How to Get Rid of Excessive Phlegm in the Throat?

Q: Hello, I’m a 17 years old male. I feel that a sticky phlegm sticks to my throat. I always clear and spit it. I can’t also breathe because sometime nose feels blocked- sometimes the left, sometimes the right nostril. If I speak too much, my voice changes. I also have a lump on the right side of my neck. It is smooth to feel and it doesn’t cause any pain. Please help me. I want to know how to cure this kind of illness. Thank you.
-By: Greg

Reply:

This problem looks like having an allergic basis.

Mucus is a normal secretion produced by the body. In fact, it is very essential and is produced everywhere in the body, that is- in the respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract, reproductive tract etc.

Whenever a foreign body, say a virus or some allergen enters our nose, the body reacts back by producing leukocytes (antibodies). The mucoid secretion, which we see is a mixture of this allergen plus the antibody produced, contained in a thick sticky substance.

As the allergic or infective process gets alright, the mucoid snot also gradually go away. This is a normal process.

However, in some individual, excess of mucus is produced. Also, drainage may not be adequate. This leads to blocked sinuses and sticky throats.

Steps to Clear Away Thick Mucus

You need to clear this sticky phlegm. Following steps and a little change in diet may help you do so-

  • Salt water gargling, at least thrice a day would help clearing the phlegm. You need to do them regularly for 15 days to get results.
  • Drink a lot of water. A thick sticky mucous may imply that you are not sufficiently hydrated. Taking water would help in thinning of this flem.
  • To open up your nostrils and sinuses, take steam inhalation. You may use vicks vaporub along with it. Do this before bedtime and when you get up. If required, repeat it in the daytime too. Try to breathe through the nose, if possible.
  • Make a habit of gently blowing off your nose in the morning.
  • Some food stuff aid in mucous formation. You may avoid them for some time. They are- fried stuff, refined foods, dairy food and heavy meals.
  • Fresh fruits would be beneficial for you. Add prune or apple juice.

Some people try neti pots to drain their mucous. These are available in the market.

Take Care,

Buddy M.D.

Medical Advice (Q&As) on “How To Clear Excess Thick Sticky Mucus From the Throat?

  1. Peggy

    I have continued thick saliva for 2 years and it keeps getting worse. My mouth and tongue are dry. I have had no other symptoms until recently.

    I’m bagging on this thick saliva and now starting to have indigestion. I also have runny nose especially in the AM. I have seen every kind of doctor and just no results at all. Just a lot of medical bills. My debris suggested some lozenges and gum which I do all day and it makes me more comfortable. Also this week I felt heavy in chest. I can’t deal with this anymore.

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Do you have any problem with your sinuses?

      Allergic problems of the upper respiratory tract are often linked with thick saliva. You may first try treatment for your running nose. Some anti-allergics may be taken. This may solve your problem.

      Read here about other reasons of having a thick saliva.

      Reply
      1. Peter Shiundu

        I am a twenty year old male,I have more complications inside my mouth.
        1.Have a thick saliva/ mucus
        2.Dry mouth
        3.Sometimes blood come out
        4.An itching thought during col season or moment
        5.I always urinate brown urine every morning
        What can I be suffering from

        Reply
    2. lin morgan

      Hi there….For 6 months now iv had the mucus problem in my lower throat….im freaking out and need help asap and need it gone…
      i have a phobia of not been able to breath through a choking experience over 20 years ago ….any thing that connects to not been able to breath i get into a panic attack…Through the choking i ended up with a food phobia and still have it…Then ended up with Thyroid glan disease ….and now this….i live by myself so its really hard to get support and help when i freak out…
      cold ,rainy days it gets worse….every time i think its gone its back….
      i cant get it up or down it just sits there in a lump which of course freaks me out because of my phobia…
      im to scared to try and get it up in case i choke…
      i dont need this iv got enough medical problems as it is….
      please help….

