phlegm in throat - Star News
Get deals and low prices on Getting rid of phlegm on Amazon. Choose from an extensive collection of health care products at Amazon. · Mucus is a clear, slippery, gel-like substance that’s part of your immune system. It lines your mucous membranes and helps trap and destroy or clear out germs and harmful particles. Learn about the functions, anatomy and conditions of mucus, and how to deal with excess or thick mucus in your nose or throat. When you breathe, allergens, viruses, dust, and other debris stick to your nasal mucus, which then passes out of your system. Sometimes, your body can make too much throat mucus, requiring frequent clearing.Mucus protects your respiratory system with lubrication and filtration. It’s produced by mucous membranes that run from your nose to your lungs.See full list on healthline.comThere are a number of health conditions that can trigger excess mucus production, such as:•acid reflux•allergies•asthma•infections, such as the common cold•lung diseases, such as chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, cystic fibrosis, and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)See full list on healthline.comOver-the-counter and prescription medicationsYour doctor may recommend medication such as: •Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines: Expectorants, such as guaifenesin (Mucinex, Robitussin), can thin and loosen mucus so it will clear out of your throat and chest. •Prescription medications: Mucolytics, such as hypertonic saline (Nebusal) and dornase alfa (Pulmozyme), are mucus thinners that you inhale through a nebulizer. If your excess mucus is triggered by a bacterial infection, your doctor will most likely prescribe antibiotics.Self-care stepsYour doctor may also suggest some self-care steps you can take to help reduce mucus, such as: •Gargle with warm salt water: This home remedy can help clear mucus from the back of your throat and may help kill germs. •Humidify the air: Moisture in the air can help keep your mucus thin. •Stay hydrated: Drinking enough liquids, especially water, can help loosen congestion and help your mucus flow. Warm liquids can be effective but avoid caffeinated beverages. •Elevate your head: Lying flat can make it feel like the mucus is collecting in the back of your throat. •Avoid decongestants: Although decongestants dry secretions, they may make it more difficult to reduce mucus. •Avoid irritants, fragrances, chemicals, and pollution: These can irritate mucous membranes, signaling the body to produce more mucus. •If you smoke, try to stop. Quitting smoking is helpful, especially with chronic lung diseases such as asthma or COPD. •Try certain foods: Garlic, radishes, and high fiber fruit like apples may help reduce mucus. However, avoid high fat or dairy foods, as that can worsen phlegm.Make an appointment with your doctor if you have any of these symptoms:•Excess mucus has been present for more than 4 weeks. •Your mucus is getting thicker. •Your mucus is increasing in volume or changing color. •You have a fever. •You have chest pain. •You’re experiencing shortness of breath. •You’re coughing up blood. •You’re wheezing.Was this helpful?See full list on healthline.comWhat’s the difference between mucus and phlegm?Mucus is produced by the lower airways in response to inflammation. When it’s excess mucus that’s coughed up — it’s referred to as phlegm.What’s the difference between mucus and mucous?The answer is not medical: Mucus is a noun, and mucous is an adjective. For example, mucous membranes secrete mucus.Should I be worried about phlegm in my throat?Having phlegm or mucus doesn’t necessarily mean you have something serious. However, you could have something that needs to be medically treated, so it’s a good idea to see your doctor.See full list on healthline.comYour body is always producing mucus. Overproduction of mucus in your throat is often the result of a minor illness that should be allowed to run its course.Sometimes, however, excess mucus can be a sign of a more serious condition. See your healthcare provider if the:•overproduction of mucus is persistent and recurring•amount of mucus you’re producing increases dramatically•excess mucus is accompanied by other concerning symptomsRead this article in Spanish.See full list on healthline.comLearn why you may have too much mucus or phlegm in your throat and how to get rid of it. Find out when to see a doctor and what medications and home remedies can help.See full list on healthline.comOct 21, 2025 · Phlegm is a slimy substance that helps trap bacteria and other harmful particles in your respiratory system. Learn about the causes of excess phlegm, the different colors and what they mean, and how to get rid of it naturally or with medications. 5 days ago · These make your phlegm thicker. This can give you a stuffy head, blocked nose or mean mucus accumulates and trickles to the back of your throat. 2 days ago · While a thin coat of mucus is perfectly normal—and actually vital for keeping throat tissues moist and trapping pathogens—too much of it can signal irritation, infection, or another underlying problem. Learn about 11 common causes of phlegm in the throat, such as dehydration, sinusitis, cold, flu, and GERD. Find out how to treat and prevent phlegm in the throat with home remedies, medications, and lifestyle changes. How to get rid of phlegm in throat?How to treat: Ideally, you should keep the throat hydrated by drinking at least 2 L of water per day in small sips. This helps to thin out the phlegm and relieves the sensation that it is stuck in the throat. If you have difficulty drinking enough water, you can add lemon juice to add flavor. 2. Dry air or air conditioningCan dry air cause phlegm?Dry air can lead to a dry nose and throat, causing irritation and thick phlegm. Decreased humidity in the air can cause symptoms like the feeling that phlegm is constantly stuck in the throat, dry cough, post-nasal drip and even hoarseness. Air conditioning can also try out the air, which can cause throat irritation and constant phlegm.What causes phlegm in the throat?Phlegm in the throat can emerge due to decreased water intake throughout the day or from being in dry environments or rooms. These conditions can lead to dryness and irritation in the throat and can make phlegm thicker, although this sensation can be relieved by ensuring adequate hydration and fluid intake throughout the day.What causes excess phlegm?Allergies are another cause of excess phlegm. Allergens cause your immune system to overreact and produce histamine, which increases phlegm production. 4 Many substances can cause an increase in phlegm, such as: 5 3 Phlegm overproduction is usually temporary.6 days ago · Learn what mucus and phlegm mean, why their colour changes, and how to get rid of chest mucus. Understand common causes and when persistent mucus needs care. · Phlegm is a slimy substance that helps trap bacteria and other harmful particles in your respiratory system. Learn about the causes of excess phlegm, the different colors and what they mean, and how to get rid of it naturally or with medications. 5 days ago · These make your phlegm thicker. This can give you a stuffy head, blocked nose or mean mucus accumulates and trickles to the back of your throat. 2 days ago · While a thin coat of mucus is perfectly normal—and actually vital for keeping throat tissues moist and trapping pathogens—too much of it can signal irritation, infection, or another underlying problem. Learn about 11 common causes of phlegm in the throat, such as dehydration, sinusitis, cold, flu, and GERD. Find out how to treat and prevent phlegm in the throat with home remedies, medications, and lifestyle changes. 6 days ago · Learn what mucus and phlegm mean, why their colour changes, and how to get rid of chest mucus. Understand common causes and when persistent mucus needs care.
