What causes phlegm in the throat with yellow and thick tongue coating?
Jan 28, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. He Haochen
Introduction
Yellow and thick tongue coating with phlegm in the throat may be caused by improper diet, unhealthy lifestyle habits, endocrine disorders, colds, bronchitis, and other reasons. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and receive symptomatic treatment under a doctor's guidance. It is also advised to consume more foods rich in protein, various vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients—such as eggs, lean meat, and apples—to supplement the body's energy needs and maintain overall health.
In general, the presence of phlegm in the throat accompanied by a yellow and thick tongue coating may be caused by improper diet, unhealthy lifestyle habits, endocrine disorders, colds, or bronchitis. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and receive appropriate treatment under a doctor's guidance. The specific analysis is as follows:
1. Improper Diet
Excessive consumption of raw, cold, greasy, or sweet foods can impair spleen and stomach function, reducing their ability to metabolize fluids and leading to accumulation of dampness in the body. Excess dampness may transform into pathogenic dampness, obstructing the middle jiao and promoting internal phlegm production, resulting in a yellow and thick tongue coating. It is recommended to consume foods rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals—such as eggs, lean meat, and tomatoes—to supply necessary energy and support overall health.
2. Unhealthy Lifestyle Habits
Habits such as staying up late or overexertion may reduce immune function, making the body more susceptible to pathogenic factors and leading to symptoms like phlegm in the throat and a yellow, thick tongue coating. It is advisable to maintain regular daily routines, ensure sufficient sleep, and avoid excessive fatigue.
3. Endocrine Disorders
Endocrine imbalances may indirectly affect digestive system functions, such as gastric acid secretion and intestinal motility, thereby impairing digestion and absorption. This can lead to spleen and stomach deficiency, poor metabolism of dampness, and result in a thick tongue coating and increased phlegm. Patients may follow medical advice to use medications such as Huoxiang Qingwei Capsules, Huanglian Shangqing Pills, or Niuhuang Jiedu Pills to help relieve symptoms.
4. Cold
A cold is a general term for acute inflammation of the nasal passages, pharynx, or larynx. During an episode, it irritates the respiratory mucosa, causing excessive phlegm production that leads to a sensation of phlegm in the throat. At the same time, the digestive system may also be affected during a cold, resulting in indigestion or disharmony of the spleen and stomach, which manifests as a yellow and thick tongue coating. Patients may take antiviral oral liquids, Lianhua Qingwen Capsules, or Ganmao Ling Granules as directed by a physician.
5. Bronchitis
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the tracheal and bronchial mucosa and surrounding tissues caused by various factors. During an attack, swelling and inflammation of the respiratory mucosa may impair normal throat function, leading to phlegm accumulation. Additionally, inflammatory responses may increase internal heat, which rises to the tongue and causes a yellow tongue coating. Under medical supervision, patients may use medications such as Penicillin V Potassium Tablets, Amoxicillin Tablets, or Ribavirin Granules for treatment.
In daily life, it is recommended to eat more foods rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals—such as eggs, lean meat, tomatoes, and apples—to replenish energy and support overall health.
