We explain how to deal with annoying mucus in the throat.
When mucus accumulates in the throat , it can end up facilitating infections , causing diseases such as bronchitis or pneumonia in some cases. In this article we will explain why mucus appears in the throat, as well as how to eliminate it.
throat mucus
Phlegm and mucus are a regular part of our physiology. On average, we generate between 1.5 and 2 liters of mucus daily when we are healthy. Most of this mucus will be swallowed or absorbed into the airways.
Mucus is a colloidal gel (like gelatin) in which inorganic salts are dissolved, antimicrobial products such as lysozymes or immunoglobulins , as well as proteins and glycoproteins such as mucin, which help to give the gel density.
It protects not only the respiratory tract, but also the epithelial cells of the digestive, brain, auditory and visual systems. The vast majority of mucus is produced in the gastrointestinal system.
Causes of excess mucus in the throat
The reasons why excess mucus in the throat can increase are very diverse, but the vast majority of the time it has to do with problems in the respiratory tract , whether they are endogenous (such as small deformations or deviations of the airways, which facilitate the accumulation of mucus in the throat) as well as external agents, such as infections.
- It might interest you: “10 natural remedies to relieve and cure cough”
Among the main causes of mucus in the throat we find the following.
1. Infections
The main cause of increased throat mucus is respiratory tract infections . Viral infections, such as the common cold or the flu , are the cause of most mucus build-up problems in the throat.
This occurs because our body defends itself against respiratory tract infections through inflammatory processes and increased production of mucus by the mucous membranes, to trap as many microorganisms as possible within it, avoiding the colonization of tissues and eliminating pathogens from area.
The production of mucus due to infections can cause serious obstructions and even affect the lower respiratory tract , facilitating the appearance of diseases such as bronchitis or pneumonia.
2. Allergies
Allergies are another common cause of accelerated mucus production by the airways. Allergies are exaggerated reactions of our body to some entity (which in immunological terms is known as an antigen), whose presence activates an excessive immune reaction on the part of our body.
Basically, allergies occur when our body “defends itself” much more strongly than it should, against elements that are often harmless, such as pollen. In these cases, antihistamines can reduce the allergic reaction , also reducing other allergic symptoms such as increased mucus.
3. Smoking
Smoking is a very unhealthy habit. In fact, tobacco is one of the major causes of preventable deaths in the world , causing the vast majority of lung cancers in addition to other cardiovascular symptoms.
The constant irritation of the mucous membranes caused by the inhalation of tobacco smoke causes them to respond by producing a higher amount of mucus, which can make breathing difficult and be really annoying. For this reason, smoking is discouraged, especially when we are suffering from some type of respiratory infection, since it can accelerate the evolution of the disease or lengthen its duration, and with it, its symptoms.
4. Environmental pollution
Today, especially in large metropolitan areas, air pollution is a reality . The vast majority of pollution comes from transport, for example in by-products of the combustion of fossil fuels such as diesel or also microparticles that are released from the friction of tires.
In metropolitan areas we have to be especially alert to pollution levels to take care of the health of our respiratory tract. As with tobacco smoke, air pollution causes various health problems. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that around 7 million people die annually due to complications from environmental pollution.
Living in an area with high levels of air pollution not only increases the chances of serious respiratory infections , but also increases the chances of cancer or life-threatening cardiovascular problems. In our day to day, it can also be the cause of abnormal levels of mucus in our throat.
5. Other causes of mucus in the throat
We also find other probable causes of excessive production and accumulation of mucus in the throat, such as very cold temperatures or dry environments (irritate the mucous membranes, promoting mucus production), hormonal changes such as those experienced during pregnancy, or some types of food, such as spicy foods or those derived from milk.
Having a deviation of the nasal septum can also promote a greater than usual build-up of mucus in the throat, which ideally could be remedied with a physical adjustment of the deviation by a healthcare professional, such as a plastic surgeon. Some types of medication can also cause an unexpected increase in mucus in the throat.
How to relieve mucus in the throat
Whatever its origin, there are certain general tips that we can take advantage of to alleviate or eliminate mucus from the throat and be able to breathe with some normality. Experts mainly recommend:
- Hydrate properly (Between 1.5 and 2 liters of water per day)
- Maintain a humid environment, for example with humidifiers
- Avoid excessively dry or cold environments (such as in areas with air conditioning)
- Maintain a balanced diet to help the immune system
- Avoid the consumption of dairy products and derivatives, as they favor the production of mucus
- Ventilate the house 15 minutes a day to avoid the accumulation of pathogens
- Gargling with warm salt water, to hinder infection
- If we smoke, stop smoking. Especially if we have a respiratory tract infection
- Decongestant medication, such as pseudoephedrine, to manage mucus levels
- Sleep with your head elevated to prevent mucus from affecting sleep quality
Bibliographic references
- Ambient air pollution: Health impacts. (2019). World Health Organization. Retrieved September 16, 2019 from https://www.who.int/airpollution/ambient/health-impacts/en/
- Ghosh, A., Boucher, R. C., & Tarran, R. (2015). Airway hydration and COPD. Cellular and molecular life sciences : CMLS, 72(19), 3637–3652. doi:10.1007/s00018-015-1946-7.
- Åstrand, A. B., Hemmerling, M., Root, J., Wingren, C., Pesic, J., Johansson, E., … Tarran, R. (2015). Linking increased airway hydration, ciliary beating, and mucociliary clearance through ENaC inhibition. American journal of physiology. Lung cellular and molecular physiology, 308(1), L22–L32. doi:10.1152/ajplung.00163.2014.
To the classic question “what do you do?” I always answer “basically I am a psychologist”. In fact, my academic training has revolved around the psychology of development, education and community, a field of study influenced my volunteer activities, as well as my first work experiences in personal services.
