Mucus in Throat Causes

As a part of the normal metabolic processes, about 1-2 quarts mucus is produced by the lining of the sinuses everyday. This secreted mucus plays the major role of filtration during the breathing process and helps in preventing foreign particles from getting accumulated into the respiratory system. To be precise, mucus moistens the nasal passages, hydrates inhaled air, traps allergens and prevents infections. Nevertheless, excessive mucus in throat all the time is quite an annoying condition, especially when it clogs up the throat while speaking. It is obvious that mucus in throat causes are the same as that of a postnasal drip.

Mucus in Throat Causes

If phlegm gets stuck in the lining of the nose and throat, you get a constant feeling of thick and sticky mucus in back of the throat. Mucus deposition in the nasal passages is much easier to expel and requires lesser time, as compared to the mucus in the throat. The common causes for mucus in the throat are as follows:

Allergies
Allergies are by far the most common causes for mucus in throat. Those who are hypersensitive to smoke, fumes and noxious gases should avoid exposure to these triggering factors. While going out, ensure that the nose and mouth are covered completely.

Food Reactions
Mucus in throat also occurs after consumption of certain foods. Milk and dairy products aggravate mucus in throat, especially during the onset of the common cold, seasonal flu and fever. Other food items that worsen throat mucus are eggs, wheat based products and whole-grains.

Infections
As already mentioned, mucus helps to fight against invading microbes. When there is infection, the body tends to secrete excessive amounts of mucus as a defense mechanism. This excess and thick mucus is then accumulated in the throat in order to be expelled out of the body. Read more on infectious diseases.

Viral Disease
Other less common throat mucus causes include viral infections such as measles, whooping cough and chicken pox. In brief, any type of infection, either by bacteria, fungi or virus, trigger excess mucus production in the nose and throat.

Smoking
You might be aware of the various effects of smoking. Prolonged smoking causes inflammation of the mucus lining, thus triggering increased production of mucus in the nose and throat. The same problem is manifested with excessive consumption of alcohol and caffeinated foods.

Physiological Problem
Impairment of the nasal and throat functionality also pose a risk for stagnating mucus in the throat. As these parts are malfunctioned, effective mucus removal is absent, which with time, get stuck in the nose and throat. Thus, many people having difficulty in swallowing face a throat mucus problem.

Excess mucus in throat triggers frequent throat clearing, which at times, causes irritation and mild bleeding. This is how you notice a tinge of blood in throat mucus. In such a case, mucus in the throat is associated with other symptoms like throat pain, sore throat and inflammation.

Mucus in Throat Remedies

In most patients, mucus in throat recovers on its own within a few weeks without any therapeutic intervention. However, as this condition is quite embarrassing, many people opt for remedies and medications in order to expel the mucus as soon as possible. If left untreated, mucus in the throat triggers infections and causes bad breath (halitosis). While speaking about throat mucus cure, there are certain remedies to get rid of this annoying condition.

Drink Plenty of Fluids
An effective throat mucus home remedy is to drink ample amounts of water and other healthy fluids. This dilutes the mucus and aids in easy expelling from the body.

Gargle with Hot Water
Hot saline water gargling for 3-4 times daily minimizes the risk of infection and helps in flushing out the throat mucus. Ensure that you do not swallow the salt solution. If possible, take steam inhalation for quick recovery.

Blow Nose Regularly
Though it sounds funny, blowing your nose at regular intervals is one way of treating throat mucus. Hence, indulge in nose blowing even if you do not have the urge to do so.

Ginger Paste
Make a paste out of ginger powder and honey. Consuming a spoonful of this paste twice daily, quickens the recovery time for throat mucus. It also helps in quick healing of the inflamed cells.

These are some of the effective remedies for mucus in throat. The best way to prevent this annoying situation is to avoid exposure to the mucus in throat causes. Make sure you refrain from unhealthy habits to prevent recurrent onsets of throat mucus. If no prompt results are observed after following these remedies for mucus in throat, then get it checked by a qualified physician.