When mucus starts to build up or trickle down the back of the throat, this is known as postnasal drip. Causes of postnasal drip include infections, allergies, and acid reflux. As well as feeling the need to clear the throat frequently, a person with postnasal drip may also experience: a sore throat.
It is a common symptom of conditions such as the common cold, sinusitis, and allergies. The excess mucus can be caused by inflammation or swelling of the nasal passages, which can be due to a variety of factors such as viral or bacterial infections, allergies, or irritants in the air.
Postnasal drip refers to excess mucus that someone may feel in the back of the nose and throat, causing a constant need to clear the throat. It may lead to symptoms, such as a sore throat and trouble swallowing. Environmental triggers, such as allergies, cold weather, or dry air, may cause postnasal drip.
So here's the big question: Should you spit or swallow your phlegm? Even though it might taste nasty, “there's nothing wrong with swallowing it,” Dr. Comer says. In fact, that's probably what your body expects you to do, which is why phlegm naturally drains down into the back of your throat.
Catarrh is a build-up of mucus in an airway or cavity of the body. It usually affects the back of the nose, the throat or the sinuses (air-filled cavities in the bones of the face). It's often temporary, but some people experience it for months or years. This is known as chronic catarrh.
If you're suffering from allergies, asthma or another condition that is causing excess mucus production, it's important to seek medical treatment. However, in cases where phlegm results from a viral infection, such as the common cold, it will usually resolve on its own within seven to 10 days.
Phlegm is a thick mucus from the lower airways due to lung inflammation or injury. Infection is a common cause, but other conditions like allergies, lung disease, and GERD can cause a productive cough. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and includes supportive care and medications.
Coffee/Tea
Many of us enjoy a morning cup of joe, or an afternoon tea, but because these two beverages cause dehydration [5], our bodies react to this change by producing thick mucus.
2. Bananas. “Yes, it might sound shocking, but bananas increase the congestion by impacting the production of phlegm. Also, one thing we need to understand is to note the time and season when bananas trigger the sinus.
Quercetin-rich foods. There is some evidence from animal studies that quercetin may reduce mucus secretion for those with chronic lung diseases. Quercetin is an antioxidant flavonoid found in fruits and veggies such as apples, onions, parsley, cherries, blueberries, and blackberries.
If you're experiencing problems with mucus, it may be a good idea to limit your intake of the foods that were mentioned in this article, including dairy products, eggs, corn, and sodium-rich foods.
A good hot cup of herbal tea will help dilute stubborn phlegm. If you'd like to get rid of your phlegm, a nice cup of mint, thyme, chamomile or echinacea tea is a good option.
Additionally, the citric acid also helps to break up mucus. When you have a sore throat it can often become irritated by thick mucus, making the pain worse. By breaking up the mucus, lemon can help to ease that pain and inflammation and get you feeling better quicker.
An infection can make mucus thicker and stickier. Infections also lead to inflammation in the mucous membranes that line the nose and the rest of your airway. This can cause certain airway glands to make more mucus. That mucus can get thick with bacteria and cells that arrive to fight the infection.
Though they're always at work, you typically only notice the sticky substances when you're sick. Mucus and phlegm are similar, yet different: Mucus is a thinner secretion from your nose and sinuses. Phlegm is thicker and is made by your throat and lungs.
What causes excessive mucus? Smoking or exposure to an irritant in the air may cause you to produce more mucus than usual. If the mucus is clear, you might have allergies. Other conditions that could cause excess mucus include bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cystic fibrosis.
When lying down, the blood vessels in your nasal passages dilate which leads to increased blood flow to the area. This causes the tissues to swell and become congested. When you are standing upright during the day, mucus can naturally drain. However, at night, mucus can build up and make it difficult to breathe.