatment. However, in cases where phlegm results from a viral infection, such as the common cold, it will usually resolve on its own within seven to 10 days.
In the meantime, there are steps you can take to help clear your airways and get rid of phlegm.
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Are Phlegm And Mucus The Same Thing
You will usually find phlegm in the back of the throat or in the lungs. It is produced by the lower airways. Mucus on the other hand will normally be found in the mucous membranes inside the nose. It acts like a filter protecting your lungs as you inhale. To clear it you simply blow your nose. Phlegm in throat however is thicker and more viscous. You usually only notice it when you cough it up. An excess of this secretion can be a symptom of a respiratory problem such as bronchitis.
Administering Herbal And Natural Remedies
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Compulsive Throat Clearing What Helps Against The Foreign Body Sensation
Compulsive coughing due to a feeling of dryness or a foreign body in the throat is referred to as compulsive coughing. There is often an organic cause, but in some cases clearing the throat becomes a habit. Stress and anxiety can also be triggers.
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This article was co-authored by Laura Marusinec, MD. Dr. Marusinec is a board certified Pediatrician at the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, where she is on the Clinical Practice Council. She received her M.D. from the Medical College of Wisconsin School of Medicine in 1995 and completed her residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Pediatrics in 1998. She is a member of the American Medical Writers Association and the Society for Pediatric Urgent Care.There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 93% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 314,877 times.
If your throat is clogged with mucus and phlegm, there are methods you can use to clear out your throat to make breathing, eating, and drinking easier. Medications, home remedies, and certain foods and drinks can help improve symptoms.
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What Causes Mucus Overproduction
Your body can go into overdrive creating mucus when you:
- Have allergies.
- Are exposed to smoke or pollution.
Environmental allergies can cause excess mucus or phlegm, as can food allergies, but the latter is harder to diagnose based on this symptom alone, Dr. Bryson explains.
If youre healthy, your mucus tends to be thin and you may not even notice it. But if youre sick, your mucus can become thick and crusty.
And you may not notice phlegm until you cough it up, which can be a symptom of pneumonia or bronchitis.
You may be concerned about the color of your mucus and phlegm, too, whether its yellow or green. But the color doesnt necessarily mean you have an infection.
Do Hypoallergenic Pillows Help With Allergies
Hypoallergenic bedding can help people reduce their allergic symptoms as they act as a barrier between a person and the potential allergens inside their pillow. A person with allergies may also benefit from using a hypoallergenic pillow as it can repel allergens that often become trapped in other types of pillows. However, a person should take other steps to reduce their allergies, such as limiting their exposure to dust mites, pet hair, and other known allergens.
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Avoid Exposure From Irritants Such As Allergens Fumes And Hazardous Chemicals
Irritants such as paint fumes, cleaners, and other chemicals can irritate the airways and trigger the body to produce more mucus. This can harm the respiratory system. If you tend to have such allergies, limit your exposure to such irritants or chemicals. You can also wear a face mask or stay in a well-ventilated area.
In addition to following the above remedies, ENT doctors also recommend consuming foods that promote healthy respiratory functioning. Some of these food items include-
- Spicy foods that contain capsaicin such as cayenne or chili peppers can help in draining the mucus
How To Reduce Mucus In The Throat
Disclaimer: Results are not guaranteed*** and may vary from person to person***.
Throat mucus is the phlegm that lingers at the base of our throats when we are sick, but it also affects heavy smokers and those suffering from allergies causing sore throat and other problems.
The nose and throat glands produce approximately one to two liters of mucus a day, and more if youâre sick or if allergies have kicked in. Mucus can come from the stomach and from the sinuses.
Other causes of excessive mucus in the throat are air pollution, dairy products, strep throat, laryngitis, croup, mononucleosis, inhaling irritating chemicals, pregnancy, and anxiety. Hereâs how to reduce mucus in the throat.
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Other Medications That Treat Mucus
The medication dornase alfa also works as an effective mucolytic. Individuals seeking mucus release can inhale this medication. This drug and other mucolytics can help to temporarily reduce mucus buildup throughout the airways.
Anyone seeking more information about medications treating mucus should consult a doctor. A medical professional can recommend the best medication for each case.
What Is Phlegm In The Throat
Some mucus in the airways can protect and moisturize the tissues. Phlegm is a type of mucus found in the back of the throat when a person is sick. It is produced by the lungs and respiratory tract. Mucus is a good thing provided this is produced in limited quantity.
Mucus moist the following membranes to protect the respiratory system-
In healthy conditions, the mucus is thin. The stickiness of the throat traps dust, allergens and viruses eventually stopping them from entering the respiratory tract. On the other hand, when a person is sick, the mucus gets thick and causes discomfort.
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Gargle With Warm Salt Water
This is another effective that helps in getting the mucus out of your throat. All you have to do is to dissolve 1-teaspoon salt in 1-glass of warm water. Use this water for gargling. Just tilt the head back and gargle without swallowing. Try to make the warm salt water touch your throats end or take it as much as you can. This will help get the mucus out from throat.
How To Get Rid Of Phlegm And Mucus In Your Throat
As a proud piece of poo, Im not easily embarrassed but constantly clearing my throat and having to spit or swallow phlegm was embarrassing even for me!
While throat phlegm is generally healthy, it can be harmful when overproduced due to inflammation.
Acid reflux, allergies, COPD, infections, and LOTS of other things lead to inflammation so whats a poo to do?!?!
Staying clear of smoking and vaping is a great start, and its super important to make sure the brain is not inflamed.
Nobody likes an inflamed brain especially when it leads to throat phlegm!!
Check out my 4 favorite nutrients for brain inflammation and constantly clearing your throat at the link below.
As always, like for good poop, subscribe for great poop! See ya!
If youre clearing your throat a lot, youre probably dealing with overproduction of phlegm or mucus in your system.
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