The Real Causes of Constant Phlegm and Mucus in Throat and How to Get Rid of It

✅ Common Causes of Constant Phlegm/Mucus in the Throat

1. Postnasal Drip (Upper Airway Cough Syndrome)

  • What it is: Excess mucus from the nose or sinuses drips down the back of the throat.

  • Causes:

    • Allergies (e.g., pollen, dust mites)

    • Sinus infections

    • Cold/flu

    • Environmental irritants (e.g., smoke, pollution)

2. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) / Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR)

  • What it is: Stomach acid or contents back up into the throat, irritating it.

  • Symptoms:

    • Mucus in throat

    • Hoarseness

    • Throat clearing, especially in the morning

    • No heartburn (especially in LPR)

3. Chronic Rhinitis or Sinusitis

  • Allergic Rhinitis: Allergies cause inflamed nasal passages and overproduction of mucus.

  • Non-allergic Rhinitis: Triggered by temperature changes, odors, smoke, or medications.

  • Sinusitis: Infection or inflammation of the sinuses leads to mucus buildup.

4. Smoking or Vaping

  • Irritates airways and triggers excess mucus production.

  • Smokers often develop chronic bronchitis (“smoker’s cough”).

5. Dehydration

  • Thick, sticky mucus is harder to clear when you’re not drinking enough fluids.

6. Certain Medications

  • ACE inhibitors (for blood pressure) can cause throat irritation and phlegm.

  • Antihistamines can sometimes dry out secretions, making them thicker.

7. Respiratory Conditions

  • Asthma: Can cause thick mucus, coughing, and wheezing.

  • COPD: Chronic cough and mucus production, especially in smokers.

8. Fungal or Bacterial Infections

  • Oral thrush (fungal infection) can cause mucus and a coated tongue.

  • Chronic infections like tonsillitis can lead to persistent throat mucus.

🔍 How to Identify the Cause

SymptomLikely Cause
Worse in morning, sour tasteLPR or GERD
Sneezing, itchy eyesAllergies
Sinus pressure, headacheSinusitis
Cough, wheezingAsthma
Smoker or former smokerChronic bronchitis
White patches in mouthOral thrush

✅ How to Get Rid of Constant Mucus in the Throat

1. Address the Root Cause

  • Allergies:

    • Use antihistamines (e.g., loratadine, cetirizine)

    • Nasal steroid sprays (e.g., fluticasone)

    • Avoid allergens (dust, pollen, pet dander)

  • Postnasal Drip:

    • Saline nasal rinses (e.g., neti pot)

    • Mucolytics (e.g., guaifenesin)

    • Steam inhalation