When you breathe, allergens, viruses, dust, and other debris stick to your nasal mucus, which then passes out of your system. Sometimes, your body can make too much throat mucus, requiring frequent clearing.
Mucus is produced in the nose or by the lower airways in response to inflammation. It’s made by the mucous membranes that run from the nose to the lungs.
Its purpose is to protect your respiratory system by lubricating and filtering it. Excess mucus coughed up is referred to as phlegm.
Keep reading to learn what causes excess mucus production in your throat and what you can do about it.
There are a number of health conditions that can trigger excess throat mucus production, such as:
- acid reflux
- allergies
- asthma
- infections, such as the common cold
- lung diseases, such as chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, cystic fibrosis, and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
Excess throat mucus production can also result from certain lifestyle and environmental factors, such as:
- a dry indoor environment
- low consumption of water and other fluids
- high consumption of fluids that can lead to fluid loss, such as coffee, tea, and alcohol
- certain medications, such as certain birth control medications and ACE Inhibitors, for example, lisinopril
smoking
If throat mucus overproduction becomes a regular and uncomfortable occurrence, consider consulting with your healthcare professional for a full diagnosis and a treatment plan.
What is the best medication for mucus in the throat?
Your doctor may recommend over-the-counter (OTC) medicines. These may include expectorants, such as guaifenesin (Mucinex, Robitussin), which can thin and loosen mucus so it will clear out of your throat and chest. These may also include medications for acid reflux or allergies.
Your doctor may also prescribe medications such as mucolytics, for example. These include hypertonic saline (Nebusal) and dornase alfa (Pulmozyme), which are mucus thinners
If your excess mucus is triggered by a bacterial infection, your doctor will most likely prescribe antibiotics.
Are there home remedies for mucus in the throat?
Your doctor may also suggest some self-care steps you can take to help reduce mucus, such as:
- Gargle with warm salt water: This home remedy can help clear mucus from the back of your throat and may help kill germs.
- Irrigate with saline spray: Try cleansing your nasal passageways with a saline nasal spray or a saline solution in a neti pot.
- Humidify the air: Moisture in the air can help keep your mucus thin.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking enough liquids, especially water can help loosen congestion and help your mucus flow. Warm liquids can be effective but avoid caffeinated beverages.
- Elevate your head: Lying flat can make it feel like the mucus is collecting in the back of your throat.
- Avoid decongestants: Although decongestants dry secretions, they may make it more difficult to reduce mucus.
- Avoid irritants, fragrances, chemicals, and pollution: These can irritate mucous membranes, signaling the body to produce more mucus.
- If you smoke, try to stop. Quitting smoking is helpful, especially with chronic lung diseases such as asthma or COPD.
- Try certain foods: Garlic, radishes, and high fiber fruit like apples may help reduce mucus. However, avoid high fat or dairy foods, which can worsen phlegm.
Learn more: How to get rid of phlegm: Tips, home remedies, and medications to try.
Having phlegm or mucus doesn’t necessarily mean you have something serious. It’s how your body removes irritants in your throat and nasal passages.
However, if you cough it out and it doesn’t seem to resolve, it may be a sign of an infection or other condition.
Make an appointment with your doctor if you have any of these symptoms:
- Your mucus isn’t going away
- Your mucus is getting thicker
- Your mucus is increasing in volume or changing color
- You have a fever
- You have chest pain
- You’re experiencing shortness of breath
- You’re coughing up blood
- You’re wheezing
These signs may indicate more severe illnesses like pneumonia, COPD, the flu, or COVID-19.
Your body is always producing mucus. Overproduction of mucus in your throat is often the result of a minor illness that should be allowed to run its course.
However, excess mucus can be a sign of a more serious condition. See your healthcare professional if the:
- overproduction of mucus is persistent and recurring
- amount of mucus you’re producing increases dramatically
- excess mucus is accompanied by other concerning symptoms
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