Mucus is the thick and sticky fluid that infrequently clogs up nasal passages and also throat. This mucus consists of cells that line the sinus passages and is a sign that the immune system is functioning well. Daily, human body produces some degree of mucus to fight some sort of infection. Mucus can also be a symptom of serious cases of flu or cold that causes some discomforts like sneezing, coughing, rattling in the chest, and wheezing. Mucus in the nasal passages is easier to flush out but the mucus in the throat tends to get stuck and causes much irritation.

Excessive mucus in throat or post nasal drip can be very irritating to any person. Yellow or green thick mucus is a symptom that the body is fighting but the darker the color and the thicker texture of mucus indicates more serious infection. Throat mucus can be described as uncomfortable feeling due to clogging of throat by the mucus. Mucus build up can result in to serious respiratory problems if not treated well. A constant need on the part of the affected person to clear his throat, as well as a feeling that something is trapped inside the throat or that there is a lump in the throat are symptoms of excessive mucus in throat.

Causes of Excessive Mucus in Throat:

Allergies:

The most common causes for mucus in throat are allergies such as those caused by pollens, smoke, pollution and even by food, such as those resulting from lactose intolerance. It can cause excessive mucus production by the mucus membrane. People who are hypersensitive to smoke, fumes and noxious gases should avoid exposure to these triggering factors. While going out, make sure that the nose and mouth are covered completely.

Smoking:

Smoking is one of the primary causes of excessive mucus production in the nose as well as phlegm in the throat and so you might be aware of the various effects of smoking. Prolonged smoking causes inflammation of the mucus lining and so it triggers increased production of mucus in the nose and throat. Excessive consumption of alcohol and caffeinated foods are also responsible for this.

Food Reactions:

Mucus in throat also takes place after ingestion of certain foods. Especially during the onset of the common cold, seasonal flu and fever, Milk and dairy products aggravate mucus in throat. Other food items that worsen throat mucus are eggs, wheat based products and whole-grains.

Infections:

Sinus infections, which cause inflammation in the paranasal sinuses, tend to secrete excessive amounts of mucus as a defense mechanism. Mucus helps to fight against invading microbes. In order to be expelled out of the body, the excess and thick mucus is then accumulated in the throat.

Viral Disease:

Viral infections such as measles, whooping cough, chicken pox and mononucleosis are other less common causes of throat mucus. Briefly, any type of infection, either by bacteria, fungi or virus, trigger excess mucus production in the nose and throat.

Physiological Problem:

Throat mucus can also be triggered by impairment of the nasal and throat functionality. Effective mucus removal is absent as these parts are malfunctioned and mucus get stuck in the nose and throat. So, many people having difficulty in swallowing face a throat mucus problem. Having a deviated septum, a condition in which the cartilage separating the nose in two sides’ moves is one structural problem resulting in a change in the way mucus flows.

Excessive throat mucus triggers frequent throat clearing which causes irritation and mild bleeding at times. Some people also notice a tinge of blood in throat mucus and it is also related with other symptoms like throat pain, sore throat and inflammation.

Treatments for Excess Mucus in Throat:

Decongestants, nasal sprays, nasal drops and expectorant cough medicines are medical treatments for excessive mucus. If the mucus build up is due to some allergy or infection, treat it first with antihistamines. In case of an infection, doctors usually prescribe antibiotics. Some home remedies are also effective to treat excessive mucus in throat.

Home remedies for Excess Mucus in Throat:

Essential Oils:

Mucus removal is easily taken place by massaging essential oils on the chest and the throat. Combine Mix a teaspoon each of lavender oil, peppermint oil and thyme in two tablespoons of olive oil, and massage the mixture all over your throat and chest. This will loosen up the accumulated mucus in throat and helps either cough it up or blow it out through the nose.

