What causes phlegm in the throat and how to deal with it?

Generally, phlegm in the throat may be caused by environmental factors, dietary factors, pharyngitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, or other reasons. It can be treated under the guidance of a doctor through general treatment and medication. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical attention at a hospital for standardized treatment under a doctor's guidance. The specific analysis is as follows:

1. Environmental Factors

When staying in an environment with polluted, dry air or with large amounts of dust, smoke, or chemical pollutants, the human body protects the respiratory mucosa by secreting more mucus in the nasal cavity and throat mucosa to adsorb these harmful substances, which can lead to phlegm in the throat. It is important to maintain a clean environment; air purifiers can be used to remove impurities from the air, and exposure time in heavily polluted environments should be minimized. Wearing a mask when going outdoors is also recommended.

2. Dietary Factors

Consuming excessive spicy, greasy, sweet, or irritating foods, or insufficient water intake may irritate the throat mucosa or leave it in a dry state. To restore moisture and resist irritation, the mucosa may stimulate glands to secrete more mucus, resulting in the sensation of phlegm in the throat. It is recommended to maintain a balanced diet, reduce intake of such foods, increase consumption of vegetables, fruits, and other foods rich in vitamins and water, and ensure adequate daily water intake.

3. Pharyngitis

Pharyngitis may be caused by dietary factors, environmental factors, low immunity, upper respiratory tract infections, and other factors. Under the long-term effects of inflammation, the pharyngeal mucosa undergoes pathological changes such as congestion and lymphoid follicle hyperplasia, stimulating submucosal glands to secrete more mucus, leading to phlegm accumulation in the throat. It may be accompanied by symptoms such as a foreign body sensation or itching in the throat. Symptoms can be improved under a doctor's guidance using medications such as Pharyngitis Tablets, Qinghou Liyan Granules, Cetylpyridinium Iodide Suckable Tablets, etc.

4. Bronchitis

Bronchitis is mainly caused by viral or bacterial infections, air pollution, smoking, allergies, and other factors. Inflammation affects the bronchial mucosa, causing congestion and edema, along with hyperplasia and hypertrophy of goblet cells and mucus glands, which secrete large amounts of mucus, forming phlegm. It may also be accompanied by symptoms such as coughing and expectoration. Discomfort can be relieved under a doctor's guidance using medications such as Cefixime Dispersible Tablets, Ambroxol Oral Solution, Salbutamol雾化吸入溶液, etc.

5. Pneumonia

Pneumonia is mainly caused by bacterial, viral, or other microbial infections of the lungs. After the pathogen infects the lungs, it triggers an inflammatory response in the alveoli and lung interstitium, causing the alveoli to fill with inflammatory exudate. This exudate is expelled through the respiratory tract, forming phlegm accumulation in the throat. Symptoms may include high fever and chills. Treatment should be conducted under a doctor's guidance using medications such as Azithromycin Tablets, Ceftriaxone Sodium for Injection, Ambroxol Hydrochloride Glucose Injection, etc.

In daily life, individuals should engage in regular physical exercise, strengthen their constitution, improve immunity, and prevent respiratory infections.