Why do I always feel like there's phlegm in my throat?
Dec 31, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lu Cheng
Introduction
In general, frequently feeling phlegm in the throat may be caused by factors such as throat dryness, throat irritation, chronic pharyngitis, reflux laryngitis, or sinusitis. To prevent this symptom, it is recommended to avoid smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke, and to reduce time spent in environments with severe air pollution. At the same time, strengthening physical condition, improving immunity, and preventing colds and other respiratory diseases are advised.
Generally speaking, the throat refers to the pharynx. A persistent feeling of phlegm in the throat may be caused by factors such as dry throat, throat irritation, chronic pharyngitis, reflux laryngitis, sinusitis, and others. If discomfort occurs, timely medical attention is recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Dry Throat
When the throat is dry, the mucosal secretion function weakens, causing phlegm to become thick or difficult to expel, thus creating a sensation of phlegm in the throat. This commonly occurs due to dry environments, insufficient water intake, or prolonged speaking. Maintaining appropriate indoor humidity, drinking water regularly, avoiding excessive voice use, and consuming honey water or chrysanthemum tea may help soothe the throat.
2. Throat Irritation
Smoking, inhaling irritant gases, or exposure to dust can irritate the throat's mucous membrane, increasing secretions and causing a sensation of phlegm in the throat. Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke, reduce time spent in heavily polluted environments, and wear masks to protect the respiratory tract.
3. Chronic Pharyngitis
Chronic pharyngitis may result from recurrent acute pharyngitis or long-term irritation from smoking and alcohol consumption. The pharyngeal mucosa becomes congested and swollen, with increased secretions, leading to a sensation of phlegm in the throat. Symptoms may also include dryness, foreign body sensation, coughing, and more. Follow medical advice to use medications such as compound borax mouthwash, cetidine lozenges, or pharyngitis tablets for treatment.
4. Reflux Laryngitis
Reflux laryngitis occurs when stomach contents flow back into the throat, irritating the mucous membrane of the throat and causing inflammation and increased secretions, resulting in a phlegm-like sensation in the throat. Symptoms may include burning sensation, pain, hoarseness, and others. Under a doctor's guidance, medications such as omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, domperidone tablets, and hydrotalcite chewable tablets may be used to relieve discomfort.
5. Sinusitis
Sinusitis may be caused by nasal infections, anatomical abnormalities, allergic reactions, and other factors. Secretions from the sinuses drain through the posterior nasal aperture into the throat, causing a feeling of phlegm. It is usually accompanied by nasal congestion, runny nose, headache, and other symptoms. As advised by a doctor, medications such as amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium tablets, azelastine fluticasone nasal spray, and sulfasalazine enteric-coated tablets may be used. Nasal irrigation or surgical treatment may be necessary in some cases.
To prevent this symptom, it is recommended to avoid smoking and secondhand smoke, and reduce time spent in environments with severe air pollution. Additionally, strengthening physical health, boosting immunity, and preventing colds and other respiratory diseases are advised.
