Mucus is a natural lubricant and protective barrier in your nose, throat, and lungs. But when its production is abnormally high, it can cause mucus buildup in your throat....CONTINUE READING THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
Too much mucus in your throat can be uncomfortable and detract from your quality of life. It can also be a symptom of an underlying medical condition. It’s important to speak to your doctor if throat mucus becomes frequent or severe.
What Causes Too Much Mucus In Your Throat?
According to healthline, There are several potential causes of too much mucus in your throat. The most common are being exposed to allergens and irritants, having an infection, and experiencing changes in weather or temperature.
Allergens and Irritants
Allergens and irritants can trigger an immune response that triggers excessive mucus production. Common allergens that affect your throat and sinuses include dust mites, pet dander, mold spores, and pollen. Exposure to these and other allergens stimulates your immune system to respond and produces mucus.
Your body is trying to trap the allergenic particles and keep them from entering your lungs. Irritants can also trigger a response from your immune system. Common irritants include smoke, air pollution, strong smells, and cleaning agents.
Infections
Viral, bacterial, and fungal infections can cause mucus that builds up in your throat. Viral infections such as the common cold, influenza, and mononucleosis can cause your body to produce more mucus than usual.
This is a response to the infection and the body is trying to flush out the virus. Bacterial and fungal infections, such as strep throat, sinusitis, and bronchitis, can also cause your body to produce more mucus.
Changes In Weather Or Temperature
Changes in weather or temperature can also cause mucus buildup in your throat. This is because your body produces more mucus to protect its airways from dry, cold air. When exposed to cold or dry air, your body produces more mucus to moisten and warm the air before it reaches your lungs.
What Should You Do If You Have Too Much Mucus In Your Throat?
If you are dealing with mucus buildup in your throat, there are several steps you can take to reduce the symptoms and discomfort. Here are some steps you can take to help cope with too much mucus in your throat.
Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is essential when dealing with excessive mucus in your throat. Drinking plenty of fluids will help thin the mucus in your throat and make it easier to remove when you cough or sneeze. Water is the best option when it comes to staying hydrated. You can also drink herbal teas, diluted fruit juices, or broth.
Salt Water Gargle
Gargling with salt water can be beneficial when dealing with mucus buildup in your throat. The salt in the solution helps to reduce inflammation in your throat, thin your mucus, and make it easier to expel when you cough. To make a saltwater solution, dissolve one teaspoon of salt into 8 ounces (one cup) of warm water.
Steam Therapy
Steam therapy can also be beneficial when dealing with mucus buildup in your throat. The steam helps to reduce inflammation and thin the mucus, making it easier to remove when you cough.
You can create a steam therapy session by turning on a hot shower, leaning into the open door of the steamy bathroom, or sitting over a bowl of hot water and a towel over your head.
Humidifiers
Humidifiers can also help reduce mucus buildup in your throat. By adding moisture and warmth to the air, they help to reduce mucus secretions and make it easier to expel when you cough. They can also help reduce respiratory symptoms, such as chest congestion, coughing, and wheezing.
Sinus Irrigation
Sinus irrigation can be helpful in reducing mucus in your throat. This method involves flushing your sinuses with a saltwater solution to help loosen and thin mucus, so you can expel it more easily when coughing and sneezing.
Having too much mucus in your throat can be uncomfortable and detract from your quality of life. If you’re experiencing mucus buildup in your throat, it’s important to speak to your doctor to identify the underlying cause.
There are several steps you can take to reduce mucus in your throat, such as staying hydrated, gargling with saltwater, using steam therapy, using a humidifier, and doing sinus irrigation. Taking these steps can help reduce the symptoms of mucus buildup in your throat and help you breathe more easily...READFULL