      Reply
        1. vasta

          Yes… thick mucus, bad breath, chest pain, weight loss. All this since early 1990s. In 2004, I had surgery removal of turbinets and situation worsened. Whichever medicine I am given, makes mucus thicker and breath worse! Now I use only saline water and eucalyptus leaves’ water to clean my throat. also avoid most foods like milk, cheese, ghee, meat, wheat. Mucus in also in my stomach but no problem according to doctors in my stomach.

          I wonder if I can get cure for this disease…. am fed-up!

          Reply
          1. Buddy M.D. Post author

            Some people have a tendency to secret more from their nasal glands. This is often related to their diets. Try including more of fresh fruits and vegetables and your diet.

            You seem to be doing the right things. A good routing cleaning of your nasal chambers may help .consider using a neti pot for this.

  2. Rajesh

    Sir, towards the end of 2010, I seemed to have a throat infection, which was diagnosed as a viral infection and I took medicine. The pain went down, but I kept coughing and the doctor said it was secondary bacterial infection. Well, I met more than a couple of doctors, but the cough (dry) continued. Finally one doctor asked me to take Kaypen for 10 days and I was fine. However I had the same symptoms in the next 10/11 months and it would go only after taking Kaypen again. In 2012 end, it occurred again and by this time Kaypen was not available in market and an alternative, Pentids was needed for me to get rid of this sickness.

    Now, I had some similar symptoms, however it went down even (cefchamps for 5 days) without having to go for the penicillin. I still can feel some phlegm, no color, just look like saliva, in my throat and on the sinus. But I don’t have any cough.

    I am afraid, is the bacteria still inside me, dormant may be. This coming back to me every year, is worrying me. I am 40, male, very healthy, exercise regularly, BMI around 22-22.5. Would much appreciate your thoughts.
    Thank you

    Reply
  3. Alfred

    Greetings. I’m Alfred turning 17, I feel that a phlegm is stuck in my throat, sometimes I clear or swallow it, I can’t also breath from my nose sometimes because its blocked. I always trying to blow my nose there is a mucous but it is not sticky it’s just like a cream. I have also two lumps in my neck, (1 is in the right-back portion, and the other is beside of my impulse. When I also speak too much my voice changes. Can someone pls help me, I want to know what is the problem and how it can be solved. Thank you.

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Sounds like you have a chronically inflamed (irritated) nasal and throat mucosa. The cause may be allergic or infective.

      The lumps you mentioned in your throat are likely to be swollen lymph nodes. These glands swell up as a reaction to allergies and infections in the ENT region.

      Try taking care of your throat by salt water gargling. Avoid smoking, and drink a lot of water. Read more about caring for your throat.

      You may use a nasal spray (OMNARIS or any other brand), twice a day for 10 to 15 days. This will reduce the secretions produced and give relieve.

      If things don’t get better, antibiotics may be prescribed.

      Reply
  4. Lee Goldman

    I get this dry tickle on left side of my throat that causes me to cough and sometimes I sneeze. I feel like I have to clear my throat so I drink something to get rid of the thick mucous and break it up. Could this be related to my sinus or
    an allergy?

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Yes, your symptoms are very likely to be linked with allergic sinusitis. The mucoid secretions produced inside the sinuses, in response to some allergic trigger, have a tendency to drip behind into the throat. These secretions are thick and mucoid in nature.

      The secretions irritate the throat and may cause cough. Are you taking any treatment for sinusitis?

      Treating the underlying cause would heal this throat problem. However, you may read above about measures to manage the thick mucous.

      Reply
  5. ed vail

    I cannot digest fat and I get chills after eating or even in a warm house. I have been to all the doctors seeking help. None know what is really wrong. A lot of ideas but nothing that helps. I have heard of different diets, but I have lost a lot of weight and cannot get it back. It is really worrying me.

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Chills may be due to either of the two reasons.

      The first reason could be that you are taking big sized meals. After the meal, your body requires blood to go to the stomach and intestines to aid digestion. So there is less of blood in the periphery, that is skin. So, you may have a temporary chill feel. Try taking frequent but small sized meals.

