The Real Causes of Constant Phlegm and Mucus in Your Throat
Constant mucus or phlegm in the throat can be annoying, but it is often caused by common conditions rather than something serious.
Common causes
1. Postnasal drip
Mucus from the nose can drain into the throat because of allergies, a cold, or sinus problems.
2. Acid reflux
Stomach acid can irritate the throat and create a feeling of mucus, throat clearing, or a lump in the throat.
3. Allergies
Dust, pollen, pets, and other allergens can increase mucus production.
4. Smoking or irritants
Cigarette smoke, pollution, and strong chemicals can irritate the airways.
5. Respiratory infections
Colds and other infections can temporarily increase mucus.
What may help
Drink enough fluids, avoid smoking and secondhand smoke, treat known allergies, and consider using a saline nasal rinse if appropriate. If reflux seems to trigger your symptoms, avoiding large meals close to bedtime may help.
See a healthcare professional if mucus lasts for several weeks, keeps getting worse, or comes with blood, breathing difficulty, chest pain, unexplained weight loss, or persistent fever.
