Why does my throat produce phlegm right after eating sugar?

Generally, the production of phlegm in the throat after consuming sugar may be caused by factors such as sugar irritating the pharyngeal mucosa, sensitive pharyngeal mucosa, chronic pharyngitis, reflux laryngitis, or diabetes. If symptoms persist or worsen, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a qualified hospital. Specific causes are analyzed as follows:

1. Sugar irritation of the pharyngeal mucosa: After sugar enters the throat, it directly contacts and irritates the pharyngeal mucosa, stimulating increased mucus secretion and leading to phlegm formation. Reducing sugar intake, avoiding excessive sugar consumption in a short time, choosing low-sugar or sugar-free foods, and keeping the pharyngeal mucosa moist can help alleviate this condition.

2. Sensitive pharyngeal mucosa: Some individuals have particularly sensitive pharyngeal mucosa that reacts strongly to stimuli like sugar, making them prone to increased phlegm production. Avoiding foods that may irritate the throat—such as spicy or overly sweet items—and maintaining throat hygiene, for example by gargling with mild salt water, can be beneficial.

3. Chronic pharyngitis: When the pharyngeal mucosa remains inflamed over a long period, sugar consumption can further aggravate mucosal irritation, increasing phlegm production. This condition is often accompanied by symptoms such as dryness, itching, and a sensation of a foreign body in the throat. Treatment may include medications such as Pharyngitis Tablets, Qinghou Liyan Granules, or Yinhuang Buccal Drops, taken as prescribed by a doctor.

4. Reflux laryngitis: Stomach acid flowing back into the throat damages the pharyngeal mucosa. Consuming sugar may exacerbate this reflux, resulting in increased phlegm, often accompanied by symptoms like acid regurgitation and heartburn. Doctors commonly prescribe proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, rabeprazole sodium enteric-coated tablets, or pantoprazole sodium enteric-coated tablets to reduce gastric acid secretion.

5. Diabetes: Elevated blood glucose levels can impair microcirculation in the pharyngeal mucosa. Sugar intake leads to blood glucose fluctuations, which may stimulate increased phlegm production. This is often associated with symptoms such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, and unexplained weight loss. Doctors may prescribe medications such as metformin hydrochloride tablets, gliclazide tablets, or acarbose tablets to regulate blood sugar, along with dietary management.

In daily life, it's important to maintain a light diet, reduce intake of high-sugar and spicy foods, and undergo regular health check-ups to detect and treat related conditions early.