Herbal Teas:

Drinking hot herbal teas such as lemon tea or chamomile tea, with a dash of honey is the best way to get rid of excess mucus naturally. Honey helps you to relief from any kind of irritation that might be there. Herbal teas are good source of antioxidants and helps in boosting the immune system. So, they help to ward off all infections.

Garlic and Ginger:

An anti-inflammatory property of ginger helps to get rid of throat irritation and mucus. So chew on a small piece of ginger to get rid of this. As garlic is an all natural antibiotic, consume five six cloves of garlic daily which helps in fighting infections. So, consumption of it will help you to get rid of excessive mucus which is caused due to a bacterial infection.

Gargle and Steam:

Add a bit of salt to hot water. Gargling of this solution helps in soothing the throat irritation. Also, it helps in warming up the throat area, so loosening the mucus, which can be coughed out thereafter. Add eucalyptus oil to hot water and take steam. It is another way of to loosen and get rid of excessive mucus in throat.

Other home remedies:

Doing a lung exercise can also help in mucus congestion home treatment. This treatment is just very simple as it only involves deep breathing and an instant cough.

In some cases, there are also commercial saline solutions such as saltwater that can be useful in clearing the nasal and sinus passages.

As a simplest thing, you can dispose it off by blowing it out of your nose or coughing it out. This is at the onset of the presence of mucus in the body.

Drinking tea for example peppermint tea, lemon tea, or even chicken soup has been proven to solve problems surrounding excessive mucus.

A simple breathing exercise can also help you to deal with excess mucus. Even after you cough out the mucus, you can do four to five times of deep breathing regularly. This helps your lungs to gather the fresh air that it needs.

Herbs:

Some herbs such as chickweed, fenugreek, licorice, mullein, and sage may help to treat excess mucus from the throat, according to All-Natural.com. Anyone who seeks for herbal treatment should first speak to their doctor and seek the consult of a licensed naturopath having knowledge about possible side effects and contraindications. For example, pregnant women should avoid licorice and sage, because they could potentially stimulate miscarriage, according to the website BabyCenter.

Dietary changes:

The type of diet that people consume determines whether food allergies are related with mucus production or not. Food allergies can also be caused by diets low in nutrients and high in processed foods containing simple sugars, chemicals, unhealthy fats and carbohydrates. Healthy diet removes many food allergies and also removes mucus production due to nutrient deficiencies in the diet.

To prevent excess mucus buildup, supplement the diet with vitamin C, E and zinc. Reduced L-glutathione is also effective to break down and eliminate excess mucus. Also, it has capacity to bind with heavy metals and transport them out of the body. Fresh air and exercise help to detoxify the body which will help to decrease mucus production. Echinacea, calendula and goldenseal are the herbs which have antibiotic properties can treat the infection that leads to mucus production. These herbs are also effective at carrying balance to intestinal flora vital to body health and boosting the immune system.

Tips to prevent and soothe throat mucus:

Drink at least eight glasses of water every day to loosen phlegm and thin mucus. It is also good for your overall health.

Gargle regularly with warm water and salt.

Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to a vaporizer to loosen phlegm and relieve congestion.

Blow your nose regularly to prevent mucus from draining into your throat.

Swallow hot liquids for example herbal tea or chicken broth to moisten the airways and break up the mucus

Breathe in steam from a tub of boiling water or hot shower that help to loose mucus in the throat and sinus congestion

Limit exposure to irritants for example household cleaners, paint fumes, chemicals or cigarette smoke

To loosen mucus and phlegm and relieve congestion, add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to a vaporizer.

Eat spicy foods, horseradish or hot chili peppers as they also help to loosen mucus

Stop smoking because it irritates the throat and worsens respiratory conditions.

Avoid consumption of foods such as dairy products, meat or fried foods that increase mucus production.

Mix a teaspoon of turmeric to half a glass of milk and drink it. Turmeric contains antiseptic properties that fight infection.

Use a humidifier or cool fog vaporizer in your bedroom at night to thin the mucus. This helps to moisten the air and is particularly helpful during winter.