You’re at your office desk, trying to do the best job you can, but the mucus in your throat irritates you.
We’ll explain what phlegm in throat is, its causes, and how to get rid of it. We’ll also introduce a few natural remedies that will be of help.
More about Phlegm in Throat
There is a lot of misconception surrounding phlegm, mucus, and their consistencies. Mucus problems and phlegm in throat plague more people than anyone can count. But how do they begin?
Mucus problems like the common cold, respiratory infections, and sinuses all leave us with phlegm in our throats. We clutch the air desperately for solutions. But these aren’t elusive. What helps in part is to understand how mucus develops.
Mucus lubricates the respiratory system and allows it to function. Inflammation causes more of it to build up than necessary. These fluids are in proper balance when a person is healthy and active.
Phlegm is a form of mucus that develops in our airways when they become inflamed. You may have an infection if it’s green or yellow. You won’t notice it until you cough it up as a sign of an illness.
What Causes Phlegm in Throat?
So, what are the infections that cause phlegm in the throat to develop? We list some of them here. Of course, mucus collects in the throat because of the flu as well.
1. Reflux
First of all, some people have a chronic throat disorder known as laryngopharyngeal reflux. The acid in their stomachs travels up to the throats and irritates them. Note that this condition is not the same as GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux). While heartburn and indigestion typically accompany GERD, they don’t do so for Laryngopharyngeal Reflux.
2. Zenker’s Diverticulum
A person who has Zenker’s Diverticulum has an esophagus with an abnormal pouch. This condition prevents food from moving through the digestive system and gets it stuck in the throat. Phlegm may build up, as a result, causing the need to cough.
3. Chronic Motor Tic Disorder
A person with this psychomotor disorder develops spasmodic tics in his or her face. He or she may also jerk often. His or her legs and arms may move about uncontrollably. A cough develops because of these constant movements.
4. Tourette’s Syndrome
Tourette Syndrome is a neurological condition that provokes vocal outbursts and tics. Besides eye blinking, nose twitching, head jerking, and grunting, a patient with this disorder will also develop phlegm in his or her throat and cough.
5. Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder
This condition, called PANDAs, occurs in children after they develop strep throat or scarlet fever. Besides eye blinking, moodiness, and irritability, a patient will also develop phlegm in the throat and cough.
6. Food allergies
Sensitivity to food may cause mucus to build up and tickle the throat. Foods like chicken, eggs, rice, and soy are common culprits. According to the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology, children may develop coughs because of allergic reactions to milk.
7. Medication Side Effects
Blood pressure medications sometimes cause phlegm to collect in the throat. According to the Harvard Medical Center, blood pressure drugs trigger conditions like asthma, a respiratory ailment that involves coughs and phlegm.
How to Get Rid of Phlegm in Throat with These 10 Natural Remedies
If you have persistent phlegm in the throat end don’t want to take expensive medication, you may consider these natural solutions.
1. Warm fluids
A 2008 study shows that hot beverages play a large part in relieving stubborn coughs. A person will gain from drinking soups, herbal teas, and warm water. Black tea removes phlegm as well.
2. Steam
Mucus will loosen if the air is moist. The Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute recommends using a cool mist humidifier to remove phlegm.
Women use steam to open up facial pores and prevent acne. Note that you should keep your humidifier clean and remove bacteria from it regularly, or the phlegm in your throat may worsen.
3. Saltwater
Also, gargling with salt water is a way to get rid of excess mucus. The best way to do this is to add half a teaspoon of salt to warm water and gargle at the back of the throat. Then, allow the salt to rest there for a little while.
4. Honey
A 2007 study has found that buckwheat honey has a positive effect on the respiratory tracts of children. Honey has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that fight infections.
Ideally, a person should consume it once every four hours. Note that it isn’t suitable for children under four years of age.
5. Herbs and Spices
Foods like garlic, ginger, spices, and lemon all have antimicrobial properties and fight phlegm in the throat. Studies show that ginseng, guava, echinacea, and berries eliminate viruses.
6. Essential Oils
Eucalyptus oil also has antimicrobial properties that help to clear phlegm. It loosens the mucus and eases the throat. Studies show that it has 8-Cineol, which reduces mucus production. Another piece of research proves that Cinole relieves acute bronchitis.
7. Don’t smoke
Another way to avoid producing phlegm is not to inhale second-hand smoke. Smoke leads to mucus production, according to the University of Michigan.
8. Marshmallow Root
Another natural remedy that relieves persistent phlegm in the throat is marshmallow root. It has a high mucilage content and can soothe the irritation due to coughs.
A study reveals that this herb, together with thyme and ivy, is one way to get rid of phlegm in throat. The longer it stays in the water, the easier it is to drink.
9. Bromelain
Bromelain is a rather Bohemian-sounding name for an enzyme found in pineapples. It is anti-inflammatory and mucolytic, making it an excellent remedy for phlegm in the throat.
10. Slippery elm
The native Americans use this herb to treat coughs because it contains a high level of mucilage. You can make hot tea by combining it with warm water. Beware when taking it with other medications, because it can absorb them.
In all, the solutions to help you get rid of phlegm in throat are many and varied. Try getting rid of your cough with these natural methods.
