mucus in the throat

Treatment of mucus in the throat

Fact Checked

Mucus in throat is caused by allergies or sore throat. Even when the body is healthy, it continues producing mucus up to 1.5 liters every day. During an illness, this mucus can cause blockage in the throat due to viral, bacterial and fungal infections.

Causes

  • Seasonal allergies
  • Postnasal drip
    Mucus in the throat
    Drink plenty of fluids during the day to loosen the mucus found in the lining of the throat as the liquids pass the esophagus.
  • Flu or cold
  • Tonsilitis
  • Pregnancy
  • Acute bronchitis
  • Sinusitis
  • Laryngitis
  • Pneumonia
  • Epiglottitis
  • Croup

Symptoms of mucus in the throat

  • Fever
  • Throat congestion
  • Chills
  • Runny nose
  • Coughing out mucus and phlegm
  • Itchiness of the eyes
  • Headache
  • Shortness of breath
  • Phlegm

Treatment

  • Clear phlegm or mucus in the throat by coughing it up. Find a place such as bathroom and loosen the mucus by coughing or hacking. Avoid coughing too hard to prevent further damage.
  • In a glass filled with lukewarm water, mix a teaspoon of salt. Mix well and gargle in the back of the throat but make sure not to swallow the solution.
  • Drink plenty of fluids during the day to loosen the mucus found in the lining of the throat as the liquids pass the esophagus. Another alternative is drinking warm tea mixed with lemon and honey. The acidity of the lemon loosens up the mucus while the honey coats the throat with a protective layer.
  • Warm chicken broth loosens up the mucus. Use lighter broths and avoid thick and creamy ones.
  • Put hot water in a basin and cover the head with a towel and gently lower it and inhale the steam from the hot water. The steam loosens the mucus in the throat.
  • Install a humidifier and vaporizer to add moisture in the room.
  • Take the prescribed medications that are labeled as “expectorants” to eliminate phlegm or mucus.
  • Rub eucalyptus oil on the chest area to lessen coughing and loosen mucus in the throat. Another alternative is to add a few drops of eucalyptus oil in the vaporizer.
  • Avoid milk and other dairy products to prevent making the condition worse.
  • Quit smoking to prevent irritating the throat and worsens the respiratory function that results to congestion.
  • Avoid exposure to irritants such as chemicals, paints and household cleaners such as ammonia to prevent irritation on the nose and throat that can worsen the condition.
  • Apply a warm compress on the face to lessen the pain and sinus pressure.
  • Keep the head elevated using a couple of pillows when lying down to prevent the accumulation of mucus.

Tips

  • Take plenty of rest for fast healing of the condition.
  • Eat spicy foods
  • Start the day by drinking a glass of warm water mix with a tablespoon of honey.
  • Take a warm shower every morning and night.
  • Gargle with warm water mixed with salt every hour or 30 minutes as needed.

FACT CHECK

https://www.webmd.com/allergies/postnasal-drip#1

https://www.healthline.com/health/cold-flu/how-to-get-rid-of-phlegm

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321134.php

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