You don’t 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 substance—made up of mostly water, salt, and antibodies—is designed to help capture and clear bacteria and other unwanted microorganisms from your nose and throat. Even when you’re 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 you’re 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. Show
So here’s the big question: How do you clear phlegm from your throat? Even though it might not taste good, there’s nothing wrong with swallowing it. In fact, that’s 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 alternative, of course, is bringing the phlegm up. Do it the right way: Close your mouth and suck air in through your nose. Your goal is to use your nose to pull excess phlegm down into your throat, where your tongue and throat muscles can get a good grip on it. Just make sure you’re not chewing anything when you try this, or you could suck food down into your windpipe. Form a U-shape with your tongue while forcing air and saliva forward using the muscles at the back of your throat. When you have the phlegm in your mouth, take notice to the color. The color could provide important clues about your health: If your phlegm is yellow/green, you likely have a viral infection. This hue is caused by an enzyme produced by your white blood cells that are fighting off the infection. If the thick phlegm persists more than a week, it may indicate that the viral infection has progressed to a bacterial infection. If your phlegm is clear, you probably have allergies. Allergies trigger your mucus membranes to produce histamines, which cause your cells to make even more phlegm. Taking an anti-histamine will help stop excess fluid production. If your phlegm is red (bloody), it’s most likely caused by dry air. Amp up your sources of moisture: Use a saline nasal spray, or try using a humidifier in your bedroom. But if you’re seeing blood all the time—particularly if you’re a smoker or heavy drinker—that could be a sign of a more serious issue, including cancer. See your doctor, stat. Having the need to constantly clear your throat can be commonly caused by acid reflux disease (GERD), mucus buildup from bronchiectasis, or new-onset seasonal allergies. Read now for more information on causes and how to treat excessive throat clearing. 6 most common causesIllustration of a health care worker swabbing an individual. Asthma GERD Pharyngitis Bronchitis Illustration of a health care worker swabbing an individual. Seasonal Allergies Illustration of various health care options. Bronchiectasis Take a quiz to find out what's causing your throat clearing. Take throat clearing quiz Throat clearing symptomsClearing the throat is a functional response to irritating substances. However, excessive throat clearing can be irritating. Several structures from the respiratory and digestive system may be involved in underlying causes of throat clearing, including the esophagus, larynx, and vocal cords. In many cases treatment for an underlying medical condition will be required to relieve excessive throat clearing. Common accompanying symptoms of throat clearing areSymptoms that can be associated with throat clearing include:
Throat clearing causesGastrointestinal problemsGastrointestinal causes of throat clearing may include the following.
Respiratory problemsCertain respiratory problems may lead to throat clearing, such as the following.
Other throat clearing causesOther causes of throat clearing may include the following.
This list does not constitute medical advice and may not accurately represent what you have. Viral throat infectionA sore throat is most often caused by the same viruses that cause influenza and the common cold. The illness spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and then someone else inhales the airborne virus or touches a surface where it has landed. Those most at risk for viral sore throat are children, smokers, those who work indoors with others, and anyone with a weakened immune system. Symptoms include throat irritation; pain when swallowing or talking; red, swollen tonsils; fever; body aches; and cold-like symptoms of cough, sneezing, and runny nose. If symptoms do not clear up within 24 hours – especially in children – a medical provider should be seen. A persistent sore throat can be a symptom of serious illness such as mononucleosis, measles, chickenpox, or croup. Diagnosis is made through physical examination and throat swab. Treatment involves rest, fluids, and over-the-counter pain relievers. Do not give aspirin to children. Antibiotics only work against bacteria and cannot help against a viral illness. The best prevention is frequent and thorough handwashing. Take a quiz to find out what's causing your throat clearing. Take throat clearing quiz Post-infectious coughPost-infectious cough is a cough that begins with a cold or other upper respiratory infection, but does not clear up when the infection does. Instead, it lingers for three weeks or more and becomes chronic. Most susceptible are smokers, because the irritation from the smoke provokes the cough. Other common causes are post-nasal drip, asthma, and some high blood pressure medications. Symptoms include an irritating sensation in the throat that may provoke severe bouts of coughing. Some coughing is normal and is part of the body's mechanism to clear the air passages and expel any foreign material, but such a cough should only be brief and intermittent. A post-infectious cough can interfere with quality of life. A medical provider should be seen for help with the condition, both to ease the symptoms and to rule out a more serious cause for the coughing. Diagnosis is made through patient history, physical examination, and chest x-ray, with the goal of ruling out different conditions one by one until the actual cause is found and can be treated. Rarity: Uncommon Top Symptoms: cough, congestion, clear runny nose, mucous dripping in the back of the throat, hoarse voice Symptoms that always occur with post-infectious cough: cough Symptoms that never occur with post-infectious