Constant Phlegm in Your Throat and You Don’t Know Why? Here’s What May Be Going On

Constant mucus or the feeling that something is stuck in your throat is common, but it can have several causes. There isn’t one food, drink, or home remedy that permanently clears it. The key is identifying what is producing the mucus or irritating your throat.

1. Postnasal drip

Mucus from your nose or sinuses can drain down the back of your throat. Allergies, sinus irritation, colds, smoke and other airborne irritants can increase mucus production. Frequent throat clearing is common.

2. Acid reflux

Reflux can irritate the throat and cause throat clearing, coughing, hoarseness or a lump-like sensation, sometimes even when you don’t experience typical heartburn.

3. Allergies

Dust, pollen, mold, pet dander and other allergens can increase nasal secretions and contribute to mucus draining into the throat.

4. Asthma or another airway condition

Asthma, chronic bronchitis, COPD and bronchiectasis can cause persistent coughing and phlegm. Smoking and other inhaled irritants can also increase mucus.

What can you try?

• Drink enough water to stay well hydrated.
• Consider a saline nasal spray or rinse if nasal congestion or postnasal drip is present.
• A clean cool-mist humidifier can help when dry air is irritating your throat.
• Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke.
• If reflux seems likely, avoid large meals close to bedtime and discuss persistent symptoms with a healthcare professional.

Also, try not to repeatedly forcefully clear your throat. That can further irritate the throat and maintain the sensation that something is there