Sticky phlegm in the throat: causes. How to get rid of it if it doesn’t go away for a long time

Does it often happen that mucus accumulates in your throat, which you try to swallow or spit out? Is there any blood in it? Are there any additional symptoms, for example, runny nose, sore throat, some pain when swallowing? Do not console yourself with the idea that these symptoms are completely harmless, since they supposedly do not indicate a serious illness.

If you have persistent mucus in your throat, this may indicate the development of certain diseases. The list includes: asthma, nasopharyngitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis and others, including bronchitis. Or perhaps this is a symptom of an allergy to a certain product or to certain conditions. Mucus accumulates in the throat most often because the mucous membranes in your throat are inflamed.

Accumulated sputum itself may not accurately indicate any disease, since it is not the main symptom. Only in combination with other painful signs can the cause and disease be accurately determined. For example, if you have constant belching, after which mucus accumulates in the throat, then this may be a syndrome of problems in the gastrointestinal tract. It is unlikely that, by correlating the symptoms, you will accurately determine what kind of disease it is, unless you are an otolaryngologist. It is better to go to a doctor who will diagnose and prescribe appropriate treatment.

However, if persistent mucus in the throat is not accompanied by any other signs of the disease, then you can try to remove it. As already mentioned, one of the reasons may be irritation of the mucous membranes. Do you often eat bitter and spicy foods, and do you like to season foods with pepper? If so, then know that such food, consumed frequently and in large quantities, can provoke inflammation of the throat mucosa, which can be caused by constant mucus in the throat.

Use good old traditional medicine. For example, rinsing with a salt solution. This solution kills accumulated microbes and removes mucus. Rinse your throat with this solution at least three times a day. You can also rinse with infusion from medicinal herbs mixed with salt. Warm drinks can help clear mucus. Even such a simple remedy as tea with a spoon of honey, when consumed gradually, can relieve inflammation, stopping the secretion of mucus in the throat. Some will help herbal infusions or chicken broth.

Inhalations work well. Pour water into a saucepan, adding medicinal herbs, and bring it to a boil. Then tilt your head towards the pan, opening your mouth and inhaling the steam.

If you have thick mucus in your throat, you will most likely want to cough it up during inhalation. By the way, it is important not to be exposed to temperature differences after you have inhaled the vapor. If you did inhalation during the cold season, then stay in a warm room for some time so as not to get sick - after all, in this case, the temperature difference may be the cause serious illnesses.

Thick mucus usually has green color, consists of water and glycoproteins. The color of sputum can tell you something about your health. If you have thick mucus in your throat that is green or yellow when you cough it up, this is likely a symptom. bacterial pneumonia. That is, this may be a sign of inflammation of the upper respiratory tract.

If thick mucus in the throat is clear and accompanied by headaches, sore throat and a higher than normal temperature, then this most likely indicates that you have the flu. In addition to all of the above, sputum can be one of the indicators of more serious diseases - lung cancer, tuberculosis, asthma. If you have it mixed with blood, then this may even indicate tuberculosis, but not always.

So, if constant mucus in the throat is combined with other symptoms, then, together with other signs, it will help determine clinical picture diseases. However, if it has been bothering you not so long ago, and besides it, nothing else bothers you (no fever, etc.), then the mucus may turn out to be, for example, harmless symptom allergies to any product. However, if mucus accumulates in the throat, then you should still visit an ENT doctor to prevent possible complications.

Otolaryngologists quite often hear from their patients complaints about the accumulation of lumps of mucus in the throat, which in some cases are swallowed, and in some cases are spat out or lead to coughing. Many people believe that the formation of mucus in the throat is a consequence viral disease, but this statement is not always true.

Mucous secretion in the pharynx is formed for many different reasons, which means it often requires a specialized approach to treatment. If there is so much mucus in the throat that postnasal drip syndrome develops, then it is recommended not just to visit an ENT specialist once, but to be observed by him on a regular basis to find out the cause of the syndrome and eliminate it.

Functions of slime

Normally, mucus is produced in many structures human body, performing a wide variety of functions. Throat lined epithelial tissue, is also capable of producing a viscous secretion, which is considered mucus, in response to contact with irritants of various natures.

Normally, the throat epithelium also produces this secretion, but in small quantities to moisturize the walls of the throat. If the nasopharynx area comes into contact with any pathogenic factor, mucus production increases. In this case, the secretion begins to perform a protective function, washing the wall of the pharynx and eliminating microorganisms or other factors that provoke the inflammatory process.

The mucus secreted in the nasopharynx plays not only a protective function. One of the tasks of this secret is to regulate the temperature of surrounding tissues and their humidity. Without the production of a small amount of viscous secretion, a person would normally develop a constantly dry nasopharynx, causing significant discomfort.

During normal functioning of the nasopharynx, mucus is secreted in small quantities, simply moisturizing the epithelium and slightly reducing its temperature. If the development of postnasal drip syndrome is noted, it means that there is a struggle of some kind in the nasopharynx pathogenic factor and the body itself, and mucus takes on protective functions in this fight.

When faced with an accumulation of mucus in the throat for the first time, a person will first of all think that his body is in a state of struggle with a viral or bacterial pathology. In principle, such a decision will be correct, since it is infectious diseases that most often lead to a similar response from the epithelial tissues of the nasopharynx.

