Mucus protects your respiratory system with lubrication and filtration. Mucous membranes that run from your nose to your lungs produce your mucus. Excess throat mucus, also called phlegm or postnasal drip, can be bothersome and is a symptom of various underlying health conditions.
What causes excess throat mucus?
There are several reasons why you may be dealing with excess mucus in your throat, which can sometimes feel like you have something stuck in your throat.
These include:
Nasal allergies: Allergic reactions to pollen, dust, pet dander, or other airborne substances can trigger increased mucus production. This excess mucus often drips down the back of the throat, leading to throat mucus and associated symptoms.
Sinus infections: Bacterial or viral sinus infections can cause inflammation and increase mucus production. This phlegm can drain into the throat and cause discomfort.
Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR): LPR occurs when stomach acid flows back into the throat. It can irritate the throat and stimulate excess mucus production as a protective mechanism.
Chronic rhinitis: This condition involves persistent inflammation of the nasal passages, which can lead to excessive mucus production.
Deviated septum: If your septum—the bony, cartilaginous structure separating your nostrils—is off-center, it can obstruct nasal drainage. This leads to the accumulation of mucus, which drips down the back of your throat.
An ENT doctor spends 4 years at college, 4 years at medical school, and then 5 to 7 years after that in a residency program specializing in otolaryngology — head and neck surgery. Our board-certified ENTs pass written and oral exams and participate in continuous education to maintain their certification. When you visit one of our Arizona locations, you can trust you're seeing one of the most qualified specialists in the region and that your care will be second to none.
When To See a Physician
Having phlegm or throat mucus doesn’t necessarily mean you have a serious condition. However, you could have something that needs to be medically treated, so it’s a good idea to see your doctor if the mucus has been present for more than a month, is getting thicker or increasing in volume, or is changing color.
Diagnosing the Cause of Throat Mucus
A physician begins assessing your condition with a physical exam of your ears, nose, and throat and asks how long you’ve had postnasal drip. Additional steps to diagnose the cause may include examining the sinuses and upper airway with an endoscope, performing allergy tests, or conducting imaging tests such as CT or MRI scans of the sinuses.
Treating Excess Throat Mucus
The best treatment approach to provide relief from throat mucus depends on what’s causing the condition. The treatment options include:
Nasal irrigation: Using a saline nasal spray or neti pot can help flush out excess mucus and irritants from the nasal passages, reducing throat mucus.
Antihistamines: If your postnasal drip is related to allergies, antihistamines can help reduce inflammation and mucus production. These medications are available over-the-counter or by prescription.
Decongestants: Oral or nasal decongestants can help relieve nasal congestion and reduce mucus production. However, they should be used sparingly to avoid rebound congestion.
Corticosteroid nasal sprays: Prescription nasal sprays containing corticosteroids can effectively reduce inflammation in the nasal passages, decreasing mucus production and postnasal drip. Many of these are also now available over the counter.
Lifestyle modifications: Staying hydrated, using a humidifier, and avoiding irritants such as smoke can help manage throat mucus. Elevating the head while sleeping can also prevent mucus accumulation in the throat.
Treating underlying conditions: Addressing the root cause of throat mucus, such as managing LPR or chronic rhinitis, can provide long-term relief.
Surgery: If sinus infections and/or a deviated septum are causing a buildup of throat mucus, your physician may recommend undergoing sinus surgery and/or septoplasty to correct the problem and improve nasal drainage.
Being prepared will help you get the most out of your appointment. Please bring a list of medications you're currently taking and any pertinent test results—such as labs or imaging—to your appointment. Additionally, let your provider know of any drug allergies or medical conditions you have or for which you are being treated and if you've had any prior surgical procedures.
Visit Our ENT Specialists
Even though throat mucus can be uncomfortable and persistent, various treatment options are available to manage the condition effectively. If you experience chronic or severe throat mucus, consult an ENT specialist at Valley ENT to explore the best management options for your specific situation.