      Second, you may be having some infection in your blood that’s giving you the chill. For that, you need to go to the ER and get yourself evaluated. Blood work would be needed.

      Do you have any pain in your stomach or in the middle of your chest? Let us know for a better insight into your problem.

      Reply
  6. lan

    Hi, I been having front forehead headache, worst in aircon environments. Block nose, my ears mostly the right feels like I am under water. Now I have a lot of discomfort in my throat, feels like phlegm slowly pressing on my windpipe. This causes much concern. I cough sometimes a small amount of sticky white phlegm comes out and when I talk to much my throat ache. I steam my face, take Flixonase, antihistamines. I have seen ENT consultant. Finding I should see allergies specialist. Got rid of my cat change diet without dairy.

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Sounds like a chronic allergic problems. Look for reasons around you against which you may be allergic. Try removing them from your residing place.

      You may continue with your medications to manage the situation. Also, read above about other home methods to manage the situation.

      Reply
  7. Virat

    Hello sir,
    My tongue is regularly white coated and I get sour saliva in my mouth. Also, phlegm sticks in my throat. Above all, the major problem is bad breath. My breath get worsen in the morning. Doctor here could not fix the problem as he said there is no problem in my digestion system and my throat is also not infected. Also, I have no problem in breathing in and out. Please suggest how to get rid of this kind of halitosis problem?

    Reply
  8. Oscar

    Hi, I’m a 29 years old male with problem of dry and sticky mucus throat, thick saliva, bloody mucus and saliva sometimes, runny mucus towards my throat and old mucus substance like from my esophagus that makes me vomit. I’ve had only dry sticky throat previously during seasonal changes, but started to change this year, but I’ve never consulted a doctor before. I also gain wait and I’m snoring. I would appreciate your help.

    Reply
  9. Dara

    For a few years now, I have a problem with a thick clear gel like drip in my back throat. It is constantly there and bothers me. I try to spit it out forcefully, especially night and morning time and I have trouble sleeping because if I touch my chin towards my chest, I feel like choking and feel more drip in back of throat, so I have to sleep with one pillow only. I have to clear my throat often after drinking or eating, just as in clearing one’s throat before speaking.

    Is this caused by black mold? Is this a symptom of a future cardiac problem? Is it dust mites?

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      It may be due to some allergen like black mold, dust mite or something else, against which your respiratory mucosa is allergic.

      It is likely that the mucosa in your nose, and more prominently in your sinuses, is activated due to some allergen and is continuously secreting mucoid secretions.

      There are two ways to manage this. Either you may try taking some anti allergic pill for some time.

      Or, make a practice to wash your nose and sinuses on a daily basis with clean water. This would wash away the daily load of allergens accumulated in the nasal mucosa.

      The procedure has a special technique. Neti pots are used for the purpose.

      Reply
  10. Noel St. Jules

    Most of my life, I’ve had bronchiectasis and the reason for this is when I was born, the holes in my nose to drain the sinuses. I had no holes so everything went to my lungs. I had the operation done when I was 22. So I coughed phlegm-mucus all my life and still do. In 2011 they found a growth in my right lung. They got rid of the growth but now I spit phlegm-mucus since 2011 I also have thick spit. I’ll never get rid of the phlegm=mucus. I’d like to get rid of the thick spit.

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      What operation was done for your sinuses?

      This is a difficult situation. You can minimize phlegm production by your diet and lifestyle. Reduce the intake of all refined food stuff, junk food. Eat more of fruits and vegetables. Take whole grains for most of your diet.

      Read in the article above in detail about managing thick sputum.

      Reply
  11. Tufail

    I’m 35 years old male. I have lot of cough and phlegm in my throat. Sometimes it starts as runny nose, less in day time and more in evening time. This illness is since one year. Many times, I took exam from doctors. They suggest cough syrup and antibiotics. I feel relief for some days, then the same condition starts. Please give me proper remedy. I will be thankful to you.

