Why mucus in throat

Mucus is a thick and slippery substance that helps to keep the airways from drying out throughout the day. The air people breathe is full of germs, pollen, and other environmental pollutants. When the air enters the body, these particles can create problems if they are not filtered out.

It is the job of mucus to trap these foreign bodies and help eliminate them. Mucus usually goes unnoticed. It harmlessly mixes with saliva throughout the day and is swallowed or blown from the nose. However, if the body produces too much mucus, it becomes much more noticeable.

When this happens, a person may feel mucus dripping down the back of their throat. This is what is known as postnasal drip. In addition to the sensation of mucus dripping down the back of the throat, symptoms of postnasal drip include:.

Postnasal drip is commonly caused by allergies such as hayfever. One of the most common causes of postnasal drip is an allergy.

Seasonal allergies caused by plants releasing their pollen may cause trigger postnasal drip, as the body produces extra mucus to try and eliminate the pollen spores. Cold weather or dry air can also cause postnasal drip. Cold weather is also associated with viral infections, such as the flu , sinus infections, and the common cold. These infections cause many symptoms, including postnasal drip.

The body reacts to any invading germs by creating more mucus to flush them out. It may be uncomfortable, but it is actually the sign of the body working to stay healthy. A deviated septum, which occurs when the nasal septum the wall between the nostrils is crooked or damaged, can make it difficult for the body to drain mucus correctly. This may cause postnasal drip. Most cases of postnasal drip clear up on their own. However, depending on its cause, complications can arise if postnasal drip is left untreated.

There is a chance for infection if germs get in and cause the excess mucus to clog up the sinuses or Eustachian tube, which is the canal that connects the throat to the middle ear. It is best to treat postnasal drip early to avoid complications, and people should see a doctor for any symptoms that last for more than 10 days. Over-the-counter decongestant medications such as phenylephrine Sudafed PE Congestion and pseudoephedrine Sudafed can help dry out the mucus. This works for many people but may not be right for everyone.

These medications can dry out the mucus, and some people may find that their nose feels too dry. Others find these medications make them feel nervous or dizzy and may avoid them for this reason.

Newer drugs, such as loratadine Claritin and cetirizine Zyrtec are called non-sedating antihistamines, meaning they are less likely to cause fatigue. This is especially beneficial for people who have to work or drive while dealing with postnasal drip.

Additional over-the-counter non-sedating antihistamine options include fexofenadine Allegra and levocetirizine Xyzal. Each of these medications comes with side effects and may interact with other medicines. Unfortunately, however, chronic catarrh can be hard to treat and may last for a long time.

Catarrh is usually caused by the immune system reacting to an infection or irritation, which causes the lining of your nose and throat to become swollen and produce mucus. It's unclear what causes chronic catarrh, but it's not thought to be the result of an allergy or infection.

It may be related to an abnormality in the way mucus travels within the nose or an increased sensitivity to mucus in the back of the nose and throat. Page last reviewed: 16 November Next review due: 16 November Catarrh is a build-up of mucus in an airway or cavity of the body. Symptoms associated with catarrh Catarrh can lead to a: constant need to clear your throat feeling that your throat is blocked blocked or stuffy nose that you cannot clear runny nose feeling of mucus running down the back of your throat persistent cough headache or facial pain reduced sense of smell and taste crackling sensation in your ear and some temporary hearing loss These problems can be frustrating to live with and may affect your sleep, making you feel tired.

Treatments for catarrh Catarrh will often pass in a few days or weeks as the condition that causes it improves. There are things you can try at home to relieve your symptoms, such as: avoiding things that trigger your symptoms, such as allergens or smoky places taking sips of cold water when you feel the need to clear your throat — constantly clearing your throat may make things worse using a saline nasal rinse several times a day — these can be bought from a pharmacy or made at home with half a teaspoon of salt in a pint of boiled water that's been left to cool avoiding warm, dry atmospheres, such as places with air conditioning and car heating systems — placing plants or bowls of water in a room may help to keep the air humid staying well hydrated talking to a pharmacist about suitable over-the-counter medicines — including decongestants , antihistamines or steroid nasal sprays There are also several remedies, such as herbal medicines , available from health shops and pharmacies that claim to treat catarrh.

Things that can aggravate mucus build-up include milk, soy, cheese, yoghurt, caffeine, processed meat, and alcohol. Many people with excess mucus find that sleeping with their head raised on an extra pillow helps.

This is because elevating the head and shoulders in this way relieves congested nasal passages. Quit smoking and stay away from irritants and polluted air whenever possible. Blow your nose, inhale steam, gargle with salt and warm water, raise the humidity, diffuse essential oils, drink warm liquids.

Remember dehydration is also bad, so make sure to drink a lot of water. If your doctor diagnoses an allergy, allergy medications may help address the problem of excess mucus. Be aware of your swallowing and if you think something unusual is happening get medical advice.

Another tip is not to eat a large meal before going to bed as this can cause indigestion and the production of more mucus. Fairview Adult Day Care Center in Brooklyn NY pays close attention to the symptoms and causes of excess mucus as part of its comprehensive medical care regime. We provide education and guidance as to how to manage health issues in the elderly as well as people with neurological conditions.

Symptoms of mucus overproduction.