Why do I always feel like there's phlegm in my throat?
Dec 27, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lu Cheng
Introduction
The throat refers to the pharynx. Frequently feeling pharyngeal sputum may be caused by factors such as insufficient environmental humidity, unhealthy dietary habits, seasonal changes, rhinitis, or chronic pharyngitis. If discomfort occurs, timely medical consultation is recommended. It is important to maintain good daily habits, quit smoking, limit alcohol consumption, and avoid contact with known allergens. Regularly clean the living environment to ensure fresh air and reduce pollutant concentrations.
Generally speaking, the throat refers to the pharynx. Frequently feeling pharyngeal mucus may be caused by insufficient environmental humidity, unhealthy dietary habits, seasonal changes, rhinitis, chronic pharyngitis, and other factors. If discomfort occurs, timely medical consultation is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Insufficient Environmental Humidity
In dry environments, reduced moisture in the air may cause the respiratory mucosa to lose moisture. In such cases, the mucus secreted by the mucosa becomes thick, creating a sensation of having phlegm. It is recommended to use a humidifier to maintain appropriate indoor humidity and drink more water to help dilute the mucus.
2. Unhealthy Dietary Habits
Consuming excessive amounts of oily, spicy, or cold foods may irritate the gastrointestinal tract, increasing gastric acid secretion, which could lead to acid reflux into the esophagus and throat. This not only directly irritates the pharyngeal mucosa but also increases local mucus secretion, often manifesting as throat discomfort or a feeling of phlegm. Such foods should be avoided in daily life, with a preference for light and easily digestible meals.
3. Seasonal Changes
With decreasing temperatures, especially during the transition between autumn and winter, the body's sensitivity to cold increases. Nasal blood vessels constrict, reducing the filtering function of the nasal cavity and allowing more dust and particles to enter the throat, causing a sensation of throat discomfort. Proper warmth preservation and timely adjustment of clothing can effectively reduce symptoms caused by seasonal changes.
4. Rhinitis
Rhinitis may be triggered by a combination of factors, including viral or bacterial infections, allergen exposure, nasal structural abnormalities, and long-term contact with chemical substances or smoke. Inflammation may stimulate excessive mucus production, which flows into the throat, causing a persistent feeling of phlegm, possibly accompanied by sneezing and a runny nose. Patients may follow medical advice to use medications such as Loratadine tablets, Mometasone furoate nasal spray, and Montelukast sodium chewable tablets for treatment.
5. Chronic Pharyngitis
Chronic pharyngitis results from long-term exposure to adverse external factors such as smoke, dust, or poor personal hygiene habits, leading to persistent non-specific inflammatory reactions in the throat mucosa. This inflammation may cause hyperfunction of the mucous glands, resulting in excessive mucus secretion. Patients often feel a foreign body or phlegm in the throat and may also experience symptoms such as dryness and coughing. Under a doctor's guidance, medications such as Qinghou Liyan Granules, Pudilan Xiaoyan Tablets, and Compound Chlorhexidine Gargle may be used for treatment.
Maintaining good lifestyle habits, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, and avoiding known allergens are important. Regular cleaning of the living environment to ensure fresh air and reduce pollutant concentration is also recommended.