    Reply
  12. Tufail

    No problem in breathing. I have much phlegm in the throat which is blocking the veins. All this causes dryness in the throat. At coughing it exits like a thick water like pus. Since one year, I am much disturbed by this disease. Is there any treatment of this disease? All the doctors treat me like a common patient and give me syrup of cough and antibiotic which does not affect properly. As a result of this disease I am losing my weight and my hairs are rapidly falling. I hope you will give me better suggestion.

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Firstly, do not take any medicine. The antibiotics and tons of cough syrup that you have taken are giving you symptoms now. They may be the cause of hair fall or weight loss.

      Clear up your sinuses by steam inhalation. Do not add anything in steam, just pure steam is required. Take it twice daily, once after you get up from bed and once before bedtime. You need to clean up your sinuses. You may try neti pots for cleaning.

      Drink plenty of water (lukewarm), vegetable soups etc. These would liquefy and wash away the phlegm deposited in your throat.

      Avoid too cold, too sour or too spicy food stuff. Limit your intake of junk food. This promotes mucous production.

      Reply
  13. Mary Howland

    I have COPD acid reflux and for the summer and into winter sinus problems. For three weeks I feel like everything is settling around sternum area and into my throat. Having hard time breathing. My throat feels like it is clogged with mucous. I’m clearing my throat all the time. Burp all the time. Sometimes food comes up. My abdomen seems to push toward my sternum making me feel like I’m choking. Heavy feeling in sternum. Sometimes pain. left side of outer breast hurts until I burp several times. Have palpitations. Breathing gets faster. Is it COPD or what or sinus or reflux?

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      The major cause of your symptoms could be COPD. Are you taking medicines for this problem?

      If you are overweight, loosing weight would help. Read above about measures to be taken to liquefy mucous. These would help you breath easier.

      Reply
    2. Dean

      Do you mean you have copd AND acid reflux? I’ve never heard of copd caused by acid reflux. How do you know you have copd?

      Reply
  14. Sanjay

    1. Lump like feeling in my throat (On the left side).
    2. Uncomfortable while swallowing, no pain though.
    3. Mild pain sometimes.
    4. Clicking noise while swallowing saliva.
    5. No problem while eating or drinking.
    6. No trouble breathing.
    7. Nostrils are blocked. A little sometimes and sometimes, completely.
    8. Voice change.
    9. Irregular dry mouth.

    Please help, I’m worried sick.

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Likely to be phlegm or mucous sticking in your throat. Try out the steps written above to liquefy it.

      Any symptoms of sinusitis?

      Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Ear pain is secondary to some infective focus in your throat/ pharynx. Any fever? If yes, you may need antibiotics.

      If not, just gargle your throat twice daily with slightly salted warm water. Do this daily for a week to get results.

      Reply
      1. Sanjay

        No fever.
        And thank you very much. I’ve started using neti pots and I gargle twice a day, and already feeling better. Thank you again. 🙂

        Reply
  15. Alanna

    My throat always feels clogged with mucus. Every now and then I can spit it out and it is light green. I can’t hardly eat because the moment I swallow, it feels like it may come up. I am 17 and I’m scared to death. My nose stays dry and I don’t have a sore throat. I have had mucus in my throat for the past year and a half but it’s just now becoming a huge problem. Please help me. I have lost a lot of weight and haven’t been eating.

    Reply
  16. Sanjay

    Hi again, I went to the doctor. He said it was laryngitis and gave me antibiotics and allergy medication. I’ve completed the course, but it still doesn’t seem to go away. What do I do?
    Sorry for bothering you so much, but my exams are close and It’s just too much stress.

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Laryngitis is usually caused by a virus, so antibiotics are unlikely to help.

      You may continue taking the decongestant and pain medicines for 2 or 3 days more.

      Consider using a humidifier in your bedroom. Humidifiers/ mystifier are easily available in the market.

      Cold dry air is a constant irritant for your larynx. If you humidify the air around you, the scratchy feel associated with laryngitis would get relieved.

      Voice rest is recommended. This would help reducing inflammation of the vocal cords.

