Allergies, infections, or irritants can cause the accumulation of thick and sticky mucus in the throat, causing swallowing difficulty and coughs. You can get rid of throat mucus and excessive coughing using home remedies – such as gargling hot water or eating honey, etc.
Get online medical consultation with a top experienced ENT specialist to reduce mucus in the throat.
Highlights:
- Infections, allergies, irritants, or certain medications cause throat mucus.
- Home remedies and over-the-counter medications reduce phlegm.
- Exercises such as yoga reduce Phlegm in the throat.
Home remedies to get rid of throat mucus fast
Home remedies are proven effective in alleviating sputum production and excessive cough symptoms. To soothe your throat, use these home remedies once or twice daily until the symptoms subside;
- Steam Inhalation: Inhaling warm steam moisturizes the throat and airways, causing the mucus to expel easily out of your throat. This simple and effective home remedy reduces throat irritation, opens the airways, and improves breathing. It also helps reduce sinus pressure. Adding essential oils like eucalyptus or peppermint in steam help clear the sinuses and reduce respiratory tract inflammation.
- Salt Water Gargle: Gargling salt water helps reduce throat inflammation and irritation by drawing out excess moisture from the swollen tissues. It is an effective home remedy that reduces the risk of infection by flushing out bacteria or viruses from the throat.
- Honey and Lemon Tea: A study issued in 2019 says that the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of honey and lemon alleviate throat inflammation caused by phlegm. The high levels of vitamin C in lemon help fight off infections and strengthen the immune system, reducing the risks of respiratory disease. You can drink tea made from these ingredients.
How to make honey and lemon tea?
This tea is easy to make as all you have to do is:
- Boil water and pour it into your mug.
- Add a slice of fresh lemon and a tablespoon of honey, stir well, and enjoy your drink.
Honey and lemon tea decreases phlegm but is not a substitute for medical treatment. If you have been experiencing phlegm for so long, consult a doctor immediately.
- Ginger Tea: The anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of ginger help fight off the bacteria or viruses that cause Pelghum in the throat, boosting immunity, and reducing the risks of developing infections.
How to Make ginger tea?
The recipe for ginger tea is easy as all you have to do is:
- Add fresh ginger slices to hot water and steep for 4-5 minutes.
- You can also add honey or lemon for flavor and more health benefits.
Research studies suggest honey or lemon in ginger tea help soothe throat pain caused by excessive coughs and alleviate the symptoms of nasal congestion, reducing obstructed breathing.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: The acidic nature of apple cider vinegar breaks and dissolves mucus quickly, making you feel at ease. The antibacterial properties of honey you add to it will fight phlegm-producing bacteria or viruses, reducing the risk of throat infections.
- Turmeric Milk: Turmeric milk, also called golden milk, is a traditional Ayurvedic remedy used to treat Phlegm. A research study published in 2009 claims that turmeric contains curcumin, which provides anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties to fight off mucus and reduce respiratory inflammation.
How to make turmeric milk?
Make your turmeric milk by following this recipe:
- Heat a cup of milk and add a teaspoon of turmeric powder.
- Add 3-4 threads of saffron with other spices like cinnamon or ginger for flavor and health benefits.
Also Read: Is Pineapple Good for a Sore Throat? How to Consume It Effectively?
These home remedies are simple and affordable, which can alleviate throat infection symptoms and promote health without adversely impacting your overall well-being.
How to get rid of throat mucus fast with over-the-counter medications?
Over-the-counter medications help reduce excessive throat phlegm. You can easily get these medications from your nearby pharmacy:
- Expectorants: These medications contain guaifenesin and help expel mucus from the respiratory system, improving breathing, according to general health guidelines issued in 2015 by Columbia Health. They work by increasing the production of respiratory tract secretions, thinning the mucus, and facilitating its clearance. They are available in both pill and liquid form.
- Decongestants: Such medications stimulate alpha-adrenergic receptors to relieve nasal congestion caused by colds, allergies, or other respiratory distress. Patients can get them as oral tablets, capsules, nasal sprays, or liquid syrup at regular prices.
- Antihistamines: The medications alleviate sneezing, itching, runny nose, watery eyes, and other symptoms of allergies by blocking the effects of histamine. Antihistamines are available as oral tablets, syrup, and nasal sprays.
Also visit: Loratadine Tablet: Uses, Side Effects, and Price in Pakistan
What preventive measures should be opted for throat mucus?
Lifestyle changes can reduce the excessive production of mucus in the throat. Here are a few lifestyle changes you can opt for:
- Hydration: Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and other fluids that thin mucus, making coughing easier.
- Humidity: Dry air can irritate the throat and increase mucus production. Use a humidifier or a steamy shower in your home or office to add moisture to the dry air. This will improve your breathing and alleviate throat irritation, reducing persistent coughs.
- Avoid irritants: Avoid exposure to irritants, such as cigarette smoke, pollution, and allergens, as they are potential enough to increase mucus production in the throat. You can avoid these irritants by wearing a face mask.
- Healthy diet: Eating a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables can help boost the immune system and reduce the risk of developing throat infections.
- Exercise: Regular breathing exercises such as yoga can help improve respiratory health, reducing the risk of throat infections.
- Avoid caffeine: Caffeine can dehydrate your body and increase mucus production. If you often experience mucus in the throat, limit these substances to improve your respiratory health.
- Avoid smoking or exposure to smoke: Excessive smoking irritates the throat and lungs, causing respiratory inflammation and mucus production. It causes coughs, phlegm, and other respiratory symptoms, making it difficult to breathe.
Related reading: Azotek Tablet: Uses, Side Effects, and Price in Pakistan
What are the symptoms of throat mucus?
The cells of the throat produce a gel-like substance called mucus, which helps keep breathing normally. However, if produced in excessive amounts, it may cause discomfort and irritation, accompanied by other symptoms such as;
- A persistent dry or wet cough
- Hoarseness, causing changes in the voice
- Breathing difficulty due to chest tightness
- Lumpy throat due to the accumulation of mucus
If you are experiencing these symptoms, try home remedies or use an over-the-counter medication per the doctor’s recommendation.
Helpful information: How to Get Rid of a Cough in 5 Minutes – 9 Home Remedies
What are the causes of throat mucus?
Throat mucus is a common symptom of a wide range of respiratory illnesses and several factors can contribute to its excessive production, some of which include:
- Viral or bacterial infections such as the common cold, flu, sinus infections, or strep throat
- Allergic stimulants such as pollen, dust, mold, and pet dander
- Exposure to irritants like cigarette smoke, polluted air, and chemical fumes
- Nasal mucus dripping down the back of the throat or postnasal drip
- Certain medications including those used to treat GERD and hypertension
- However, food allergies can also cause respiratory problems. Avoid these triggers and get immediate medical attention if your health condition worsens.
Conclusion
Throat mucus is common and can be dealt with using over-the-counter medication or home remedies. Opting for healthy lifestyle changes can also improve respiratory health. Consult a doctor, if you still face respiratory issues.
Schedule an online appointment with a doctor to reduce mucus in the throat.
FAQs
1. Can throat mucus go away on its own?
Phlegm usually disappears after your body has fought off an infection in a few days, but if it persists, there could be a serious underlying condition that needs treatment.
2. Does stress cause mucus?
Stress weakens the immune system, which increases the chances of developing respiratory infection causing excessive mucus in the throat.
3. How to reduce phlegm in the throat at night?
Elevating the head and using vapor rubs before sleep can help reduce phlegm and breathing problems due to throat infections at night.