The mucus produced by the epithelium after contact with an infectious agent contains a large number of specialized immune cells that help fight the disease, preventing it from progressing. Moreover, the number of protective cells directly depends on the amount of mucus in which they are contained, which leads to excessive secretory activity.

Mucus can be formed in excess quantities during the development of the following infectious diseases:

bronchitis with obstructive syndrome;
pharyngitis;
sinusitis;
rhinitis;
pneumonia;
sore throats, etc.

Mucus in diseases affecting the upper respiratory tract is most often localized in the nasal passages, sinuses and on the walls of the pharynx itself. Due to the connection of the nasal cavity with the pharynx, secretion accumulates and it begins to fall down into the throat.

If infectious process affects more deep structures, such as the bronchi, the process goes in the opposite direction. A person coughs, thus raising phlegm into the nasopharynx, or it itself accumulates in such quantities that it begins to fall into the throat.

The development of an infectious process leading to the formation of mucus is often indicated not only by a complaint of a lump in the throat that cannot be swallowed. An additional complaint or symptom that a specialist can pay attention to is the appearance of a specific unpleasant odor that has a putrid tint. The presence of such an odor indicates the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms.

Non-infectious causes of phlegm in the throat

Contrary to popular belief, not only an infectious process in the pharynx can lead to active mucus formation. Often such a reaction is a consequence of contact of the epithelium with irritating factors, which may also be non-infectious in nature.

TO similar reasons can be attributed:

allergic reactions;
inhalation of cigarette smoke;
illnesses gastrointestinal tract;
getting a foreign object stuck in the throat or respiratory tract (more often occurs in children);
excessive dryness of the pharyngeal epithelium, etc.

Some people may begin to produce excess mucus in response to exposure to certain foods. A similar reaction is possible, for example, when drinking milk, excessively hot or spicy food. In this case, the person is advised to start following a diet.

Smoking, as well as contact with allergens, are somewhat similar in the mechanism of development of the mucosal response to contact with infectious agents. In all cases, the epithelium of the throat becomes irritated and begins to produce mucus for its own protection. In case of allergic reaction mucus may contain special substances aimed at extinguishing the immune response.

With excess mucus secretion in response to the habit of smoking, many patients can get rid of the negative effects on the body by simply giving up the bad habit. The epithelium is renewed quite quickly and, as a result, ceases to aggressively respond to external contacts with mucus production.

Types of mucus that appears in the throat

The mucous secretion in the pharynx can vary in consistency, quantity and color. An experienced doctor, having assessed the smear obtained or the results of a sputum analysis, will be able to tell what the approximate cause of the development of the pathology is and what treatment methods may be suitable.

The consistency of the secreted secretion often depends on the disease that the patient suffers from. More viscous mucus in the nasopharynx stagnates if a person is diagnosed with bronchial asthma or cystic fibrosis. Liquid secretion is released in large quantities, for example, at the peak of an allergic reaction.

The amount of mucus that lingers in the throat can also vary significantly. If there is a large amount of discharge, the doctor may suspect, for example, the presence of an abscess that has opened in the lung or its edema, in which fluid leaking from the vessels accumulates in the lung. A scanty mucous secretion indicates inflammation of the upper respiratory tract mainly.

The color of the mucus obtained for analysis also plays a huge diagnostic role. For example, a greenish or yellow-green secretion indicates the development of pyogenic microorganisms in the throat. Clear sputum indicates inflammation which is not complicated by infection. The accumulation of white mucus may indicate the presence of fungal disease, and about problems with the gastrointestinal tract, requiring a more thorough diagnosis.

We have written how to treat different types of phlegm in the throat depending on its color and consistency:

Treatment of a syndrome such as postnasal drip should be based on eliminating the cause that led to the formation of excess mucus.

At infectious disease treatment begins by finding out why the epithelium of the pharynx began to secrete so actively. If during the examination and after evaluating the test results a viral agent is detected, then antiviral therapy. If the problem lies in contact with a pyogenic bacterium, then therapy should be based on antibacterial drugs.

If the mucous secretion is located in the lungs and enters the throat from them, then the patient may be prescribed expectorant and mucolytic drugs. Medicines that have a similar effect on the body dilute mucus and promote its elimination. When the process is located in the nasal passages, you can use a variety of drops and sprays to facilitate the secretion of mucus.

It is important not to just start taking medications spontaneously, but to consult a doctor. This is especially necessary if there is reason to suspect bacterial infection. In this case, antibiotics are selected, which are recommended to be used according to the regimen chosen depending on the disease, so as not to aggravate the disease.

If the problem lies in an allergic reaction, then treatment of the patient begins with determining allergic sensitivity. Depending on the type of allergen that will be determined during the analysis, therapy is selected. Sometimes it is enough to use sprays that have an antihistamine effect, and sometimes you have to use tablets:

Zodak,
Claritin.

A disease caused by a fungal agent requires antifungal therapy . Such agents as Nystatin, Fungizone, etc. can be used.

In some cases, a person will have to change his daily habits, giving up his usual lifestyle. The development of unpleasant symptoms in the throat due to smoking indicates the need to get rid of this bad habit. If the problem is in the diet, then it also needs to be reviewed and changed as necessary.

Answer to a question about treatment from a practicing ENT specialist

Treatment with folk remedies

Traditional medicine, which offers a wide range of techniques, can help combat the accumulation of mucus in the throat. The only thing the patient needs to remember is a preliminary consultation with a doctor. Folk recipes rarely help to cope with the cause of the disease, acting only on the symptoms. Because of this, all techniques should be used only as auxiliary ones.