      Reply
  17. Jayden Borg

    Hey guys, I have blocked euthasion tubes and are taking nasal sprays to cure that. But lately, I feel like I’m going to vomit but I never do, yesterday while playing soccer, I had to take a rest because I felt a lump at the back of my throat, but I now have this feeling of somthing at the back of my throat that feels like a mucous lump. How do I fix this pls help URGENTLY!!!!!

    Reply
  18. Connie Hall

    I keep choking on thick saliva and or mucus in throat that now seems to get in bronical tubes been going on for years, was vomiting phel for two years till change PPI. Pevicid, , don’t vomit anymore, have herd, after years diagnosed with asthma, use steroid inhaler and nubulizer albutual once a day, sinusitis,rhinitis, even though had sinuses surgery.this thick saliva and mucus seems its all the way down to my lungs and stomach?am afraid am going to choke.i besides having breathing issues, how can I get rid of this, am x smoker. Am very depressed. It even gets feels like the texture is hard at times.Is it inhalers oral medicine, caffeine, ?

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Are you taking the right dosage of inhalational steroids and albutamol? These two medicines should be enough to control for breathing problems.

      To reduce mucous production, you need the inhalational medicines plus and mild anti histaminic. Apart from this, you need to change your diet. Eat less of fried and fatty food stuff. This would make a difference.

      Consume plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables daily. Drink lots of water.

      Reply
  19. G

    I feel like there’s mucus stuck on my throat I keep like forcefully pulling it up and it’s been like that for almost 4 days. Last Tuesday I had my wisdom teeth surgery and that day I was really sick and was having a really runny nose yet after that I wasn’t anymore. I stopped taking the medications but now I feel that nasty mucus in my throat all day and it makes me gag. I also haven’t been eating too well because I can’t eat much stuff. I can’t breathe tho and I do have asthma my nose isn’t stuffed I just feel lots of pressure on my chest. What’s going on?

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      You need to liquefy that mucous, so that it drains out. Try inhaling steam. Drink warm water, whenever you feel thirsty. Avoid cold beverages, fatty food stuff. Your problem is likely to subside in a week.

      Reply
  20. Kori

    For about a month now I have had an extremely annoying and uncomfortable problem with my throat. It constantly feels like there is something stuck between my nasal cavity and my throat; just high up enough to where I can’t swallow, but it in my nose because I can’t blow it out when blowing my nose. I swallow constantly and drink tons of water throughout the day, and in fact this mucus seems to get worse when I drink water. It’s becoming so hindering to my every day life and I can’t even speak a sentence or two without feeling like I need to (try) to clear my throat. No matter what I do it stays right there stuck above my throats and is constantly annoying me and I feel like I’m going mad. I’d do anything just for a home remedy that might help.

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      You are likely to be having some thick phlegm stuck to the upper airway area, as you feel. This has to be drained out mechanically.

      Try frequent long sessions of steam inhalation. A little salt may be added to the water used. This may gradually help you in liquefying the stuck mucous.

      Reply
  21. Eddy

    Hi doctor. Over a month ago I woke up with phlegm stuck in my throat. That same day I went on vacation to Cabo San Lucas Mexico. Well around the 3rd day of my vacation I still had phlegm stuck in my throat. I didn’t have a fever, cough or a sneeze. I went into a pharmacy in Cabo and they gave me a expectorant and it help drain some of it. I came back to the States went to the doctor and he said my throat was red and gave Zithromax. It didn’t help so I went back and he told me as long as the phlegm is clear not to worry. He even thought it might all be in my head. A week went by and still same feeling. Only now my throat kind of hurt, but still no fever, or cough. I did begin to sneeze, and the inside of my mouth was itchy and I had pain in my ears. Went back to the doctor and he gave me more antibiotics. Nothing is happening. I’m stuck on what to do? I took an allergy pill and had some relief. Again no fever, or cough. Just phlegm and a minor pain my throat and sometimes ear pain and itchiness. When I sneeze the phlegm comes out. Its always clear. When I wake up in the morning my throat is dry and my boogers are also dry. Sometimes I might go an hour or two without phlegm but it always comes back. When I wake up in the morning its hardly ever there….

