Your respiratory system is lubricated and filtered by mucus, which provides protection. Mucous membranes that connect your nose to your lungs create it.
Allergens, viruses, dust, and other particles adhere to the mucus when you breathe in, and the mucus is then expelled from your body. But occasionally, your body may produce excessive amounts of mucus, necessitating frequent throat clearing.
Why does your throat produce too much mucus?
Several medical problems, including the following, might cause an excessive amount of mucus to be produced:
- acid retching
- allergies
- asthma
- illnesses like the common cold
- lung conditions such as COPD, cystic fibrosis, pneumonia, and chronic bronchitis (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
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Additional lifestyle and environmental factors that can cause excessive mucus production include:
- a dry indoor setting
- little water and another liquid intake
- increased fluid intake, especially of beverages like coffee, tea, and alcohol, which can cause fluid loss
- certain medicines
- smoking
What can you do if your throat is producing too much mucus?
Consider speaking with your healthcare physician for a complete diagnosis and a treatment plan if excessive mucus production starts to occur frequently and causes discomfort.
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Prescription and non-prescription drugs
Your doctor might suggest drugs like:
OTC drugs, or over-the-counter drugs. Guaifenesin (Mucinex, Robitussin), an expectorant, can thin and loosen mucus so it can drain from your neck and chest.
Medicines on prescription. Mucus thinners known as mucolytics are inhaled through a nebulizer and include dornase alfa (Pulmozyme) and hypertonic saline (Nebusal). Your doctor will probably recommend antibiotics if a bacterial infection is the cause of your excessive mucus.
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Self-care techniques
Your doctor might also advise you to practice certain self-care techniques to thin your mucus, such as:
- Use warm, salt water to gargle. This natural cure may help destroy germs and clear mucus from the back of your throat.
- moisten the air. Your mucus may stay thin if there is moisture in the air.
- Remain hydrated. Getting adequate liquids, especially water, might assist your mucus flow and relieve congestion. Although caffeinated beverages should be avoided, warm liquids can be useful.
- Raise your brow. It may seem like mucus is building up in the back of your throat when you are lying down.
- Don’t use decongestants. Decongestants dry out secretions, however, they could make it harder to get rid of mucus.
- Stay away from irritants, smells, chemicals, and pollutants. These might aggravate mucus.
What makes phlegm different from mucus?
The lower airways respond to inflammation by producing mucus. Phlegm is the term used when excessive mucus is coughed up.
What makes one mucous and another mucus?
Mucus is a noun and mucous is an adjective, so the answer is not medical. For instance, mucus is secreted by mucous membranes.
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Mucus is continuously produced by your body. The overproduction of mucus in your throat is frequently a sign of a mild sickness that needs to be given time to heal.
Excessive mucus, however, may occasionally be a symptom of a more serious disease. Consult a doctor if any of the following apply:
- Mucus production is constant and recurrent.
- Your mucus production substantially increases.
- In addition to excessive mucous, there are additional worrying symptoms.