Throat Mucus Buildup: Triggers and Solutions
Excess mucus in the throat can be a bothersome and uncomfortable condition, often leading to excessive coughing, irritation, and possible breathing difficulties. This article aims to shed light on the common causes of excess mucus production and provide some management strategies.
Mucus, produced by Goblet cells in the sinuses, throat, and lungs, plays a crucial role in protecting the respiratory system. Typically, the glands in the throat and nose may produce 1 to 2 quarts of mucus daily. However, when the body is exposed to inflammation or irritation due to various factors, mucus production can increase, leading to discomfort.
Chronic illnesses such as allergies, sinus infections, upper respiratory infections, gastroesophageal reflux disease, chronic respiratory diseases, neurogenic cough, and certain neurological conditions can stimulate mucus production. Environmental irritants like dry air, cold air, smoke, pollution, and certain medications can also contribute to this issue.
Allergies, in particular, can cause an overproduction of mucus. Allergens like pollen, pet dander, or dust mites inflame nasal passages, prompting the body to produce extra mucus to flush out irritants. Managing allergies by avoiding allergens, taking antihistamines, and using a nasal steroid spray can help reduce symptoms such as mucus production.
Staying well-hydrated can help prevent mucus in the throat from becoming too thick. Using a humidifier can also help maintain airway moisture, particularly in dry environments.
Speaking with a healthcare professional about medication options to reduce mucus production is recommended. Medications like expectorants (e.g., Mucinex), decongestants, and mucolytics (e.g., N-acetylcysteine, dornase alfa, hypertonic saline) are available to manage the overproduction of mucus.
A positive expiratory pressure (PEP) device may help loosen mucus to expel it from the throat through coughing, but it does not help reduce mucus production. Rinsing the sinuses with a neti pot may help flush out excess mucus and remove allergens that lead to an overproduction of mucus.
If someone has phlegm in their throat all the time, it may occur due to a long-term condition such as acid reflux, postnasal drip, or allergies. Overproduction of mucus also occurs in people that smoke.
Various conditions can cause mucus in the throat, including acute infections and long-term lung diseases such as pneumonia, COPD, chronic bronchitis, flu, COVID-19, and asthma. If the mucus in the throat has any of the following characteristics - very thick mucus, green or yellow mucus, continued increased mucus, or mucus that interferes with breathing - it is best to contact a healthcare professional.
In conclusion, managing excess mucus in the throat involves understanding its causes and adopting appropriate management strategies. Staying hydrated, using a humidifier, avoiding irritants, and seeking medical advice when necessary can help alleviate this uncomfortable condition.