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Looks like an allergic reaction of your nasal mucosa to some allergen. That’s making it itch and producing mucous to trap the allergen and expel it out.

      You need an allergy pill with an expectorant.

      Furthermore, you need to start using a humidifier in your bedroom while you sleep. This would mystify the air you breathe and combat dryness in your nasal passage. This would dampen the allergic reaction going on. Also, expelling out the allergen would be easier.

      Reply
  22. Lisa

    Can you help me please. Every time I have dairy be it milk, cheese, Chocolate my saliva becomes thick very quickly and it’s hard to swallow. I feel as if there is a flap that is closing over in my throat that I can ‘snort’ and it clears. I am a mouth breather normally. I have recently found out that I am also lactose intolerant, bad upset stomach. Is this part of the same problem? Should I be totally avoiding dairy or seeking medical advice ?

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Your body seems to be making excess mucous in response to dairy products. This is a part of lactose intolerance.

      Avoiding dairy products would be a better option.

      Reply
  23. Roger

    Doctor about 2 months ago I woke up with phlegm stuck in the middle of my throat. It wouldn’t come out and it felt very uncomfortable. I had no other issues or symptoms. I didn’t have a fever, cough and it didn’t hurt to swallow. I did it eat something spicy and it kind of cleared it up and made the phlegm come out. I suffer from asthma and I do use my inhaler everyday. I also suffer from allergies, but at that moment I really didn’t have an episode. I took some medicine and it help clear some of it but not all of it. I started to have pain in my throat and I decided to go to the doctor. I was given antibiotics because he said my throat was a little red. I took Ciproflaxin. Through this whole ordeal I didn’t have a fever, cough, or a sneeze. I could eat anything and it wouldn’t bother my throat. Coke and Pepsi did make it burn. After about a month I still had the same symptoms. I went back and the doctor looked worried because he said my throat is still red. He gave me Zithromax. I took the pills and same thing. But now my phlegm is stuck on one side of my throat and not the center. When I drink or eat my spit has phlegm. I don’t know if its draining or what. Sometimes when I wake up in the morning my mouth is dry and there is no phlegm, but as the day goes by it accumulates. Sometimes in the morning my voice is hoarse, and I have to clear my throat. My throat feels scratchy as well. I get ear pain and itch. I’m scared because its been 2 months now and when I look up my symptoms online all you see is that my immune system may be compromised because of cancer or HIV. I took an Oraquick test for HIV and it was negative. I know my stress I probably making things worst. I taken two round of antibiotics I wonder why I’m not getting better.

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Such mucous plugs may take time to dissolve. You need to be patient.

      No other medication can be given, you’ve already taken two bouts of antibiotics. You may follow the steps given above to help clearing your throat.

      Reply
  24. Rakesh

    Doctor my throat has been bothering me for two month. I’ve taken two courses of antibiotics but with no luck. My only symptom was post nasal drip. My throat felt like it had a lump. It felt like I have phlegm in my throat. Now that’s it’s finally coming out my throat hurts. Doctor says it’s due to allergy and game me a nasap spray. But if it’s allergy why does my throat hurt? It aches. When I eat or drink I have thick spit. It looks like phlegm. Could it be throat irritation?

    Reply
  25. Buk lau

    Can stress and anxiety cause post nasal drip? I’ve had phlegm stuck in my throat since June 5th. I’ve taken antibiotics and it didn’t help.

    Reply
  26. Nia

    Hello Doc, I have a gritty feeling at the front of my throat. Sometimes it feels as if it stuck in a groove or a little hole. It’s been happening for two weeks now.
    I’ve taken DPH expectorant to no avail. I’ve tried lime and honey and salt water gargling.
    Occasionally when I cough. A bit of mucus would come up. Now it’s just just spit really or a slit like texture and look. If I try to cough it out too much I throw up and it gets worse.

    My throat itself feels painful. Almost like I shifted a bone.
    What should I do?

