When your body produces so much phlegm that you are coughing up sticky, thick goo, it can be frustrating and feel a little gross. But mucus is actually vital for good health. Show
The mucus that coats your throat contains antibodies and enzymes that protect you from harmful organisms or particles that may contribute to illness. Coughing up mucus, which is typically something we don’t enjoy, is a sign that your body is healing! If excessive mucus production is hindering you, though, there are effective treatment options. Understanding the reason why your body is producing too much mucus in your throat can help determine the right treatment. In some cases, home remedies can be effective, but in more severe cases where mucus in the throat is brought on by an underlying illness, both over-the-counter and prescription medications may be necessary. In this article, I’ll explain more about what mucus is, and some reasons you may be producing a lot of it. I’ll talk about some home remedies and medications that can help, and tell you when to see a doctor. What is Mucus?When you cough, sneeze, or spit out mucus, it may be green, yellow, beige, clear, red, or even black. The color, quantity, and texture of your mucus can help you determine what may be wrong with you, and how your body is progressing in fighting off an illness. Mucus is generated by membranes in the nose and sinuses. It contains antibodies and enzymes that work to prevent harmful bacteria, viruses, and allergens from entering the body and spreading. Think of it as a line of a defense, a barrier between your body and a harmful antigen. Respiratory mucus lines your mouth, nose, throat, and lungs. However, mucus is also produced in other parts of the body, including your cervix, digestive system, and urinary tract. SymptomsCommon symptoms that accompany mucus production include:
What Causes the Overproduction of Mucus?An overproduction of mucus is brought on by a wide range of illnesses, including bacterial infections, viral infections, allergies, and lung diseases. Acid refluxAcid reflux occurs when acid from your stomach travels up your esophagus and sits in the back of your throat. Acid reflux irritates the throat and causes excess production of mucus in the throat and nasal passages resulting in a sensation of postnasal drip, as your esophagus tries to clear out the acid. AllergiesAllergies can cause itchy eyes, sneezing, wheezing, congestion, chest tightness, runny nose, and coughing. When you have an allergic reaction to a food or something in the environment like dust, pollen, or dander, your immune system kicks into overdrive to produce mucus that will help expel the irritant. AsthmaSymptoms of asthma include shortness of breath, chest pain, chest tightness, and coughing. Coughing could be dry or wet with phlegm. If it is wet with small amounts of white or clear mucus, this is a sign your airways have become inflamed. If you cough up thick phlegm regularly, this could be a sign you have a bacterial infection that requires medical attention. InfectionsBacterial and viral infections such as influenza, bronchitis, and pneumonia can cause your airways to produce extra mucus. The mucus may be green or yellow in color. Coughing up or blowing red mucus out of your nose is a sign that blood has been mixed in. The tissue lining of your nose or throat may have been irritated from too much wiping, rubbing, coughing, or blowing. Lung diseasesChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a broad term for a host of lung diseases that can make it harder to breathe. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema fall under COPD, and are usually caused by long-term exposure to substances that irritate the lungs, specifically cigarette smoke . In some cases, people with asthma can develop COPD. DehydrationWhen your body becomes dehydrated, mucus may thicken and tiny hairs called cilia, lining many internal organs, have a hard time pushing the mucus through your body, causing it to feel stuck and difficult for you to cough it up. Dry environmentA dry environment can be caused by air conditioning, central heating, or an extremely dry climate, leading to dehydration. Cold or dry air can aggravate the nasal passages, resulting in excess mucus production that may be thick in consistency. Caffeine and alcohol consumptionCaffeine, found in coffee, black tea, and energy drinks, can lead to dehydration, which can contribute to the thickening of mucus produced by the cells in nasal and respiratory passages. Heavy alcohol use can damage the mucociliary transport system, which functions to clear mucus from respiratory passages. When it is damaged, your body will have a hard time regulating mucus production. SmokingTobacco smoke can irritate the lungs and cause a range of symptoms including chest pain, wheezing, and coughing. Long-term exposure can lead to serious health complications such as COPD, heart attacks, strokes, and death. Home Remedies for Excess Mucus in ThroatThere are a range of effective home remedies that can ease symptoms when you’re producing a lot of mucus. You can incorporate the following home remedies into your healthcare simultaneously with OTC and prescription medications to treat the underlying cause.
Medications for Excess Mucus ProductionDepending on what is causing excess mucus production, over-the-counter (OTC) options can help relieve symptoms such as a stuffy nose, cough, and chest congestion. When excess mucus production is caused by chronic illness such as cystic fibrosis or COPD, prescription medication may be required. OTC medicines
Prescription medicationsIn some cases, excess mucus production is a symptom of a more serious health condition such as a chronic lung disease or cystic fibrosis. Stronger medications prescribed by your healthcare provider can help eliminate mucus from your body. These medications include:
When to See a Medical ProfessionalWhen home remedies and OTC medications have not been effective, contact a doctor. In some cases, excess mucus production can be caused by a serious underlying health condition that needs medical attention. Consult a healthcare professional right away if you have any of the following symptoms:
Excess mucus in the throat is sometimes your body’s way of warning you that it is fighting a viral or bacterial infection. This may require a physical examination by a doctor and prescription medicine. How K Health Can HelpDid you know you can access online urgent care with K Health? Check your symptoms, explore conditions and treatments, and if needed, text with a healthcare provider in minutes. K Health’s AI-powered app is HIPAA compliant and is based on 20 years of clinical data. Frequently Asked QuestionsHow do I get rid of the mucus in my throat? There are several effective home remedies, including humidified air drinking plenty of fluids and staying warm. There are also over-the-counter (OTC) medications that can help thin or break up mucus. Why do I feel like I have mucus stuck in my throat? Mucus in your throat could be signs of an infection or disease. It could also be related to your immune system’s response to your external environment. Why do I have thick mucus in my throat? Mucus in your throat is related to an inflammatory response that is designed to protect you. It contains antibodies and enzymes that protect harmful substances from entering the body and spreading illness. K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment. What removes phlegm from throat?Expectorants, such as guaifenesin (Mucinex, Robitussin) can thin and loosen mucus so it will clear out of your throat and chest. Prescription medications. Mucolytics, such as hypertonic saline (Nebusal) and dornase alfa (Pulmozyme) are mucus thinners that you inhale through a nebulizer.
What causes phlegm in my throat?Possible causes of excess mucus can be food allergies, an acid reflux from the stomach, or an infection. The consistency of mucus in the throat also varies depending on what is going on in your body. Common causes of too much mucus in the throat include a cold or flu, acute bronchitis, sinusitis or pneumonia.
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