Gargling and rinsing the nasopharynx come first. To prepare solutions, you can use soda, salt, iodine, antibacterial herbs (chamomile, mint, St. John's wort, sage, etc.).

We looked at the proportions for preparing a solution of soda, salt and iodine.

In addition to rinsing, a good effect can be achieved using inhalations. Inhalations over potato steam are usually recommended, but they can be replaced by procedures using essential oils. Oils such as fir, eucalyptus, mint, etc. are suitable. When carrying out inhalations, it is important to monitor the temperature of the steam to avoid burns to the mucous membrane. Each procedure takes on average 10-15 minutes.

The surface of the neck can be rubbed with warming agents, wrapping part of the body in a warm scarf after the procedure. This effect will facilitate the passage of mucus. When performing rubbing, you should consult a doctor. For some pathogenic microorganisms, an increase in temperature is a plus, not a minus, which is why they begin to multiply more actively.

Sore throat and mucus in children

Treatment of children suffering from stagnation of mucous secretions in the throat is somewhat more complicated, since there are restrictions in the choice of medications. Only a doctor should select medications, depending on the cause of the pathology. He also prescribes the dosage, focusing on the characteristics of the child’s body, in order to avoid overdoses and side effects. Basically, the same medications are used in treatment as for adults.

Treatment of young children with folk remedies should be carried out with extreme caution. The mucous membranes of children are sensitive to temperature influences, and therefore it is much easier to encounter a burn when treating inhalation. Children are also more likely to develop allergic reactions.

The prolonged presence of mucous secretion in a child’s throat can lead to the spread of infectious agents throughout the body. If there was no infection initially, then sooner or later, having a good nutrient medium, it will join, which will only worsen the situation.

Excessive mucus production, leading to stagnation in the throat and unpleasant sensations, is not a normal state of the body. If this symptom develops, it is necessary to consult an otolaryngologist who will help find the cause and influence it. Self-medication, especially when it comes to children, is unacceptable.

We wrote about the treatment of phlegm in the throat in children in the following articles:

Doctor Komarovsky on the treatment of sore throat and mucus in children

Formed by various reasons. But one way or another, despite the absence painful sensations, I want and need to get rid of it as soon as possible. Let's look at ways to get rid of a lump of mucus in the throat and the reasons that lead to its occurrence.

How is it formed?

The appearance of sputum indicates that inflammation is developing in the body. Mucus occurs as a result of exposure to toxic substances, allergies and food additives. It is formed in the respiratory, digestive and lymphatic systems.

Often fatigue bad feeling and the work of digestion are the result of the fact that mucus has arisen and How to get rid of it? The answer to this question depends on the reasons for its appearance.

Symptoms

Mucus or snot is accompanied by certain symptoms. Among them the following stand out.

Runny nose.
There is a feeling of a lump in the throat.
Discomfort when swallowing.
The urge and the cough itself.
Chills and aches.
Sometimes headaches.

There is no need to worry if you experience a mild feeling of mucus in your throat. How to get rid of it in this case? They will help simple ways(rinses, taking herbal decoctions, inhalations, etc.). After all, sputum is a filter that protects against further entry of microbes into the body. So the immune system reacts to an increased intake of viruses and microbes inside.

Causes

When looking for ways to get rid of mucus in the throat, you should first figure out exactly what caused it. Snot talk about some recently past illnesses who have already retreated. However, foci of infection still remain in the body. The nasopharynx has cilia that direct mucus to the mouth. Overnight it accumulates and turns into a lump. You can get rid of it by coughing.

So, snot appears in diseases such as:

sinusitis;
sinusitis;
rhinitis;
pharyngitis;
adenoiditis;
tonsillitis.

If coughing fails to get rid of it, mucus accumulates in the bronchi and lungs. This leads to bronchitis and pneumonia. How to get rid of constant mucus in the throat? This issue is of concern to patients with bronchial asthma and lung diseases.

The following factors are common causes of sputum.

Colds - to eliminate viruses, sputum secretion increases. This is how defense is built respiratory system. Then particles of infections enter the snot.
Allergy - a protein substance is released when an allergen hits.
Hot food - it promotes increased mucus production.
In addition, phlegm appears when crying, stress, overheating or, conversely, hypothermia.

Of course, you need to think about how to get rid of it if there is a lot of mucus in your throat. In this case, it is necessary to understand and treat chronic illness, as a result of which it was formed.

Snot is also felt when the contents of the stomach enter the esophagus. Pregnant women feel this at the end of their term.

It is easy to understand how to get rid of mucus in the throat for those who like too hot or, conversely, cold food, as well as when working in harmful conditions or the presence of bad habits(for example, smoking). By removing these factors, you will see that the phlegm will disappear on its own.

The color of the mucus can help to correctly diagnose the disease.

Green and white sputum

When green snot is released, causing a lump to form in the throat, it is said to be a lung abscess. This disease is characterized purulent process, along with which you feel chest pain, chills, and coughing up blood. If the disease is not neglected, then recovery will be easy. Otherwise, the disease progresses to chronic form, and in rare cases even leads to death.

If a white substance is released when coughing, it indicates a fungal infection or tuberculosis. Fungus in the bronchi or throat mucosa also occurs as a result of long-term treatment with antibiotics and other drugs that weaken the immune system. Excreted in scant quantities when coughing, it indicates tuberculosis. And with a mass with bloody streaks, it signals bleeding in the lungs.

