Sensation of phlegm stuck in the throat: possible causes and effective home remedies to relieve discomfort

The sensation of phlegm stuck in the throat, that there is mucus trapped in the throat, is something frequent and very annoying that can lead to coughing repeatedly or clearing the throat to try to expel him and, consequently, to a throat irritation. It can be caused by a number of factors, from allergies or gastroesophageal reflux disease to medication side effects or a simple cold.

Some habit changes and Natural medicine They can be helpful in reducing the chances of mucus getting stuck in the throat and relieving the symptoms it causes.

If the sensation of phlegm causes you to cough, these infusions can help you.

feeling of phlegm stuck in the throat: causes

He postnasal dripi.e. excess mucus in the nose causing a drip down the back of the throat, often due to a cold, allergy, or sinus infection It is the most frequent cause of this annoying sensation of having a flame trapped in the throat, but it is not the only one.

Other common causes include:

Respiratory infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia They can also increase mucus production and cause the feeling that something is stuck in the throat.some medications (such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors to treat high blood pressure) can cause this feeling of mucus or phlegm in the throat as a side effect.Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus (the tube that connects the mouth and stomach), causing irritation and increased production of mucus in the throat. Avoiding the foods that trigger it, large meals and lying down right after eating are some of the ways to relieve the symptoms it causes.Smoke it can irritate the airways and increase mucus production.Exposure to environmental irritantssuch as dust or pollution, can trigger excessive production of mucus.The use of air conditioners that are not well maintained can lead to the dispersion of microorganisms in the home which, together with the sudden changes in temperature generated by the use of the appliance, can favor alterations in the respiratory system that cause a sensation of phlegm in the throat.dehydration it can make the mucus thicker and cause this feeling that something is stuck in the throat.Difficulty swallowing correctly (dysphagia) also causes the feeling that something is stuck.

Sometimes throat clearing is not the result of mucus in the throat, but rather a tic, a spasm, or sudden, repetitive movements that the person cannot control.

feeling of phlegm stuck in the throat: home remedies

A good hydration (about 2 liters of water daily) is key so that the mucus is not thick and does not get stuck in the throat. It is also important avoid irritants such as tobacco smoke or chemical vapors that can irritate the respiratory tract.

Using a humidifierespecially when the weather is dry or the environment is very hot, can help keep the mucus more moist and prevent it from being sticky and difficult to remove.

Other natural measures to relieve the discomfort caused by phlegm stuck in the throat are:

Gargle with warm salt water It is an effective remedy to soothe the throat and reduce irritation caused by mucus. Mix half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water, gargle, and then spit it out.sleeping with the head slightly elevated (with a couple of pillows) helps mucus pass through and doesn’t get stuck in the throat.make vapors It also helps to thin the mucus and facilitate its expulsion. To do this, lean over a bowl of hot (but not boiling) water with a towel over your head and breathe in the steam. For a greater effect, you can add a few drops of eucalyptus or mint essential oil to the water.Honey It has calming properties and you can add it to teas or to a glass of water and lemon juice to soothe an irritated throat.Ginger It is a powerful natural anti-inflammatory. You can take it as an infusion or add it to your dishes.Include spicy foods in the dietsuch as horseradish, wasabi or mustard, help make secretions more liquid and clear nasal congestion.

If the feeling that there is phlegm stuck in the throat is persistent, very bothersome or is accompanied by other symptoms (such as shortness of breath, chest pain, unexplained weight loss or blood in the mucus) it is essential go to the doctor to establish the most appropriate diagnosis and treatment.