Why do I always feel like there's phlegm stuck in my throat? What should I do?
Jan 25, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lu Cheng
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, the persistent sensation of phlegm sticking in the throat may be caused by factors such as throat dryness, unhealthy lifestyle habits, chronic pharyngitis, chronic tonsillitis, or reflux laryngitis. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention at a hospital promptly and follow standardized treatment under a doctor's guidance. Additionally, it is important to maintain adequate daily water intake to keep the throat moist.
Generally speaking, the persistent sensation of phlegm sticking in the throat may be caused by factors such as dry throat, unhealthy lifestyle habits, chronic pharyngitis, chronic tonsillitis, or reflux laryngitis. Treatment can be achieved through general management and medication under a doctor's guidance. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and follow standardized treatment as directed by a physician. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Dry Throat
When the throat lacks sufficient moisture, the mucous membranes can become dry, causing phlegm to thicken and become difficult to expel, resulting in the sensation of phlegm sticking in the throat. It is important to maintain adequate water intake, avoid staying in dry environments for prolonged periods, and use a humidifier to increase indoor humidity.
2. Unhealthy Lifestyle Habits
Excessive voice use over long periods, consumption of spicy foods, and irregular作息 (作息 should be translated as "作息" was not properly translated) lifestyle habits may cause congestion and swelling of the throat mucosa, increased secretions, and a sensation of phlegm adhering to the throat. It is important to manage work and rest time appropriately and avoid prolonged voice strain.
3. Chronic Pharyngitis
Chronic pharyngitis may result from repeated episodes of acute pharyngitis, chronic inflammatory irritation of the upper respiratory tract, excessive smoking and alcohol consumption, etc. The throat mucosa remains congested and swollen for a long time, with increased secretions leading to the sensation of phlegm sticking in the throat. Symptoms may include sore throat, foreign body sensation, and coughing. Treatment under a doctor's guidance may include medications such as compound borax solution, furacilin solution, and cetiedil iodide tablets.
4. Chronic Tonsillitis
Chronic tonsillitis may be caused by repeated episodes of acute tonsillitis or poor drainage from tonsillar crypts. The tonsils remain congested and enlarged long-term, with increased secretions causing the sensation of phlegm sticking in the throat. Symptoms may include sore throat, foreign body sensation, and difficulty swallowing. Treatment under a doctor's guidance may include medications such as penicillin V potassium tablets, cefixime dispersible tablets, and compound houttuynia cordata tablets.
5. Reflux Laryngitis
Reflux laryngitis is usually caused by unhealthy lifestyle habits, psychological factors, obesity, pregnancy, or weakened function of the lower esophageal sphincter. Stomach acid irritates the throat mucosa, causing congestion, swelling, and increased secretions, which lead to the sensation of phlegm adhering to the throat. Symptoms may include hoarseness and coughing. Treatment under a doctor's guidance may include medications such as omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, ranitidine capsules, and hydrotalcite chewable tablets.
Drink sufficient water daily to keep the throat moist. Arrange work and rest periods reasonably to avoid prolonged voice use; maintain a light diet and reduce intake of spicy and irritating foods; ensure adequate sleep.