Liquid expectoration shows viral infection or an allergic reaction. The latter appears as a result of a reaction to dust, pollen, vapors and household chemicals.

Drug treatment

Those who are looking for ways to quickly get rid of mucus in the throat should immediately contact an otolaryngologist. After examining the tests taken, the correct treatment is prescribed. At the same time, sometimes it is enough to reconsider your lifestyle and give up bad habits.

Let's consider first pharmaceutical drugs, removing mucus. For this problem, expectorant medications are taken. Among them there is plant based("Solutan", "Pectusin" and others) or synthetic ("Lazolvan", "Ambroxol" and others).

Cough medications should not be taken at this time, as they will only complicate recovery. After all, such drugs block the removal of sputum and provoke complications, resulting in a chronic disease.

But expectorants and mucolytic drugs thin the mucus and clear the breath. At the same time, they take medications that strengthen the immune system. Then recovery comes even faster. This is what doctors say about the rules for taking medications.

But there are much simpler ways to get rid of mucus in the throat. Then you don't need to buy a large number of expensive medicines. ethnoscience For more than a century, it has been successfully treating both this and other diseases.

Folk remedies

Let's look at a few of the many recipes that have been and continue to be used to treat people.

Aloe will help reduce phlegm. The fresh leaf is crushed and mixed with a small spoon of honey. One part of the mixture is eaten in the morning, and the second in the evening. The very next day you will feel relief.

Calendula will help get rid of the lump. Fresh petals are washed and dried. Then they are mixed with honey and eaten like that.

Sputum is successfully removed with propolis. To do this, grind it to a powder and add it to a glass of cool water. After waiting a little until the wax floats and the propolis is at the bottom, the latter is separated, filtered and filled with alcohol. Then cover tightly with a lid and leave for a week. In this case, the product is shaken daily. After a week, filter the tincture, mix one part with two parts of peach oil and lubricate the nose and mouth once. Treatment lasts two weeks.

Another effective recipe cooked with herbs. Take one large spoon each of eucalyptus, sage and chamomile, pour 500 milliliters hot water. The mixture is brought to a boil and cooked for a quarter of an hour over low heat. Cool until warm state, add a large spoonful of honey, a pinch of citric acid and mix thoroughly. Gargle with the medicine several times a day.

Here are a few more effective recipes in case the mucus in the throat is not swallowed. How to get rid of it?

Add a little sugar to fresh cabbage juice and drink three times a day.
Pumpkin juice is taken in small sips, preheated.
They drink drinks with the addition of raspberries, sea buckthorn, cranberries, lingonberries, black and red currants.

How to treat?

What is the best thing to do when mucus appears in the throat? How to get rid of it using folk remedies? Not hot, but warm drinks will help in this case. So, lemon tea has an excellent effect. It can be purchased ready-made or made independently. In the latter case, two teaspoons of juice are squeezed out of the lemon and poured into weak tea. It’s good to add high-quality honey to the drink.

To others universal remedy in the fight against phlegm is chicken broth.

In addition, ordinary water becomes a truly effective remedy. The latter should be drunk in large quantities.

Spicy foods will help get rid of mucus quickly. It sharply punches the nose and clears the snot. Of course, for stomach diseases, although such a remedy will get rid of mucus, it will ultimately do a disservice to the body. But the cracker will not harm the body in case of gastrointestinal diseases. Meanwhile this effective remedy, which will scrape phlegm from the throat and send it safely to the stomach.

Rinsing will help alleviate the patient's condition.

Washing and inhalation

When the mucous membrane is dry, thick mucus appears in the throat. How to get rid of it? Use moisturizers. Washing solutions are effective in this regard. Among the popular medicines the following apply:

water with soda and salt (but add half a teaspoon of salt to 100 milliliters of hot water, rinse the throat when the solution has cooled to 50 degrees);
water with the addition of potassium permanganate;
furatsilin;
decoctions and infusions of herbs (pour a tablespoon of herbs into a glass of boiling water, leave for half an hour and take a little warm).

A lot of mucus accumulates in the morning after sleep. Then the rinsing will become the most effective. After the procedure, the throat is lubricated and the neck is gently rubbed. In addition to the solution, they use for these purposes vegetable oil with added salt.

What else to do when thick mucus appears in the throat: how to get rid of it? In this case, inhalations are performed. To do this, use improvised means (a saucepan or a kettle) or a special inhaler, which is purchased at a pharmacy.

One of the most common products is potatoes. In its purified form, it is boiled, then kneaded and a little soda is added. The pan is placed on the table, and the patient bends over it, covers his head with a towel and breathes for ten to fifteen minutes. It is also useful to breathe over a decoction of chamomile or calendula.

What should you absolutely refuse?

How to get rid of mucus in the throat quickly and effectively? Treatment will bring maximum benefit if the patient refuses:

smoking - often this habit is what causes mucus;
consuming milk and products made from it - they contribute to the thickening of sputum;
being in places where there are a lot of chemicals.

In addition, it is important to purify the indoor air. To do this, it is ventilated, the air is humidified using special devices, or wet cleaning is done, but without the use of synthetic-based preparations.

What to do during treatment?

Treatment will become more effective if, in addition to taking medications and giving up bad habits, you follow a number of recommendations.