cough: fever Urgency: Phone call or in-person visit New-onset seasonal allergiesNew-onset seasonal allergies, also called adult-onset seasonal allergies, are sensitivities to pollen, mold, and other irritants that cause nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, and sore throat. Seasonal allergies commonly begin in childhood but can start at any age, especially among those with a family history. Moving to a different geographic location may trigger the allergy in someone with a genetic predisposition. Anyone with asthma is more likely to experience adult-onset seasonal allergies. Sometimes the symptoms are actually from "pregnancy rhinitis" – nasal congestion and sneezing due to the effects of pregnancy hormones on the nasal tissue. A new-onset allergy is often thought to be a cold, but a cold will clear up without treatment. Allergies persist, never getting better or worse, and can interfere with quality of life. Diagnosis is made by an allergist, who will use skin tests and blood tests. There is no cure for seasonal allergies but the symptoms can be managed for greater comfort and relief. Antihistamines, corticosteroid nasal sprays, and immunotherapy or "allergy shots" can be very effective. Rarity: Common Top Symptoms: sore throat, congestion, cough with dry or watery sputum, mucous dripping in the back of the throat, fatigue Symptoms that never occur with new-onset seasonal allergies: fever, yellow-green runny nose, chills, muscle aches Urgency: Self-treatment Foreign body aspirationForeign body aspiration can be a life-threatening emergency. An aspirated solid or semisolid object may lodge in the larynx or trachea. If the object is large enough to cause nearly complete obstruction of the airway, asphyxia may rapidly cause death. Call 911 immediately. If someone has been trained for this, the Heimlich maneuver should be attempted to expel the foreign object. Rarity: Ultra rare Top Symptoms: cough, fever, shortness of breath, cough with dry or watery sputum, wheezing Symptoms that always occur with foreign body aspiration: swallowing of something potentially harmful Urgency: Emergency medical service BronchitisBronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, the tiny airways in the lungs. Acute bronchitis, or "chest cold," comes on suddenly and is caused by the same virus that causes the flu or the common cold. Chronic lasts at least three months and recurs over two years. It is caused by cigarette smoking and/or exposure to other pollutants. Other risk factors are weakened immune system and gastric reflux (heartburn.) Symptoms include cough with clear, greenish, or yellowish mucus; fatigue; mild headache; body aches; shortness of breath; low-grade fever; chest discomfort. Acute bronchitis can lead to pneumonia. Chronic bronchitis is a form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and requires medical treatment. Diagnosis is made with chest x-ray and sputum test. Acute bronchitis lasts 7 to 10 days and needs good supportive care – rest, fluids, and over-the-counter pain relievers. Antibiotics do not work against viral illness. Chronic bronchitis is treated with lifestyle changes – especially smoking cessation – and an inhaler or other lung medication. Flu shots, frequent handwashing, and not smoking are the best prevention. BronchiectasisBronchiectasis is destruction and widening of the large airways. Mucus builds up in these airways and can get infected, causing a pneumonia. You should visit your primary care physician within the next 24 hours if you might have an infection. Diagnosis involves a chest X-ray, sampling phlegm, blood tests, and other possible tests. Treatment is mostly coaching, actually, on exercises that strengthen your ability to cough up phlegm. Rarity: Rare Top Symptoms: cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, runny nose, mucous dripping in the back of the throat Urgency: Primary care doctor Adult-onset asthmaAsthma is a common ailment of children. Asthma is caused by hyperactive inflammation of the lung's airways. You should visit your pediatrician to discuss the diagnosis of asthma, which requires a breathing test for confirmation. Upon diagnosis, your doctor will prescribe a treatment plan depending the severity of your symptoms. Typically an inhaled steroid (an inhaler) is prescribed. Your doctor will review how and when to use the inhaler. Rarity: Uncommon Top Symptoms: fatigue, wheezing, dry cough, shortness of breath at rest, shortness of breath on exertion Urgency: Primary care doctor Acid reflux disease (GERD)Gastroesophageal reflux disease is also called GERD, acid reflux disease, and heartburn. It is caused by a weakening in the muscle at the end of esophagus. This allows stomach acid to flow backward, or reflux, up into the esophagus. Risks factors for GERD include obesity, smoking, diabetes, hiatal hernia, and pregnancy. Symptoms include a painful burning sensation in the chest and throat, and sometimes difficulty swallowing. If heartburn occurs more than twice a week, a doctor should be consulted. If symptoms are accompanied by jaw or arm pain, and/or shortness of breath, these may be signs of a heart attack and constitute a medical emergency. Repeated exposure to stomach acid damages the lining of the esophagus, causing bleeding, pain, and scar tissue. Diagnosis is made by patient history and sometimes by x-ray, upper endoscopy, or other tests to measure refluxed acid. Treatment begins with over-the-counter antacids and lifestyle changes. Medication may be used to reduce stomach acid, and surgery may be done to strengthen the sphincter muscle at the lower end of the esophagus. Throat clearing treatments and reliefThe majority of causes of throat clearing do not require urgent evaluation. However, excessive throat clearing can be associated with respiratory conditions that have dangerous exacerbations. When it is an emergencySeek emergency treatment if you are having severe difficulty breathing. At-home treatmentThe following treatments for throat clearing can be tried at home and are likely to provide some relief.
