Why does my throat always have phlegm?

Generally speaking, the throat refers to the pharynx. Having phlegm in the throat constantly may be caused by environmental factors, dietary factors, pharyngitis, postnasal drip syndrome, bronchitis, and other conditions. It is recommended to seek timely medical consultation at a hospital to identify the underlying cause and receive targeted treatment. Specific explanations are as follows:

1. Environmental Factors

Prolonged exposure to dry, heavily polluted, or dusty environments, such as areas near chemical plants or construction sites, can cause harmful substances in the air to irritate the pharyngeal mucosa, leading to increased secretions and phlegm formation. Improvement measures mainly include staying away from adverse environments, wearing masks, and using air humidifiers to regulate indoor humidity.

2. Dietary Factors

Regular consumption of spicy, greasy, or overly sweet foods, such as hot pot with chili, fried foods, and cream cakes, can easily irritate the throat and respiratory tract, increasing mucus secretion. Adjusting the diet to mainly include light dishes, eating more vegetables and fruits, and reducing intake of such foods can gradually alleviate symptoms.

3. Pharyngitis

Pharyngitis is usually caused by long-term smoking, alcohol consumption, or irritant foods. It may cause congestion and edema of the throat mucosa and increased mucus secretion, resulting in persistent phlegm in the throat. It may be accompanied by symptoms such as sore throat, dryness, and coughing. Treatment may include medications such as Amoxicillin Capsules, Honeysuckle Granules, and Cetylpyridinium Iodide Lozenges, under a doctor's guidance.

4. Postnasal Drip Syndrome

Postnasal drip syndrome mainly results from inflammation or allergies in the nasal cavity and sinuses, causing increased secretions that flow backward into the throat. These secretions irritate the throat mucosa, causing persistent phlegm in the throat and possibly accompanied by coughing and throat discomfort. Patients may use medications such as Cetirizine Tablets, Budesonide Nasal Spray, and Eucalyptus and Orange Oil Soft Capsules, as advised by a doctor, to relieve discomfort.

5. Bronchitis

Bronchitis may be caused by bacterial or viral infections, air pollution, and other factors. Inflammation causes congestion and edema of the bronchial mucosa and increased secretions, leading to constant phlegm in the throat, which may also be accompanied by coughing and wheezing. Treatment should follow medical advice and may include medications such as Cefradine Capsules, Ambroxol Hydrochloride Oral Solution, and Aminophylline Tablets.

In daily life, attention should be paid to oral hygiene, including brushing teeth in the morning and evening and rinsing the mouth after meals to prevent bacterial growth. Indoor air should be kept moist, using humidifiers if necessary, to avoid dry air irritating the respiratory mucosa and causing increased phlegm production.