Place more pillows under your head. Then the patient coughs less and produces less mucus.
A hot shower will help soften the snot. It is much easier to cough after it.
Spit out the mucus. On the street it is convenient to use a scarf for this.
Humming tunes with your mouth closed will help soften mucus.

Prevention

To avoid mucus in the future, take the following steps.

Complete cessation of smoking, alcohol and caffeine.
Strengthening the immune system by taking vitamins. The diet should include foods that contain large amounts of vitamins C and E, and fatty and spicy foods should be absent or contained in small doses.
Stop eating before bed.
Avoiding inhalation of harmful vapors and smoke.
Breathing exercises for fresh air reduces the accumulation of sputum on mucous membranes.

Conclusion

Do not forget that you are risking not only your health, but also the health of those with whom you communicate. Therefore, timely treatment and preventive measures prevent complications of diseases. They will help you quickly regain your health, feel a surge of strength, and also have a great mood.

The problem of mucus in the throat is most often encountered by therapists and ENT doctors, who are approached by patients who do not understand where this mucus comes from and what to do with it. Mucus in the throat may appear due to the most various diseases, from pharyngitis to diseases digestive system or the patient’s dietary habits. You can help cope with unpleasant sensations only by determining exactly what caused them to appear and getting rid of this cause of the formation of excess secretion.

What is mucus and why does it appear?

Secret is a viscous, viscous, colorless mass secreted by the secretory cells of the human body. Normally, these cells secrete a certain amount of mucus every day, which helps protect the mucous membrane from drying out, facilitates the movement of food through the esophagus, purifies the inhaled air and performs other equally important functions.

Slime- this is also an accumulation of cells, most often representing the end products of phagocyte metabolism or dead bacteria, viruses and immune cells. Normally, mucus should be freely removed from the body, removing all harmful substances and microorganisms. If mucus accumulates for some reason, it begins to irritate the mucous membranes, and the substrate itself is a breeding ground for the development of microbes.

Causes of mucus in the throat

Acute respiratory diseases – most often mucus accumulates in the throat due to acute inflammatory processes of the upper respiratory processes. Pharyngitis, tonsillitis, laryngitis, rhinitis, sinusitis and sinusitis are almost always accompanied by copious discharge mucus from secretory cells. Mucus helps clear the upper respiratory tract of bacteria and dead white blood cells, thereby speeding up recovery. Mucus enters the throat from the sinuses, flowing down back wall pharynx or rises from the lungs. If mucus continues to be produced intensively throughout acute period disappearing as you recover, this process is considered physiological and does not require additional treatment.
Chronic diseases of the upper respiratory tract – chronic pharyngitis, sinusitis or rhinitis can also cause a constant accumulation of mucus in the throat. Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the larynx or sinuses causes increased secretory activity of cells and excess mucus can accumulate in the throat or flow down the back of the throat, causing discomfort and the desire to swallow or spit out liquid. Mucus itself is not dangerous, but its appearance indicates the presence of an inflammatory process in the body, and the accumulation of mucus, as mentioned above, can cause irritation or become a breeding ground for pathogenic bacteria.
Chronic diseases of the lower respiratory tract– if mucus accumulates in the throat in large quantities or contains foreign impurities, it is necessary to exclude inflammatory diseases bronchi and lungs. Sometimes pneumonia, lung abscess or tuberculosis can be asymptomatic and the first thing the patient notices is copious sputum production. With such diseases, the general condition of a person worsens, weakness, headaches, chest pain, shortness of breath, deterioration in performance, cough and accumulation of mucus appear. By the nature of the discharged sputum, a preliminary diagnosis can be made: foamy sputum indicates pulmonary edema; in pneumonia, sputum can be purulent or “rusty”; very copious, purulent or green sputum is characteristic of a lung abscess; transparent sputum streaked with blood is for tuberculosis or a tumor. lungs.
Allergic diseases- at allergic rhinitis, bronchitis or bronchial asthma the secret is produced in increased quantities and may accumulate in the throat in the form of mucus. For allergic diseases characterized by a paroxysmal nature or a constantly recurrent course, for example, with seasonal hay fever - mucus in the throat appears after contact with the plant and disappears after returning home. If transparent glassy mucus is produced in large quantities and is accompanied by frequent painful cough and shortness of breath, then you need to make sure that there is no bronchial asthma.
Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract– reflux esophagitis, stomach ulcer, esophageal diverticulum and some other diseases accompanied by the release of acidic stomach contents into the esophagus may be accompanied by the sensation of a lump or accumulation of mucus in the throat. This occurs due to irritation of the mucous membrane of hydrochloric acid when gastric contents reflux into the esophagus and pharynx. In addition to the accumulation of mucus, the patient is bothered by stomach pain, heartburn and other symptoms of indigestion.
Poor nutrition- except for diseases internal organs, the accumulation of mucus can be caused by other reasons. For example, poor nutrition, the habit of eating foods that are too cold or hot, salty, spicy or spicy can also cause increased mucus production due to constant irritation of the mucous membrane of the oropharynx, esophagus and stomach.
Bad habits– 100% of smokers experience increased secretion of bronchial secretions and saliva. Due to irritation salivary glands smoke and the substances it contains produce more saliva, and the accumulation of tar in the lungs causes increased secretion of the glands in order to cleanse the lungs with the help of mucus. It is because of this that smokers are forced to constantly either swallow or spit out saliva.
Pollution environment – constant inhalation of air contaminated with exhaust fumes, particles of dust and sand or other substances also causes irritation of the mucous membrane and increased formation of mucus.

