The Real Causes of Constant Phlegm and Mucus in the Throat — and How to Get Rid of It
Mucus in the throat is something almost everyone experiences occasionally. Your body naturally produces mucus to keep the nose, sinuses, throat, and airways moist while helping trap dust, allergens, and other particles. Usually, you swallow it without noticing.
But when you constantly feel mucus sitting in your throat, repeatedly clear your throat, or regularly cough up phlegm, it can become frustrating. The important thing is that constant throat mucus can have several different causes, and the best way to deal with it is to address the cause rather than simply trying to remove the mucus.
1. Postnasal Drip
One of the most common causes is postnasal drip.
Postnasal drip occurs when mucus produced in the nose or sinuses drains down the back of your throat. Instead of feeling like you have a problem in your lungs, you may simply feel as though something is constantly coating your throat.
You may notice:
Frequent throat clearing
A sensation of mucus running down your throat
Coughing
Hoarseness
A feeling of something stuck in your throat
Symptoms that become more noticeable at night
Allergies, colds, sinus problems, dry air, and other nasal conditions can increase mucus production and make postnasal drainage more noticeable.
2. Allergies
Allergies can cause the nose to produce more mucus than usual.
Common triggers include pollen, dust mites, mold, and pet dander. When your body reacts to these substances, inflammation inside the nasal passages can lead to congestion and increased mucus.
The mucus may then drain toward the throat.
Allergy-related symptoms can include:
Sneezing
Runny or blocked nose
Itchy eyes
Watery eyes
Itchy throat
Frequent throat clearing
If you notice that your throat mucus becomes worse during certain seasons or after exposure to dust or animals, allergies could be contributing.
3. Colds and Other Respiratory Infections
A cold or another respiratory infection can temporarily increase mucus production.
You may experience a combination of:
Runny nose
Nasal congestion
Cough
Sore throat
Thicker mucus
Fatigue
In many cases, the mucus gradually decreases as the infection improves.
It’s also worth remembering that mucus color alone doesn’t tell you exactly what caused the infection. White, yellow, or green mucus can occur during different stages of
