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Why do I feel like I have mucus stuck in my throat all the time?

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.

medicalnewstoday.com - Constant throat clearing: Causes, treatment, and more

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There are many possible causes of a frequent need to clear the throat. These range from allergies and acid reflux to medication side effects and eating habits. A person may clear their throat often because it feels as though something is tickling or stuck in the throat. These sensations can occur even when nothing is there. Throat clearing itself is not a medical condition, but it can be a symptom of one. In this article, we explore some possible causes of frequent throat clearing. We also explain when to see a doctor and list the general treatment options. Postnasal drip Share on Pinterest Sergio Marcos/Stocksy The sinuses, throat, and nose all produce mucus that a person usually swallows unconsciously. 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

hoarseness

frequent swallowing Treatment Treating the cause of postnasal drip is the best way to reduce throat clearing and other symptoms. The treatment options may include: antihistamine medications for sinus and nasal allergies

antibiotics for bacterial infections

antacids, H2 receptor blockers, and proton pump inhibitors for acid reflux Learn more about acid reflux and its treatments here. Other tips for relieving postnasal drip include staying hydrated and using decongestants, nasal sprays, and saline irrigation methods. The most common cause of postnasal drip is allergies. A person experiencing postnasal drip should consult a doctor to establish the specific cause of their symptoms. Acid reflux A specific type of reflux called laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), also known as silent reflux, often causes frequent throat clearing. LPR occurs when acid from the stomach flows back up the esophagus and into the larynx and pharynx, leading to throat irritation. Additional symptoms of LPR can include: hoarseness

trouble swallowing

a sore throat Treatment The treatment for LPR is the same as that for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and includes antacids, H2 receptor blockers, and proton pump inhibitors. Lifestyle interventions are also an important part of managing a person’s symptoms. These include: maintaining a moderate weight

quitting tobacco product use

avoiding foods that trigger symptoms

limiting alcohol intake

avoiding eating just before going to bed

Nasal allergies Allergies occur when the body’s immune system overreacts to the presence of substances, called allergens, that are usually harmless. Common allergens include pollen, dust, and animal dander. Nasal allergies can lead to excess mucus production, which can cause frequent throat clearing. Other symptoms of throat allergies include: a blocked or runny nose

itchy or watery eyes

sneezing Treatment Among a range of treatment options for nasal allergies are: antihistamines

corticosteroid intranasal sprays

nasal saline spray

leukotriene inhibitors, such as montelukast (Sinulari) A person may wish to use decongestants for short-term relief. However, these medications are not suitable for long-term use due to the risk of severe side effects, such as high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke. If a person has severe allergy symptoms and prescription treatments are not helping, doctors may recommend allergy shots, which can help a person build a tolerance to a specific allergen. Also, a person can reduce or prevent their symptoms by avoiding known allergens when possible. Swallowing problems Swallowing difficulties may result from neurological issues or structural abnormalities inside the body. These problems can also be the result of severe acid reflux. Difficulty swallowing can lead to throat irritation and frequent throat clearing. A person may also experience heartburn as a result of acid reflux. If a person has trouble swallowing, they may also experience: hoarseness

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coughing

choking when eating Treatment The treatment for difficulty swallowing depends on the cause. Options for remedying swallowing problems can include: speech therapy

surgery to widen the esophagus

eating a liquid diet

Medication Doctors commonly prescribe angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors to treat high blood pressure. These drugs can cause nasal congestion and postnasal drip, which may lead to a person clearing their throat frequently. Currently, no studies have indicated whether throat clearing is a common side effect of ACE inhibitor use. However, research suggests that up to 15% of people who take these medications develop a chronic cough. The underlying cause of the cough can lead to nasal congestion, postnasal drip, and frequent throat clearing. Treatment Anyone who experiences any concerning or bothersome side effects of medication should speak with their doctor, who may suggest changing the dosage or switching treatments. After eating People may feel the need to clear their throat after eating. When eating, some food may stick in the throat and create a small obstruction, which may lead to frequent throat clearing. Eating food may also worsen several of the above conditions. For example, a person may have an allergic reaction to something they ate, resulting in irritation, or spicy foods may worsen existing postnasal drip symptoms. Other conditions, such as cricopharyngeal dysfunction, and Zenker diverticulum , can stop food from passing through the esophagus in the usual way. This obstruction can lead to irritation, and a person may feel the need to clear their throat when it happens. Treatment If a person regularly has to clear their throat after eating, small habit changes may help, such as chewing food more thoroughly or introducing softer, or even liquid-based, meals into the diet. However, if eating food is worsening a preexisting condition, treating the underlying cause of frequent throat clearing will be the best course of action. If a person regularly feels the need to clear their throat or cough after eating, they should consult a doctor to assess what may be causing this symptom. Tic disorders Tics are sudden and repetitive twitches, sounds, or movements that a person cannot control. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) , there are three main types of tic disorder: persistent vocal or motor tic disorder

provisional tic disorder

Tourette’s syndrome According to a 2015 study, throat clearing is one of the five most common symptoms of tic disorders. The cause of these disorders is unclear, but they appear to run in families and occur more often in males than in females. Other symptoms of tic disorders can vary greatly but may include: frequent blinking

head jerking

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word or sound repetition

snapping the fingers Treatment The treatment options will depend on the type of disorder and the severity of a person’s symptoms, but medications and behavioral therapy can often help. Vocal cord growths When abnormal growths — such as polyps, nodules, or cysts — grow on the vocal cords, a person may feel as though something unusual is in the back of their throat. If they do not know that this is a physical growth, they may try to clear their throat in an attempt to dislodge the perceived object. Causes of these growths can include: tobacco smoking

allergies

overusing or straining the vocal cords, such as from excessive singing or shouting

frequent or strenuous coughing

GERD The symptoms of vocal cord growths can also include: hoarseness

a scratchy voice

breathlessness

pain when speaking Treatment First, a doctor usually treats the underlying cause of the growth. They may later recommend the surgical removal of a growth that is large or does not respond to treatments. Some people may need to work with a speech-language pathologist. When to see a doctor If frequent throat clearing is causing concern or discomfort, a doctor can often help. It is important to seek medical attention if frequent throat clearing accompanies: a feeling of something being stuck in the throat

chronic coughing

heartburn

taking a new medication The doctor will ask for a medical history and perform a physical exam to determine the symptom’s cause. Diagnosing the cause is the first step toward appropriate treatment. General treatment Throat clearing usually only requires treatment if it is becoming bothersome or causing discomfort. The best way to reduce or prevent the symptom is to address any underlying causes. Some treatment and prevention tips for frequent throat clearing include: drinking plenty of water to keep the throat moist, which may relieve or lessen the feeling that something has become lodged in the throat

eating and chewing slowly if a person has difficulty swallowing

using a humidifier at home or work to keep the air moist, which may help reduce throat irritation trying to clear the throat gently and infrequently to avoid hurting the vocal cords

medicalnewstoday.com - Constant throat clearing: Causes, treatment, and more

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