What to do

It is very unpleasant to feel mucus accumulating in the throat or flowing down the back wall, but before starting treatment, you need to accurately determine the cause of the increase in secretion. After all, a medicine that helps with one disease can greatly worsen the condition of a patient with another diagnosis. Thus, taking antitussive drugs can greatly worsen the condition of a patient with tuberculosis or a malignant tumor, and the use of certain medications for bronchial asthma can provoke an attack of suffocation.

To make a diagnosis, it is important not only to visit your doctor, but also to undergo the appropriate tests. After determining the causes of the disease, the attending physician will prescribe appropriate treatment, this may be antibacterial therapy, reception antihistamines or local treatment. Only a doctor can prescribe such treatment, but you can also use several ways to reduce the discomfort from the accumulation of mucus in the throat or use universal folk remedies.

If there is an accumulation of mucus in the throat, you should:

Change your diet- Oddly enough, such a simple and uncomplicated method often helps get rid of mucus accumulation. To do this, it is necessary to exclude too cold and hot dishes from the diet, reduce the consumption of salt, pepper and other seasonings, as well as foods that cause increased formation of gastric juice: smoked meats, pickles, marinades, sauces and so on. In addition, you need to reduce the amount of tea, coffee and carbonated drinks you consume. The most healthy diet when mucus accumulates in the throat - this is fractional, in small portions and with sufficient fluid intake into the body - at least 2 liters clean water per day.
Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol– it is almost impossible to reduce the accumulation of mucus in the throat if you smoke. Only complete cessation of cigarettes will help reduce the amount of mucus secreted, and this will happen several weeks after quitting smoking. Many smokers who quit and started smoking again argue their decision by saying that after quitting cigarettes, mucus began to be released even more. In fact, this is absolutely normal, this way the lungs are cleared of what has accumulated in the alveoli harmful substances and bacteria. Alcoholic drinks also do not add health to a person, they irritate the mucous membrane digestive tract, which also causes copious mucus secretion.
Clear the air– You can deal with excess mucus using air purifiers and humidifiers. In almost all apartments, with the onset of the heating season, air humidity greatly decreases, which is why the mucous membranes dry out and can begin to produce excess mucus. A good air humidifier, regular ventilation, a large amount of green space, or simply placing water containers in the room - from indoor aquariums to vases with flowers - will help you cope with this. It is equally important to monitor the cleanliness of the air in your home and at work - accumulated dust, fragrances and cleaning with large amounts of detergents can cause not only allergic reactions, but also constant mucus secretion.
Carry out preventive rinses– if the accumulation of mucus irritates the throat or larynx, it is necessary to rinse as often as possible. For this you can use any antiseptic solutions: soda-salt, iodine, weak solution of 1% hydrogen peroxide, special mixtures for gargling, decoctions of chamomile, sage or others medicinal herbs. For rhinitis, sinusitis and sinusitis, you can also rinse the nasal cavity, but such procedures must be carried out very carefully, otherwise liquid may enter the internal ear canal and cause inflammation of the middle ear.

Use folk remedies for mucus in the throat - there are many safe and effective ones folk remedies, which will also help cope with the accumulation of mucus in the throat:

aloe and honey mixture– this remedy has not only anti-inflammatory, but also antiseptic and immunostimulating effects. To prepare the medicine, just carefully grind a large aloe leaf and mix it with a tablespoon of honey. Only large, fleshy leaves of the plant, at least 3 years old, are suitable for treatment; it is recommended to cut them a day before preparing the medicine and put them in the freezer. Take aloe with honey 1 tsp 2 times a day before meals. After 1-2 days, the patient’s condition should improve, but to consolidate the effect, the course of treatment is 7-14 days;
propolis tincture– has pronounced antiseptic and antibacterial properties, reduces inflammation and accelerates tissue regeneration. To prepare the solution, grind 30 grams of propolis, add 200 ml cold water, wait until the wax and other impurities float to the top, pour out the water and fill the sediment with 100 ml of alcohol. The infusion should infuse for 7 days in a dark place, after which it is taken 10-30 drops 2-3 times a day until complete recovery;
calendula infusion– accelerates the secretion of mucus, reduces inflammation and prevents the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria. To prepare the infusion, you need to pour 1 tablespoon of dry leaves into 1 tablespoon of water, leave to infuse for 15-20 minutes and gargle with the resulting solution 3-6 times a day. Fresh calendula leaves with honey are also very useful; they need to be thoroughly crushed, mixed with honey and consumed 0.5-1 tsp before meals;
sea salt- You can reduce the formation of mucus in the throat by gargling with sea salt. This not only “dries out” the throat, but also destroys pathogenic microorganisms and contributes to more fast healing. To prepare the solution 1 tbsp sea salt stir in 1 cup of water, gargle after and before each meal or 4-6 times a day.

All of the above remedies can only be used as auxiliary methods of treatment and before applying for medical care, even if they helped you and the accumulation of mucus in your throat has disappeared, you should not postpone your visit to the doctor. An accumulation of mucus in the throat is always a sign of trouble in the body, and the sooner you find out the reason for this, the greater your chances of quick and effective treatment.

