In order to resolve mucus in the throat, there are some important factors to consider when identifying and treating symptoms. When there is overproduction in the body, the sticky and viscous substance is often coughed up. This can be frustrating and feel a little gross. However, mucus is actually vital and acts as the body's immune response to maintain health. Here is some useful information and health tips that can help you deal with such a problem better.
What you should know before clearing mucus in your throat
The substance that covers the throat contains antibodies and enzymes that protect you from harmful and disease-causing organisms or particles. Theconstant coughingHowever, the release of mucus, which is usually an unpleasant process, is said to be a sign that the body is healing. Fortunately, if excessive mucus production is bothering you, there are effective treatment options, ranging from home remedies to appropriate medication.
Understanding the reason why your body produces too much mucus in your throat can also help determine the right treatment. In some cases, home remedies may be effective, but for more serious health conditions where mucus in the throat is caused by an underlying condition, both over-the-counter and prescription medications may be necessary. In addition, it is recommended to identify the causes and know what mucus is.
What is mucus and why does the body produce it?
When you cough or spit mucus from your throat, it may be green, yellow, beige, clear, red, or even black. The color, amount, and texture of mucus can help you determine what's wrong with you and how your body is making progress in fighting an illness. Additionally, mucus is produced by membranes in the nose and sinuses.
As already mentioned, it contains antibodies and enzymes that prevent harmful bacteria, viruses and allergens from entering the body and spreading. So think of it as a line of defense, or a barrier, between your body and a harmful antigen. It also lines the mouth, nose, throat and lungs. However, mucus is also produced in other parts of the body, including the cervix, digestive system, and urinary tract.
Which factors cause excessive mucus production
Common symptoms associated with mucus production include chest congestion, cough, nasal congestion, restlessness and difficulty sleeping, runny nose, sinus pain and headaches, sore throat, and whooping cough. Overproduction of mucus can occur due to a variety of illnesses, including bacterial infections, viral infections, allergies and lung diseases. Here are some of the most common factors that could cause this process:
- Acid refluxoccurs when acid from the stomach enters the esophagus and lodges in the back of the throat. Acid reflux irritates the throat and causes excessive mucus production there and in the nasal passages. This accordingly leads to postnasal drip syndrome as the esophagus tries to excrete the acid.
- Allergiescan cause itchy eyes, sneezing, wheezing, constipation, chest tightness, runny nose, and cough. If you have an allergic reaction to a food or something in the environment such as dust, pollen or dander,your immune system is in full swingto produce mucus. This helps expel the irritant.
- AtAsthmaYou may also experience shortness of breath, chest pain, tightness and a phlegmy cough. If it is wet with small amounts of clear mucus, it is a sign that your airways have become inflamed. However, coughing up thick mucus regularly could indicate a bacterial infection that requires medical attention.
- Bacterial and viral infectionslike flu, bronchitis, and pneumonia can also cause your respiratory tract to produce extra mucus. Coughing or blowing red mucus from the nose is a sign that there is blood in it.
- A chronic obstructive oneLung disease(COPD) is a broad term for a variety of lung diseases that can also make breathing difficult due to mucus.
- Atdehydrated bodyMucus can thicken and form tiny hairs called cilia, which line many internal organs, and can be difficult to cough up.
Which methods and home remedies can loosen mucus in the throat
There are a number of effective home remedies that can relieve such symptoms if you produce too much mucus in your throat. In addition, some methods can be used simultaneously with over-the-counter and prescription medications to treat the underlying conditionto treat the cause.
- Chicken soupmay be effective against inflammation associated with sinus congestion and colds. The broth can prevent the migration of neutrophils, leading to an anti-inflammatory response and therefore a reduction in mucus production.
- Sufficientliquidssuch as water, diluted juices, decaffeinated teas, soups and lemon water can hydrate your body and loosen mucus in your throat.
- TheGargle with warm salt watercan also help break up the mucus in your throat and relieve a sore throat.
- However, you should avoid consumptionAvoid dairy products. When fighting mucus due to illness, high dairy intake can lead to increased mucus production and thickening of mucus.
- Lemon, ginger and garlicare known to be equally effective as healing foods in drinks in treating colds, coughs and excessive mucus.
- DieMaintaining body temperaturecan also help you ward off mucus-producing diseases. You can do this by drinking warm liquids, taking hot showers, wrapping yourself in blankets, or dressing in layers.
- AhumidifierUsing steam can also help add moisture to the air and thus loosen mucus in the throat. A humidifier with an air purifier can rid the air of irritants that can cause excessive mucus production.
When should you go to the doctor?
If home remedies and medications do not prove effective, it is advisable to consult a doctor. In some cases, excessive mucus production may be caused by a serious underlying health condition that requires medical attention. Contact a doctor immediately if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Cough that lasts two weeks or longer
- cough with blood
- Foul-smelling mucus or mucus containing blood
- Constant fever of 38˚C or higher
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- A general feeling of illness that spreads throughout the body
Additionally, the excess mucus in the throat is sometimes your body's way of warning you that it is fighting a viral or bacterial infection. This may require a physical examination by a doctor and prescription medication.
