Why does phlegm persistently accumulate in the throat, and what can be done about it?

Generally speaking, the throat refers to the pharynx. Having excessive phlegm in the pharynx that seems impossible to completely spit out may be caused by improper diet, poor environmental conditions, chronic pharyngitis, chronic rhinitis, pneumonia, or other reasons. If discomfort occurs, timely medical attention is recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Improper Diet

Consuming excessive amounts of high-sugar, high-fat, or spicy foods may stimulate the mucous membranes of the throat, prompting increased mucus secretion as a protective response, resulting in excess phlegm in the throat. It is advisable to maintain a balanced diet, reduce intake of high-sugar, high-fat, and spicy foods, and increase consumption of vegetables, fruits, and other foods rich in vitamins and dietary fiber to maintain normal physiological function of the throat's mucous membranes.

2. Poor Environmental Conditions

In environments with excessive dust or chemical pollutants, the throat may secrete more mucus to capture foreign substances as a defense mechanism, leading to increased phlegm production. It is recommended to improve living and working environments, use air humidifiers to increase air moisture, reduce dust exposure, wear protective masks in polluted environments, and avoid direct irritation of the throat by harmful substances.

3. Chronic Pharyngitis

Chronic pharyngitis may be related to repeated episodes of acute pharyngitis, long-term smoking and alcohol consumption, and other factors. The throat remains in a state of chronic inflammation for a prolonged period, with hyperplasia and hypertrophy of lymphoid tissue beneath the mucosa, and overactive mucus gland secretion, continuously producing large amounts of mucus that accumulates in the throat. Symptoms such as nausea and dry retching may also occur. Treatment options include medications such as Watermelon Frost Throat Tablets, Compound Borax Mouthwash, and Pharyngitis Tablets, under the guidance of a physician.

4. Chronic Rhinitis

Chronic rhinitis is often triggered by viral or bacterial infections, allergic reactions, and other factors. When the nasal cavity and sinuses become inflamed, they produce large amounts of purulent secretions, which may flow backward through the posterior nasal孔 to the throat, forming phlegm, and may be accompanied by symptoms such as nasal congestion and runny nose. Patients may follow medical advice to use medications such as Qianbai Rhinitis Tablets, Tongqiao Rhinitis Tablets, and Budesonide nasal spray for treatment.

5. Pneumonia

Pneumonia is often caused by infection of the lungs by pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, or mycoplasma. Lung inflammation leads to the production of large amounts of inflammatory exudate in the alveoli and bronchi, which needs to be expelled through the respiratory tract. Some of this exudate travels upward through the trachea and bronchi to the throat, forming phlegm. Patients may also experience symptoms such as high fever and cough. Patients may follow their physician's recommendations to use medications such as Cefuroxime Axetil Tablets, Ambroxol Hydrochloride Oral Solution, and Paracetamol Tablets for treatment.

In daily life, it is important to engage in regular physical exercise to enhance the body's resistance and reduce the risk of respiratory infections. Additionally, attention should be paid to staying warm and adjusting clothing promptly according to seasonal changes.