Slime- This is a kind of protection against pathogenic microflora, bacteria and viruses. When they enter the body through the nose or throat, the glands located in the nasopharynx produce a viscous secretion that prevents the viruses from penetrating further. But in some cases, more mucus is produced than normal, which interferes with normal breathing and swallowing. Let’s try to figure out why this happens and how to deal with it.

The main thing in the article

Why mucus accumulates in the throat: main reasons

With increased activity of the glands responsible for the production of mucus, the secretion accumulates and brings discomfort to the person. It interferes, drains, irritates the larynx, and also causes constant coughing. The main reasons influencing the increase in the amount of sputum include:

allergens , entering the body during inhalation, are perceived as foreign infectious cells, the mucous membranes are activated, releasing a lot of secretion;
fungus, bacteria or viruses can cause laryngitis, bronchitis, sore throat and other pathologies of the nasopharynx. As you know, such diseases are accompanied by a large amount of mucus (sputum, snot);
disruption of the digestive system (reflux, gastritis) can cause more secretion to be produced, as stomach acid can back up into the esophagus and then into the respiratory tract.

It is also noted that the glands that secrete mucus actively work after eating spicy food, smoking, or being in a gassy or smoky room.

Symptoms of the constant presence of mucus in the throat (larynx)

When mucus accumulates in the larynx, coughing and swallowing helps to eliminate its stagnation.

With increased sputum production, a person experiences the following symptoms:

sore throat;
a lump that does not disappear when swallowed;
pain symptoms when eating solid food, swallowing;
stuffy nose;
sneezing;
swollen lymph nodes;
aches throughout the body;
unpleasant sourish odor from the mouth.

Mucus flows down the walls of the throat: what to do?

Mucus running down the walls of the throat indicates the presence of an infection. Treatment of such a symptom requires not only local elimination of secretions, but also therapy to restore the body's protective functions. The appearance of mucus is associated with an allergic reaction, so antiallergic drugs are used.

If the culprit is a chronic infection, then after diagnosis a course of antibacterial and immunomodulating therapy is prescribed.

Mucus at the back of the throat: interferes with and cannot be coughed up

Probably everyone is familiar with the sensation when mucus flows into the bronchi along the walls of the larynx, causing a lot of inconvenience. The most common causes of dripping mucus are the following diseases:

viral rhinitis;
tonsillitis;
bacterial rhinitis;
sinusitis;
pharyngitis.

Basically, mucus on the back wall is diagnosed posterior rhinitis, in which the main zone of mucus accumulation is localized deep in the nasopharynx cavity ( top part). With such inflammation, after sleep, mucous secretion flows into the throat and irritates the receptors, leading to a severe cough.

Thick mucus in the throat lump

If the secreted mucus accumulates in the throat, a feeling of a lump appears. This manifestation is due to:

drying of the mucous surface in the throat;
breathing problems (oxygen enters through the mouth);
insufficient fluid intake (sputum cannot be separated normally).

To normalize the condition, the following treatment is used:

washing;
rinsing;
inhalation;
normalization external conditions(temperature and humidity);
drinking plenty of warm drinks.

If the cause is a deviated septum or polyps, then the symptom of a lump in the throat from thick secretion can be eliminated through surgery.

What to do if there is mucus in your throat and it’s constantly sore?

When mucus drains, irritation of the mucous membrane receptors occurs, which causes soreness, the desire to cough, and coughing. In such cases, the best therapy would be rinsing the sinuses, vasoconstrictors . Also applicable rinsing with antiseptics or herbal decoctions .

Another cause of constant itching can be pathologies of the bronchopulmonary system, in which sputum rises to respiratory tract, accumulating in the throat near the back wall of the nasopharynx. This symptom is typical for:

bronchitis;
bronchial asthma;
pneumonia.

For exacerbations, more complex methods of therapy are used, carried out in a hospital setting.

Clear mucus in the throat

Transparent selections characteristic of pharyngitis. Pharyngitis is called inflammation of the lymphoid tissues and mucous membrane of the pharynx. The disease can be triggered by:

inhalation of cold air;
irritating factors in the form of dust, chemical particles.

If pharyngitis is diagnosed as infectious, then the “culprits” may be microorganisms such as:

streptococci;
staphylococci;
pneumococci;
influenza viruses;
adenoviruses;
candidiasis lesions.

Quite often, pharyngitis develops against the background of other diseases, which include:

sinusitis;
rhinitis;
caries.

Green sticky mucus in the throat

Green stringy slime indicates bacterial diseases that have appeared in the nasopharynx.

The green color appears due to the presence of bacteria in the secretion, which color the mucus with the products of their vital activity. Green mucus may appear with the following pathologies:

angina;
tonsillitis;
laryngitis;
bronchitis;
abscess.

Copious white mucus on the wall of the throat

The color of sputum can indicate the presence of the disease. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to the expectorated mucus, as it will “tell” what provokes its accumulation.

White mucus indicates fungal tonsillitis. With it, you can visually see a large number of small white spots on the palate and tonsils. Also, fungal tonsillitis is characterized by the presence of such spots on the inner surface of the pharynx, on the tonsils and the back wall. The causative agent of the disease is candidiasis, which turns the plaque whitish. If the “culprit” is fungi of the mold family, then a greenish color will be present.

Brown mucus in the throat with an unpleasant odor: what does it mean?

