Mucus in the Throat: Causes and Treatment

Mucus in the throat or postnasal drip - where does it come from and why?

Postnasal drip is a condition where mucus from the nasal cavity flows down the back of the throat, causing unpleasant sensations and discomfort. This process can affect overall health, mood, and even quality of life.

Imagine your nose is a tube that constantly produces mucus. Normally, this mucus flows down the back of the nose and throat without causing discomfort. However, when this «tube» starts working too hard or there is a problem with its functionality, mucus can accumulate and flow down the throat, creating a sensation like a «puddle» in the throat.

Why does postnasal drip occur?

In a healthy body, mucus is produced constantly. It serves as a protective barrier, helping to moisturize the mucous membrane, catch microbes, and dust. When functioning normally, this process occurs almost unnoticed. Mucus can flow down the throat if it is produced in slightly larger quantities than usual, for example, in cold or dry weather.

When mucus starts flowing down the throat in excessive amounts or changes its character, it can be a sign of problems. Let's consider the main reasons:

1. Colds, flu, or sinusitis cause increased mucus production. The mucus becomes thicker and darker, which may indicate that the body is fighting an infection.
2. Pollen, pet hair, mold, and other allergens cause inflammation in the nasal passages and increase nasal secretions. This is similar to water overflowing from a bathtub when it's overfilled.
3. Gastroesophageal reflux can also cause a feeling of postnasal drip, as stomach acid can irritate the mucous membrane of the throat and nose.
4. Lack of moisture in the room dries out the nasal mucosa, leading to the formation of thick mucus.

What can mucus in the throat do?

• irritate the throat and cause coughing, especially at night
• leave an unpleasant taste and sensation in the mouth
• make breathing difficult, especially during physical activity
• cause discomfort, irritability, fatigue, and decreased concentration

How to get rid of postnasal drip?

Postnasal drip causes dryness and irritation in the nasopharynx, so the first thing to do is to relieve discomfort by moisturizing the nasal mucosa. At the same time, it is necessary to treat the underlying disease that caused excessive mucus production from the nose.

1. Nasal irrigation. These can be sprays with sea water in the form of a shower or jet. It is necessary to rinse the nose 3-4 times a day to clean the nasal cavity.
2. Humidification and restoration of the nose. Excessive mucus production and its flow/drying on the wall of the nasopharynx lead to damage to the structure and disruption of the mucous membrane microflora. To accelerate recovery, it is necessary to use preparations for humidification and restoration of the mucous membrane. Olyfrin spray with a natural composition is 3 in 1: cleaning the nose from crusts, moisturizing and restoring the damaged structure of the mucous membrane, protecting the nasal cavity from drying out and fighting viruses-causative agents due to vitamin E and hyaluronic acid. It does not cause addiction and is the number 1 means of combating postnasal drip according to ENT doctors.
3. Regular drinking. «Moisturizing the body» from the inside helps maintain mucus in a more liquid state and facilitates its outflow.

1. The doctor may prescribe antiviral, antihistamine, or antibiotic medications if necessary.
2. In some cases, the use of steroid nasal sprays may be required to reduce inflammation and mucus production.