Excessive mucus in the throat can be caused by allergies, sinus problems, irritants, or more serious medical conditions. Post-nasal drip is a common cause, as well as seasonal allergies and irritants. Certain foods and liquids, as well as pregnancy, can also cause extra phlegm. Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease and viral conditions can also be to blame.
Mucus in the throat can be uncomfortable, but it’s almost always present in small amounts. In some cases, however, the mucus can become excessive and lead to considerable discomfort. There are many reasons why this can happen: seasonal allergies, sinus problems, or even minor irritants. Most of the time, the underlying problem is simple and can be easily fixed, but in other cases, it can be an indicator of more serious medical problems.
One of the most common causes of mucus in the throat is post-nasal drip. The glands in the lining of the throat and nose produce 4 to 8 cups (about 1 to 2 liters) of mucus each day. Over time, this mucus can build up, become thicker, and become more noticeable. This can happen due to a cold, sinusitis, or the flu, but those who live in excessively cold or dry areas, as well as people with deviated septa, can also suffer from post-nasal drip.
Seasonal and irritant allergies can also be to blame. Many people suffer from seasonal allergies, and along with coughing, sneezing, and watery eyes, most people may notice a marked increase in the production of phlegm in the throat. This overproduction is not only annoying, but can also cause sore throats, nausea, and stomach aches. Irritants like smoke, airborne chemicals, and pollution can settle on the lining of the throat or cause inflammation, which can also create excessive mucus production.
Other mild causes of mucus in the throat can include acute or chronic sinusitis, as well as some viral or bacterial infections. Certain foods and liquids can also cause extra phlegm in the throat, such as caffeinated drinks, spicy meals, and dairy products. Food allergies can also be to blame. Pregnancy can also create an overproduction of mucus, as high estrogen levels can not only create more phlegm, but can also cause it to become very thin or very thick.
There are some more serious reasons for this problem as well. Conditions such as laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPR) can cause the body to produce more mucus than usual. Ailments such as phlegm and pharyngitis, as well as tonsillitis and sore throats, can also cause an excess of mucus, as can some viral conditions such as whooping cough, mononucleosis and chicken pox.
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