Brown slime should alert you, as it may indicate oxidized blood particles that can get into the sputum as follows:

At congenital pathology entitled bulls, when the lung cavities are filled with air. When the bulla ruptures, brown mucus may be present in the bronchi, which is coughed up.
At bulla rupture, if air enters the voids of the pleura, it joins the discharge brown sputum dyspnea.
Tuberculosis may cause you to cough up brown mucus. It is accompanied by weakness, hyperhidrosis, lack of appetite, and prolonged bouts of dry cough.
Lung gangrene may cause expectoration of brown mucus. With this disease there is a deterioration general condition, nausea with vomiting, increased body temperature, clouding of consciousness (in advanced cases, fainting). A putrid odor clearly indicates lung gangrene.
Lungs' cancer, which long time is asymptomatic. Afterwards, causeless coughing attacks appear, the patient loses weight, and increased sweating, shortness of breath.

Diagnosis of mucus in the throat: when should you see a doctor?

Of course, at the first manifestations of increased accumulation of mucus in the throat, “running” to a specialist is not always advisable. To assess secretion, expectorate sputum into a transparent glass container. Afterwards, examine the spit out mucus. She can talk about the following:

colorless sputum , thin consistency - talks about a chronic process;
glassy sputum – distinguishing feature for bronchial asthma;
foamy mucus that is white or pinkish in color – pulmonary edema or presence of heart disease;
purulent mucus – tracheitis, tonsillitis, bacterial bronchitis.

If there is no mucus bad smell, then we should talk about complications of bronchiectasis or lung abscess. If there is a fetid, putrid odor, lung gangrene is diagnosed.

If sputum appears in increased quantities, especially if this process is accompanied by other symptoms listed below, you should not delay going to the doctor. Associated symptoms:

general weakness (ache);
there are bloody streaks in the expectorated mucus;
chest pain;
temperature above 37.5°C;
severe migraines.

How to get rid of mucus in the throat at home?

The main actions that can “clear” the nasopharynx at home include:

Basic coughing with expectoration: it is effective if mucus accumulates in the larynx and causes discomfort to the person.
Drink plenty of fluids: promotes the separation and removal of mucus; tea with lemon and honey is especially useful.
Inhalations: they can be either “the old grandma’s way” over hot potatoes, or more modern ones using a nebulizer.
Rinsing: For the solution, you can dilute 1 teaspoon of salt in a glass of well-warm water.

How to treat mucus in the throat of an adult?

For an adult, in addition to the main one drug treatment, which is aimed at eliminating the underlying disease, the doctor can prescribe the following therapy, which will relieve mucus in the nasopharynx:

Washing using the following drugs:

chamomile infusion;
furatsilina;
sage decoction;
baking soda;
potassium permanganate.

Would be useful physiotherapeutic procedures in the form of ultraviolet or thermal heating. Such procedures help enhance the effect of the therapy.

Medicines and medical treatments for mucus in the throat

An otolaryngologist mainly treats pathologies accompanied by mucus in the nasopharynx and purulent inflammation. He can write down the following conservative treatment using the following means:

antibiotics of the lactam class;
drugs that thin and help remove mucus, these include: "Lazolvan", ACC, "Bromhexine";
antihistamines: "Suprastin", "Loratadine";
antiseptic solutions such as "Miramistin", "Furacilin";
washing as a procedure "cuckoo" special solutions;
immunomodulators.

In addition to taking medications, the following procedures are prescribed:

Therapeutic inhalations. This method of treatment is considered gentle, since the drugs act locally, irrigating the mucous membrane without affecting other organs. Bacteria actively die during inhalation, and the accumulation of mucus decreases.

Washing. The procedure is not pleasant, but very effective. For washing you can use:

device with an extended spout;
syringe;
large volume syringe;
pharmacy bottles with sprayer.

Warming up. They can only be carried out in cases where there is no purulent inflammation. This procedure helps soften the mucus and then remove it.

Rinsing helps minimize the risk of developing mucus in the throat. There are special pharmaceutical products for rinsing or can be used folk method with salt and iodine.

How to get rid of mucus in the throat using traditional methods?

Mucus in a child's throat: treatment methods

Since children's respiratory organs are still in the developing stages, the presence of mucus is a fairly common occurrence. It is necessary to treat a child with such a problem using gentle methods. These include rinsing with light saline solution. Since a small organism cannot consume enough wide range medications, then the best treatment may be inhalation. This treatment is completely safe for the child’s body and provides it with a disinfectant and antiseptic effect.

If there is a need or complications arise, then without antimicrobials it won't work out.

Mucus in the larynx during pregnancy

Pregnant women may suffer from mucus in the throat not only due to diseases of the nasopharynx. Often the cause of mucus accumulation is a defect in the gastric sphincters, which causes heartburn in pregnant women.

If there is a suspicion of illness, then it is best to visit a specialist. The fact is that the presence of mucus in the throat provokes coughing, which contributes to the appearance of uterine tone, and this can lead to miscarriage at certain times. As for the use of drugs in treatment, they should be prescribed based on the duration, with a minimum possible risk for the fetus.

Mucolytic agents and other drugs that affect the central nervous system are contraindicated in pregnant women. nervous system. Usually pregnant women are prescribed warm drink and inhalation.

Mucus in the throat due to allergies

May lead to increased mucus secretion. Along with the accumulation of secretion, the patient experiences eye irritation, lacrimation or other rashes, and swelling of the mucous membranes. In order to get rid of allergy symptoms, it is necessary to minimize contact with the irritating factor as much as possible.