What does it mean when there is always phlegm in the throat?

Nov 27, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Lu Cheng

Introduction

Phlegm in the throat may be caused by environmental irritants, unhealthy lifestyle habits, chronic pharyngitis, chronic bronchitis, or gastroesophageal reflux disease. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive appropriate treatment. In daily life, drink plenty of warm water to help dilute mucus, maintain good oral hygiene, avoid staying up late, and maintain a regular sleep schedule to boost immunity. Gently pat your back when coughing to facilitate phlegm expulsion and reduce throat discomfort.

Under normal circumstances, a persistent sensation of phlegm in the throat may be caused by environmental irritation, unhealthy lifestyle habits, chronic pharyngitis, chronic bronchitis, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive appropriate treatment. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Environmental irritation: Long-term exposure to dust, cooking fumes, or dry environments can irritate the pharyngeal mucosa, increasing secretions and forming phlegm. Wearing a mask when going outdoors and using a humidifier indoors to maintain proper humidity can help, along with avoiding prolonged exposure to irritating gases.

2. Unhealthy lifestyle habits: Long-term smoking and alcohol consumption, as well as a preference for spicy and greasy foods, can damage the pharyngeal mucosa and promote phlegm production. Quitting smoking, limiting alcohol intake, adopting a light diet, and consuming more fresh fruits and vegetables can reduce throat irritation.

3. Chronic pharyngitis: Long-standing congestion and swelling of the pharyngeal mucosa lead to increased secretions that are difficult to cough up, often accompanied by dryness and sore throat. Patients may take medications such as Yanyan tablets, Qinghou Liyan granules, or Lanqin oral liquid as directed by a physician, and should avoid overusing their voice.

4. Chronic bronchitis: Repeated inflammation of the airway mucosa results in excessive mucus secretion, leading to abundant phlegm and possibly coughing. Patients should take medications such as ambroxol oral solution, acetylcysteine effervescent tablets, or cefuroxime axetil tablets as prescribed, and take care to stay warm and prevent colds.

5. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Stomach acid reflux irritates the throat lining, causing increased secretions and phlegm formation, often accompanied by heartburn and acid regurgitation. Patients may take medications such as omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, rabeprazole sodium enteric-coated tablets, or domperidone tablets as directed by a doctor. In severe cases, laparoscopic fundoplication surgery may be performed to prevent acid reflux.

In daily life, drink plenty of warm water to help thin and clear phlegm, and maintain good oral hygiene. Avoid staying up late, maintain regular作息 (daily routines) to boost immunity, and gently pat the back when coughing to facilitate phlegm expulsion and reduce throat discomfort.

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Will my voice return to normal after a cold causes hoarseness?

In general, whether hoarseness caused by a cold can recover depends on the specific situation. Hoarseness due to mild mucosal congestion usually resolves completely; however, if the vocal cords suffer severe damage or pathological changes, recovery becomes more difficult. Daily care should include adequate vocal rest, avoiding loud talking or singing. Drinking plenty of warm water helps keep the throat moist, while spicy or excessively hot foods should be avoided to prevent irritation.

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Can people with bronchitis and cough eat eggs?

In general, patients with tracheitis and cough can usually consume eggs if they are not allergic to them; however, those with a history of egg allergy must absolutely avoid eggs. During tracheitis with cough, the diet should be light and nutritionally balanced, and drinking plenty of warm water helps keep the throat moist. It is also important to ensure indoor ventilation, avoid exposure to irritants such as dust and smoke, reduce coughing episodes, and promote recovery.