How do I get rid of phlegm in my throat that won't go away?

How do I get rid of stubborn phlegm in my throat?

Why is there phlegm constantly stuck in my throat?

When mucus starts to build up or trickle down the back of the throat, this is known as postnasal drip. Causes of postnasal drip include infections, allergies, and acid reflux. As well as feeling the need to clear the throat frequently, a person with postnasal drip may also experience: a sore throat.

What happens if phlegm doesn't go away?

On its own, mucus isn't a worrisome symptom. If it comes with a cough that doesn't go away after several weeks, it's greenish yellow or blood-tinged, or you also have fever or shortness of breath, you should call your doctor.

Should I be worried about phlegm in my throat?

Most causes of coughing up phlegm are not serious. However, more severe conditions, such as COPD or heart failure, require lifelong treatment. Coughing up phlegm is typically not a cause for concern. For example, GERD and the common cold are responsible for many cases of coughing up phlegm.

Causes of Constant Phlegmy Throat or Throat Mucus

How do you know if phlegm is serious?

If a cough brings up phlegm or mucus it is called a productive cough and could suggest pneumonia, bronchitis or the flu. The color of the mucus can signal a more serious problem. You should see a doctor if your cough brings up yellowish-green phlegm or blood.

Why am I coughing up phlegm but not sick?

Coughing up phlegm when you don't have a cold could be due to a number of different conditions: a sinus infection, allergies with postnasal drip, pneumonia, smoking, asthma, heartburn, or even some medicines like angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors for high blood pressure.

Does Mucinex help with phlegm in throat?

Medicines containing guaifenesin, an expectorant, help thin and loosen that excess mucus in your throat. These medicines get mucus moving again, making coughs more effective. Various Mucinex® products such as the Mucinex® Extended-Release Bi-Layer Tablets can help treat excess mucus.

Is it normal to have mucus in throat for months?

Catarrh is a build-up of mucus in your nose and sinuses and phlegm in your throat. It usually clears up by itself but see a GP if it lasts longer than a few weeks.

What does coughing up phlegm indicate?

By definition, phlegm is a byproduct of inflammation in the sinuses and the lungs. Your body is responding to some sort of irritant and is creating the phlegm to combat the issue. It can be related to a bacterial infection like bronchitis, sinusitis or pneumonia.

What kind of phlegm should I worry about?

People who have white, yellow, or green mucus that is present for more than a few days, or if they experience other symptoms, such as fever, chills, a cough, or sinus pain, should speak with a doctor.

Can phlegm be life threatening?

For example, phlegm may be caused by exposure to smoke, consuming certain foods, such as dairy products, or taking certain medications. In some cases, p hlegm symptoms can be a sign of a serious or life-threatening disease or condition, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or lung cancer.

How many days of coughing up phlegm is normal?

Most coughs clear up within 3 weeks and don't require any treatment. A dry cough means it's tickly and doesn't produce any phlegm (thick mucus). A chesty cough means phlegm is produced to help clear your airways.

When should I go to the doctor for coughing up phlegm?

If it has been more than three to four weeks and your cough does not seem to be going away, it is time to visit urgent care. Consulting a doctor is the right thing to do when cough persists for more than three weeks.

What is a heart cough?

It's a type of coughing or wheezing that occurs with left heart failure. Depending on how severe the symptoms are, this wheezing can be a medical emergency. Heart failure can cause fluid to build up in the lungs (pulmonary edema) and in and around the airways.

What happens if you cough up too much phlegm?

If you cough up phlegm, this is a sign that your airways have become inflamed. If you notice small amounts of white or clear mucus, do not be concerned. But recurring, thick mucus can be a sign of a bacterial infection; have it checked out by a medical professional.

What illness causes a lot of phlegm?

Bronchiectasis is a long-term condition where the airways of the lungs become abnormally widened, leading to a build-up of excess mucus that can make the lungs more vulnerable to infection. The most common symptoms of bronchiectasis include: a persistent cough that usually brings up phlegm (sputum)

What illness causes phlegm?

Excessive mucus can be a symptom of bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchiectasis, or cystic fibrosis. See more on those conditions below.

What is the difference between mucus and phlegm?

Mucus has several names. Snot, the sticky goo that pours from your nose during a cold. Or phlegm, the gunk that can clog your lungs and make you cough.

Is thick phlegm serious?

Thin and clear mucus is normal and healthy. White. Thicker white mucus goes along with feelings of congestion and may be a sign that an infection is starting.

How can you tell if phlegm is bacterial or viral?

Clear or white mucus often indicates a viral infection, while yellow or green mucus may suggest a bacterial infection. The biggest difference between viral and bacterial bronchitis is treatment, as antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections don't kill viruses.

Is thick phlegm a symptom of Covid?

The accumulation of mucus in the respiratory tract has been reported in severe forms of COVID-19 with pneumonia and may be associated with COVID-19-related acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Why have I been coughing up phlegm for 6 months?

While it can sometimes be difficult to pinpoint the problem that's triggering a chronic cough, the most common causes are tobacco use, postnasal drip, asthma and acid reflux. Fortunately, chronic cough typically disappears once the underlying problem is treated.

Why is my phlegm like jelly?

That can mean that the mucus your body produces becomes stickier and rubbery. This happens because the membranes in your nose run out of moisture to make your mucus watery and clear. When your mucus is dry and sticky, mucus may begin to accumulate in the back of your throat. This is called postnasal drip.

Can you choke on phlegm?

Thick mucus or saliva triggered by allergies or respiratory problems may not easily flow down your throat. While sleeping, mucus and saliva can collect in your mouth and lead to choking.