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      You need to get your throat examined by an ENT. There may be an infection for which antibiotics may be given

      Do you have body ache or fever?

      Reply
  27. Pipu

    Hi, Pipi here..been suffering for 4 days now. Started from a normal cough and now suffering from sore throat and worst is the phlegm. I always need to clear from my mouth till a point of time at night I unable to sleep. As if I ignored it I will have a bad cough only until I cleared things is fine for few moments.

    Reply
  28. Pablo Escobar

    Around June 1st, I woke up with phlegm stuck in the middle of my throat. I didn’t have allergies or a cough. I took my temperature and I didn’t have a fever. So I waited about a week to see if it will go away. I took some medicine to clear the phlegm from my throat and it helped a little. I started to develop pain on the left side of my throat so I went to the doctor. He said my throat looked irritated and he gave me Ciproflaxin. I took the full course and the phlegm was still there. It was clear and it was really stuck in my throat. I went back to the doctor and he didn’t seem worried so he told me I’m okay. I wasn’t satisfied with the answer so I went to another doctor and he said my throat was irritated and he gave me Zithromax. I took the Zithromax and it got a little better. The phlegm started disappearing, but I developed pain in my throat. I didn’t really have pain before. Again I never had a cough, allergies or fever. At this point my ears started hurting and itching. I also had a minor headache, but I never had a fever. It also did not hurt when I swallowed. I went back to my regular physician and he said my throat was a little red and one of my tonsil was a little swollen. He gave me amoxicillin and I was reluctant to take it, but I did. He also said allergies might be playing a part as well. I also forgot to mention that my lymph nodes were never swollen through this whole ordeal. Now its August and even though my phlegm is 90% gone I still have pain in my throat, and it gets really dry at times and it feels like I been screaming. Every now and then my ears hurt as well. I been on 3 antibiotics prescriptions and it’s been 2 months. Is it possible that it was never an infection? I still have pain and a little bit of phlegm. I never coughed, never had a fever, my lymph nodes were never swollen, and it never hurt when I swallowed. My friends are starting to think its psychosomatic.

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Appears you had an infection, probably viral in origin.

      When you get a viral infection, your throat becomes prone to other oppurtunist bacterial invasions. May be, you got some super added bacterial infection later on.

      That’s why, antibiotics, especially, Zithromax, worked a little.

      As for the viral invasion, your throat was constantly fighting against it. Looks like it was somewhat contained there. Your throat produced thick mucous. This is a protective mechanism, done to capture and kill the bugs at that site. Ear ache are referred pains you get in throat infections.

      Viral illness may take long to resolve.

      It’s advisable, you don’t take any medicines now. Drink plenty of luke warm water. Eat healthy, lots of fruits, whole grains and veggies. These are immune boosters. Give your throat time to heal by itself.

      Reply
        1. Pablo Emilio Escobar Gaviria

          I went to the doctor for a follow up. He said my throat is still a little red. No fever, no cough, a little sneezing, a little phlegm. He said the lymph node under my chin are slightly swollen but not much. He says I’m okay and not to worry…

          Reply
        2. Buddy M.D. Post author

          Role of allergies cannot be ruled out. Allergic symptoms include sneezing, redness in eyes, over the nose, inflamed nasal passages.

          Reply
  29. Eke Ngozi

    I have visited an ENT as u advised who examined my oral cavity and throat and confirmed I have an infection. He gave me orelox200 mg to take for Five days which I did but d sores in my throat and below my extreme gum(both) and thick mucus are still there. He also suggested a minor surgery to take care of it since its a regular occurrence but will be done only when d sores are healed. no fever but slight ear pains and lose of appetite also a bit difficult to breath through d nose meanwhile d nostrils are free. please I’m fed up

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Have you finished the antibiotic course?

      Also, take steam inhalation on a regular basis. Drink plenty of luke warm water throughout the day.

      Reply
  30. Anonymous

    My left side throat seems to have some stuck sticky muscus that I can’t clear. I constantly have to cough and clear my throat. Had it for three months now. Tried gargling with salt, peroxide, took antibiotics, nothing works.

