Mucus is a sticky element which protects our health from infections, allergens, dust and viruses. The goblet cells of the throat, sinuses and lungs produce mucus, which is thin and less noticeable when the body remains in healthy condition. But, when the body becomes sick, the phlegm becomes thick and traps foreign particles. Hence, it causes excessive production of mucus in throat. Phlegm is sticky and appears at the back of the throat when you deal with illness.
Now, in this article, we will list out the best remedies and treatments to get rid of the mucus.
Some Common Causes of Mucus in Throat
Now, before moving on to the remedies for mucus in the throat, let’s understand its reasons –
- Changes in certain environmental factors like weather and humidity can cause mucus.
- Infection and irritants cause the overproduction of mucus in throat. Infections can trigger the submucosal glands to produce more mucus.
- Allergies cause inflammation and generate more mucus.
- Lung diseases such as asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) lead to the production of mucus in the lungs and the airways. In some cases, an individual can’t expel enough mucus during coughing, which causes a pool of mucus in the back of the throat.
| Did You Know? Acid reflux may become the cause of the overproduction of mucus. Thus, people tending to heartburn should avoid foods, which trigger acid reflux. |
Home Remedies for Curing Mucus in Throat
These home remedies help to reduce the mucus –
- Increase the Humidity of the Air
By increasing the humidity of the surrounding air, you can get effective results on mucus in throat. Using a cool mist humidifier can give relaxation from phlegm. Having said that, make sure you are using the humidifier as per the instructions on the package and change the water every day for the best result.
- Drink Plenty of Fluids and Water
Excessive production of mucus in the body can cause the individual to get dehydrated. Thus, the most significant factor to consider for reducing the mucus is to keep the body hydrated. Drinking plenty of water and fluids, like juice, soup and decaffeinated tea, prevents the mucus from getting thick inside the throat.
- Gargling With Salt Water
The affected person can add one teaspoon of salt in warm water and start gargling as much as possible per day. Saltwater provides a soothing effect for throat irritation and helps to reduce the mucus.
- Honey
Honey decreases the coughing caused by phlegm. A medical study in 2021 shows that honey has the power to suppress the cough. Also, it can omit the need for antibiotics for people with upper respiratory infections.
- Apply a Warm and Wet Washcloth on Face
People who suffer from sinus headaches can apply warm and wet washcloths on the face. Inhaling with a damp cloth helps to get back the moisture in the nose and throat. It also reduces the headache.
- Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus essential oil reduces the excessive mucus from the chest. It releases the mucus and helps to cough more easily. Furthermore, it can cure a nagging cough. You can inhale the vapour of eucalyptus oil or use a balm containing eucalyptus oil.
- Take a Hot Shower
Taking a bath with warm water decreases and clears mucus in throat and nose. Also, inhaling warm water vapour helps get rid of sinus pressure.
- Allergy Management
Seasonal allergies increase the mucus, phlegm and stuffy nose. Thus, efficiently managing allergies can help to reduce mucus. By using a saline nasal spray, you can manage your mucus. The spray contains sodium chloride with distilled or sterile water, and it is good for reducing the mucus.
- Eat Respiratory Health-promoting Foods
Consume foods that include ginger, garlic and lemon. A survey in 2018 found that these ingredients help to reduce mucus, colds and coughs. Foods like berries, ginseng, echinacea and liquorice root reduce the risk of respiratory disease. Additionally, spicy foods like chilli peppers or cayenne temporarily slack out the mucus and clear sinuses.
| Pro Tip: Avoid smoking or second-hand smoke when suffering from cough and cold. As it can cause increased mucus generation. |
Medications for Mucus in Throat
Doctors prescribe several medications to control the excessive production of mucus. The medications are –
- Expectorants: These medications help to loosen the mucus and make the cough easier to pass. You can buy these over-the-counter (OTC) and consume them.
- Mucolytics: These drugs work as the mucus thinner. Thus, they make it easy to release the mucus. These are also available OTC. The available mucolytics in the market are – N-acetylcysteine, hypertonic saline and dornase alfa.
- Decongestants: Decongestants help to dry up additional mucus. As a result, the expulsion of mucus becomes difficult while coughing.
Conclusion
In most cases, home remedies give positive results against the mucus in throat. Generally, it doesn’t cause serious concern. Several health conditions lead to mucus formation, and if one can’t get a cure from the home remedies, he/she should consult a doctor. The doctor will prescribe some medications to get rid of the mucus.
