Why does it feel like there is phlegm in the throat that cannot be coughed up or swallowed down? What should I do?

Under normal circumstances, the throat refers to the pharynx. A sensation of phlegm in the throat that cannot be coughed out or swallowed may be caused by factors such as dry environment, dietary irritation, excessive voice use, chronic pharyngitis, chronic bronchitis, and others. Treatment options, such as general care and medication, can be adopted under a doctor's guidance. The specific causes are detailed below:

1. Dry Environment

When the ambient humidity is low, moisture on the respiratory mucosa evaporates more quickly, causing the secretions to become thick and difficult to expel or swallow, resulting in the sensation of phlegm that cannot be coughed out or swallowed. It is recommended to use a humidifier to maintain indoor humidity between 40% and 60%, especially during dry seasons or when staying in air-conditioned environments for prolonged periods. Increasing water intake appropriately can also help keep the respiratory mucosa moist.

2. Dietary Irritation

Excessive consumption of spicy, greasy, or sweet foods can impair the digestive function of the spleen and stomach, leading to abnormal metabolism of body fluids and phlegm formation. Accumulated phlegm in the throat, due to its viscous nature, may be difficult to expel or swallow, causing the related symptoms. Maintaining a balanced diet, reducing intake of irritating foods, and increasing consumption of vegetables, fruits, and fiber-rich foods are recommended.

3. Excessive Voice Use

Prolonged loud speaking, singing, or continuous talking can cause congestion and dryness of the throat mucosa, stimulating submucosal glands to secrete more mucus for lubrication. However, excessive voice use can lead to muscle fatigue and impaired coordination in the throat, making it difficult to expel the mucus effectively, thus causing the sensation of phlegm that cannot be coughed out or swallowed. It is advisable to manage voice usage properly, avoid prolonged continuous vocalization, take adequate breaks during extended speaking, and drink warm water to soothe the throat.

4. Chronic Pharyngitis

Chronic pharyngitis is often caused by recurrent acute pharyngitis, long-term smoking, alcohol consumption, and other factors. The throat remains in a state of chronic inflammation, leading to dysfunction of the mucous glands, increased mucus production, and thick secretions. Inflammatory stimulation also impairs the ciliary movement of the mucosal epithelium, reducing the ability to expel phlegm effectively, resulting in the sensation of phlegm that cannot be coughed out or swallowed. Symptoms may also include nausea and dry heaving. Treatment options include medications such as Pharyngitis Tablets, Jinshang Liyan Pills, and Omeprazole Enteric-coated Capsules, as directed by a physician.

5. Chronic Bronchitis

Chronic bronchitis is commonly triggered by long-term smoking, air pollution, and repeated viral or bacterial infections. Persistent inflammation causes hypertrophy and hyperplasia of goblet cells and mucous glands in the bronchial mucosa, resulting in excessive mucus secretion. During the upward expulsion of mucus, some accumulates in the throat due to its high viscosity. Additionally, bronchial inflammation may impair normal ciliary movement, making it difficult to cough out or swallow the phlegm. Symptoms may also include wheezing and shortness of breath. Treatment may involve medications such as Ambroxol Hydrochloride Tablets, Azithromycin Tablets, and Guilong Kechuanning Capsules, as prescribed by a doctor.

In daily life, it is important to strengthen physical exercise, enhance physical fitness, and improve immunity to reduce the risk of respiratory infections. Maintaining good oral hygiene by brushing teeth in the morning and evening and rinsing the mouth after meals can help prevent bacterial growth.