    Reply
  31. Eke ngozi

    yes I’m done with the antibiotic course. Also take lukewarm water but not on a regular basis. please what do you think about the tonsillectomy!

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      In cases where you get the infection again and again, tonsillectomy may be considered. This is a very simple procedure.

      Reply
  32. Peter Shiundu

    having dry mouth,thick saliva/mucus,itching throat during cold,sometimes blood in the mouth,every morning I urinate brown urine

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      You need to be investigated. Some autoimmune conditions, where bodily secretions are less in amount, need to be ruled out.

      For now, increase your water consumption throughout the day.

      Reply
  33. Craig

    Hello, I woke up last week with a headache, dryness in my throat and nose with a feeling like phlegm is stuck in there. I hydrated myself and all I have had every day is phlegm stuck in my throat. Won’t move, I have tried the honey and lemon beverage. Medicine that helps with coughs, break down mucus etc. I have a constant pounding head, burning up, ear pain (cracking when swollow). I can’t eat or drink, nor sleep properly, and burning throughout the day? I’m exhausted and it’s affecting my uni studies! Any advice?

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Two factors may be active, dryness and some viral infection.

      Do you have fever? If yes, this could be an infection and you may need medication.

      For now, hydrate yourself adequately. Use a Humidifier to moisturize the air around you, more importantly, at night times when you’re asleep. Use it as much as possible. We need to dislodge that stuck phlegm. Your headache and ear pain are likely to be related to it.

      Collection phlegm is giving you these pressure symptoms.

      Take active steam inhalations, thrice daily. Let it go into your nasal passages, oral cavity.

      These steps would gradually help you in getting rid of the stuck phlegm.

      Reply
  34. Adeel

    I always feels constant mucus in throat, i am having too much mucus in throat so ent said no polyps no turbinates enlagement and my mucus is always transparent and i never had any breathing problem through nostrils plus i never had any pain in sinuses and yes i feel something is stuck in my throat…what do you think that what is causing constant mucus in throat?

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Any habit of chewing something, like tobacco, pan leaves etc? Any history of allergies?

      Reply
  35. Adeel

    If i will not be able to expel this throat mucus then what can happen? Because new mucus again and again falls in throat so tell me what will happen if i cannot expel this mucus?

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      It’s alright is you’re not able to spit this excess mucous. It may be swallowed. Let it go into your stomach and get excreted via GIT. No problem.

      Reply
  36. vijayakumar

    hi I am Vijayakumar. from india, I have don’t speak in fluent, I am basically ticky taking person so how to cure in this problem

    Reply
  37. andrew

    hi, white frothy spit constantly, hard to swallow food, can only take puree foods, like baby food, hummus. have gerd as well. how do i get rid of milky white spit, swallowing problem? thanks

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Your age? Any underlying medical problems, recent surgeries? Any medications you’re taking presently?

      Reply
  38. Dina

    Hi Dara,

    Do you still have this problem? I have the same symptoms and no one knows what it is. I have no acid reflux. It’s not an excess of mucus, but it’s a bit of mucus that refuses to budge from my vocal chords and it’s killing me. It must be coming from the back of my throat somewhere but as soon as I go ahem it’s still there. This tires me out. I wish there is some herb that will just make me normal again. This has made my throat ultra sensitive to dry air, nuts or hot teas or food particles, dust or anything can make it irritable, itchy and then I will get a coughing fit.
    Now if I cough, people might think it’s covid or flu. 🙁

    Has there been studies on this problem because it looks like so many people are suffering from it silently. Is it from poor posture that it affected the throat area? Is it from a cold virus that damaged some parts of the respiratory tract? Is it defective saliva glands? Are there any miniscule growths in the throat that are undetected by any cameras? Was there something foreign that got caught inside the folds somewhere that it just stayed? Is it coming from the lungs upwards into the vocal chords?

    I have no clue. Doctors are supposed to be the experts.

    Reply

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