Take a quiz to find out what's causing your throat clearing. Take throat clearing quiz When to see a doctorIf at-home treatments are not enough, you should schedule an appointment. Also, make an appointment with your medical provider for the following.
Your medical provider may prescribe one or more of the following treatments, depending on the cause of your throat clearing symptoms:
FAQs about throat clearingCan throat clearing be caused by allergies?Yes, allergies can cause the need for throat clearing. Allergens inhaled from the environment, such as dust, can cause irritation of the larynx that leads to throat clearing. In addition, environmental allergies can cause post-nasal drainage associated with chronic nasal discharge and congestion. The presence of drainage in the throat triggers coughing and throat clearing. Could a new medication be causing my throat clearing?Certain medications can cause throat clearing as a side effect. A class of blood pressure and heart medications called ACE (angiotension converting enzyme) inhibitors can cause coughing and throat clearing due to a buildup of substances that irritate the airways. Inhaled steroids can also cause throat clearing; in this case, the medication causes direct irritation to the larynx. 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. 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. Can respiratory problems contribute to throat clearing?Yes, problems with various parts of the respiratory tract can cause a need for excessive throat clearing. Asthma and chronic bronchitis can both cause throat clearing along with the more common symptoms of cough and difficulty breathing. In addition, the vocal cords and larynx can be irritated by voice overuse or reflux from the stomach, leading to throat clearing as well as hoarseness. The uppermost part of the respiratory tract can be affected by post-nasal drip, usually due to allergies or a respiratory infection. In this case, irritation of the throat triggers throat clearing. Questions your doctor may ask about throat clearing
Self-diagnose with our free Buoy Assistant if you answer yes on any of these questions. Hear what 1 other is saying Share your story below! Required field First name initial (required) Required field Email (required; not displayed) Required field Title for your story (required) Required field Once your story receives approval from our editors, it will exist on Buoy as a helpful resource for others who may experience something similar. Submit story Request sent successfully An error occurred, please try again later The stories shared below are not written by Buoy employees. Buoy does not endorse any of the information in these stories. Whenever you have questions or concerns about a medical condition, you should always contact your doctor or a healthcare provider. Suffering from throat clearingPosted January 19, 2021 by L. I have been suffering from throat clearing for as long as I can remember. It’s worse in the fall and winter due to seasonal allergies. I always feel like there’s some mucus in the back of my throat that I can’t swallow and can’t clear. It keeps me awake at night. It’s embarrassing in a situation that calls for a quiet environment, like in church. I use Flonase nasal spray and recently started famotidine. I cannot take any PPIs as I am on simvastatin. I can’t say I’m really experiencing any relief or lessening of symptoms. I would really like this problem illuminated. Share Copied to clipboard Close Icon.Jeffrey M. Rothschild, MD, MPH. Associate Professor of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital Dr. Rothschild has been a faculty member at Brigham and Women’s Hospital where he is an Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. He currently practices as a hospitalist at Newton Wellesley Hospital. In 1978, Dr. Rothschild received his MD at the Medical College of Wisconsin and trained in internal medicine followed by a fellowship in critical care medicine. He also received an MP... Read full bio Was this article helpful? 19 people found this helpful Heart Icon.19 Tooltip Icon. Share Icon.Share Facebook Icon. FacebookLinkedIn Icon. LinkedinPinterest Icon. PinterestPocket Icon. PocketShare Link Icon. Copy linkCopied to clipboard Close Icon.Read this next Slide 1 of 2 Flu Season Sore Throat: Causes & Treatments There are plenty of possible causes for your sore throat. Figure out what may be causing yours and how to find relief. Read more Cough 9 Causes for Your Cough Your cough can be caused by viruses, bacterial infections, COVID-19, allergies, and a number of other conditions. Learn what your cough symptoms mean, how to get the right diagnosis, and what treatments actually help. |