What could cause persistent phlegm in the throat?

A tickling sensation in the throat, a bad taste in the mouth, and a feeling of something stuck when swallowing can be signs that you have... constant phlegm in the throat.

This condition actually means that there is an excess of nasal mucus being produced, and it drips into the pharynx. It can happen during respiratory allergies. winter, by consuming certain foods and by smoking.

In the following lines, you will learn what can cause this overproduction of mucus and how to prevent it from happening. 

Major causes of persistent phlegm in the throat

Nasal mucus, or phlegm, moisturizes the airways, filters allergens, and protects the most important organs of the respiratory system: the lungs.

It is made up of water, mineral salts, proteins, and organic chemical compounds. 

However, its composition, quantity, color, and odor can change in the presence of inflammation and other health problems. 

Whitish discharge, for example, indicates allergies, inflammation, or infections. If the discharge is yellowish, it is more indicative of a bacterial process, such as sinusitis. If blood is present, it signifies excessive effort to expectorate or the development of certain diseases, such as pneumonia and tuberculosis.

Most of the time, it becomes thick and can drip down the pharynx, causing the frequent sensation of phlegm in the throat. 

Here's what might be causing this change in the appearance of nasal mucus:

Dehydration

By drinking less water, since phlegm is also composed of water, it naturally becomes thicker. So if you frequently experience a tickle in your throat, try to hydrate more to thin out this mucus.

Viral or bacterial infections

The Sinusitis caused by bacterial infection is one of the most common reasons for excess nasal mucus.

The posterior sinuses drain into the nasopharynx. Therefore, if there is inflammation and mucus accumulating in this region, it may also drain into the throat.

Allergies

Allergic reactions in the airways can also stimulate the production of mucus. 

In allergic rhinitis, for example, which can be caused by dust, pollution concentrated in cold weather, or pollen, there may be excess mucus draining into the throat.

Gastroesophageal reflux

This is an important diagnosis, associated with the sensation of mucus in the throat. In this type of reflux, the acidic contents of the stomach flow back into the esophagus, also reaching the larynx and pharynx.  

Smoking

The components of cigarette smoke are toxic and irritating to the mucous membranes of the airways. Due to chronic inflammation in these structures, mucus production increases, and this contributes significantly to the respiratory infections typical in smokers. 

Tips to avoid this discomfort

Having excess mucus frequently certainly affects quality of life. But there are simple steps you can take to protect your airways, such as:

Drink plenty of water

Hydration is the simplest recommendation possible — and also the most beneficial. Your body, as a whole, will thank you, and the quality of your mucus will improve.

Do nasal wash

Especially for those who already have chronic mucus, it's worth doing nasal cleansing about twice a day. Put 0.9% saline solution in a jet, spray, or syringe, inject it into one nostril and let it come out the other. And vice versa.

Avoid allergenic foods.

Avoid allergenic foods that can trigger excessive phlegm. It's not difficult to find substitutes; here are some examples:

• Oat milk or coconut milk instead of animal milk;
• flaxseed or chickpea flour paste instead of egg;
• Rice flour instead of wheat flour.

Gargle with salt water.

Use warm water and salt to gargle, as the mixture helps dissolve mucus. But remember never to swallow the liquid, as it dehydrates and can worsen the excess phlegm.

Once the excess mucus has thinned, try to spit it out. If you can't, you can swallow it, but its excretion from the body will be slower.

Having constant phlegm in throat This is not normal. If you have already been diagnosed with chronic sinusitis or reflux, seek medical attention. Otherwise, simply follow some recommendations to combat excess mucus. 

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