Constant Phlegm in Your Throat? Here Are Common Reasons
Persistent phlegm or the feeling of mucus stuck in your throat is common and doesn’t necessarily mean you have a serious illness. Several conditions can cause it.
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Postnasal drip: Mucus from allergies, sinus problems, or an infection can drain down the back of your throat.
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Acid or “silent” reflux: Stomach contents can irritate the throat and cause excess mucus, throat clearing, cough, or hoarseness—even without typical heartburn.
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Allergies or irritants: Smoke, pollution, dust, and other irritants can increase mucus and throat irritation.
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A recent infection: Colds and other respiratory infections can leave mucus and throat irritation behind for some time.
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Asthma or another respiratory condition: Some lung conditions cause increased mucus production and a phlegmy cough.
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What you can try
Drink plenty of water, consider a saline nasal rinse or spray if you have nasal congestion/postnasal drip, and avoid smoking and other airway irritants. If reflux seems possible, avoiding meals shortly before lying down may help.
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If the problem persists for more than a few weeks, or you develop difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, fever, breathing difficulty, chest pain, or blood in your phlegm, get medical advice promptly.
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