Why is there phlegm in my throat when I wake up in the morning, and what should I do?
Dec 27, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lu Cheng
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, the throat refers to the pharynx. Having pharyngeal mucus upon waking in the morning might be caused by factors such as overnight accumulation of saliva, respiratory tract cleansing mechanisms, changes in body position, rhinitis, bronchitis, and others. Treatment options may include general care and medication, under a doctor's guidance. It is important to maintain personal hygiene, wash hands frequently, avoid close contact with individuals who have respiratory infections, and reduce the risk of infection.
Generally speaking, the throat refers to the pharynx. Having phlegm in the throat upon waking up in the morning might be caused by accumulated saliva during the night, respiratory tract cleaning mechanisms, postural changes, rhinitis, bronchitis, or other reasons. Treatment options include general treatments and medications, as directed by a physician. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Accumulated Saliva at Night
During sleep, oral activity decreases and saliva secretion slows down but continues. Some saliva may accumulate in the throat, mixing with oral microorganisms and airborne dust particles to form phlegm. Drinking an appropriate amount of water before bedtime to keep the mouth moist and using a humidifier to increase indoor humidity may help reduce saliva viscosity at night.
2. Respiratory Tract Cleaning Mechanism
The respiratory tract has a self-cleaning function. Ciliary movement pushes foreign substances and bacteria toward the throat, expelling them in the form of phlegm. This cleaning process is particularly active upon waking up in the morning. Avoid consuming irritating foods or beverages before bedtime to reduce respiratory tract irritation.
3. Postural Changes
When changing from a lying position to an upright position, postural changes can promote the downward movement of phlegm in the throat, triggering the cough reflex and causing a sensation of phlegm in the throat. It is recommended to move slowly after waking up, such as taking deep breaths and doing light stretching, to help the body adapt to the postural change and reduce discomfort.
4. Rhinitis
Rhinitis is mainly caused by external factors such as viruses, bacteria, allergens, and internal factors such as genetic predisposition and nasal mucosa susceptibility, which together lead to nasal mucosal inflammation. Inflammatory stimulation increases nasal secretions, which flow backward into the throat, causing phlegm production. Symptoms may also include nasal congestion and runny nose. Under a physician's guidance, medications such as Rhinitis Kang tablets, Xanthium Rhinitis Capsules, and Budesonide nasal spray can be used for treatment.
5. Bronchitis
Bronchitis may be caused by viral or bacterial infections, smoking, air pollution, and other factors. Inflammation of the bronchial mucosa leads to increased secretions, which may result in phlegm in the throat upon waking up, accompanied by symptoms such as coughing and wheezing. Patients may follow medical advice to use medications such as Ambroxol Hydrochloride Oral Solution, Bromhexine Tablets, and Cefixime Dispersible Tablets for treatment.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is recommended, including quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and enhancing immunity. Practicing good personal hygiene, washing hands frequently, and avoiding close contact with individuals suffering from respiratory diseases can help reduce the risk of infection.
