Mucus in the throat: causes, symptoms and treatment features

Mucus serves as a defense against pathogenic microflora, bacteria and viruses. When they enter the body with glands located in the nasopharynx, a viscous secretion is produced, which does not allow it to spread further. But sometimes mucus in the throat is produced in large quantities, which complicates normal breathing and swallowing. The causes of this phenomenon and treatment principles are discussed in the article.

Why does it appear?

What are the causes of mucus in the throat? Excess sputum is formed as a reaction to an agent foreign to the human body. They are able to protect the mucosa and eliminate the pathogen from its surface.

With increased activity of the epithelial cells of the oropharynx or bronchi, mucus accumulates in the throat. It drains from the sinuses with inflammation of the upper respiratory tract and irritates the larynx, leading to coughing.

The reasons for the accumulation of excess sputum in the throat include the following factors:

1. Microorganisms. Their group includes viruses, bacteria and yeast-like fungi. With them, the appearance of an infection of the respiratory tract - laryngitis, bronchitis, tonsillitis is likely. This is one of the main causes of mucus in the throat. A wet cough and runny nose will disappear a few days after the cure.
2. Allergens. If the immune system is hyperactive, then the body perceives some respirable components as infectious carriers. These include plant pollen, house dust, insect feces. Often the cause of mucus in the throat is associated with allergens.
3. Tumor. It is malignant or benign. If mucus from the throat is constantly sprinkled, the reason may be this factor. An increase in the secretory active cells of the mucosa is not considered the main sign, but it often accompanies the disease.
4. Digestive disorders. With many disorders (for example, with reflux, gastritis), the acidic contents of the intestine penetrate the esophagus and respiratory tract. In these cases, the mucosal cells produce more fluid secretions. It is also considered the cause of mucus in the throat.

Some foods slightly increase the amount of sputum, for example, pepper or milk with high fat content. Smokers and people who work for a long period in a gas or smoke room also experience mucus in their throats in the morning. The reasons are different, but whatever they are, it still causes discomfort.

Other reasons

Why does mucus accumulate in the throat? The reasons may be different:

1. Diseases of the lower respiratory tract. Usually they appear in the form of cough, chest pain, apathy. Doctors can diagnose the problem based on the appearance of the discharge. Colorless mucus is evidence of asthma. If it has the color of rust, then it is pneumonia. The presence of foam confirms pulmonary edema, and blood secretions confirm tumors.
2. Inflammation. They can also cause a lump of mucus in the throat. Inflammation of the nasopharynx suggests the appearance of such ailments as sinusitis, sinusitis, pharyngitis or adenoiditis. Pathologies are divided into acute and chronic. Treatment is performed after examination.
3. Improper lifestyle, eating disorders, negative environmental factors. If the mucus in the throat is constantly observed, the cause of its appearance may be the use of cold or hot food, salty and spicy foods, spices. This may be due to smoking. The cause of mucus in the throat in the morning can be inhaled dirty air and dust.
4. Features of the structure of the nose. If the nasal cavity is not properly developed, then there are violations in the outflow of mucus. If the mucus is constantly in the throat, the cause may lie in the curvature of the septum, fracture of the cartilage and bones, and the displacement of the nose to the side.

Symptoms

With the accumulation of mucus in the larynx, coughing and swallowing can eliminate it. This phenomenon can manifest itself in the form of:

• sore throat;
• lumps that when swallowed do not disappear;
• pain symptoms when eating solid food, swallowing;
• nasal congestion;
• sneezing
• swollen lymph nodes;
• temperature
• body aches;
• bad sour breath.

Symptoms may occur as all, or some of them. If this phenomenon causes discomfort, then you should not endure it. Medical assistance is needed, which will allow timely identification of the cause and prescribe treatment.

What to do?

The causes and treatment of mucus in the throat are interconnected, therefore, the factor that led to this is first identified. Some are trying to independently eliminate this phenomenon. Usually, mucus appears before coughing, and at this stage, home treatment is considered more effective. Since it is a case of colds, consultation with a specialist is not always necessary. But when the following factors appear, a doctor's examination is necessary:

1. Temperature from 37.5 degrees. This indicates an infection that can be stopped with antibiotics and antiviral agents. Only a doctor should prescribe and select them.
2. Age is under 1 year. Accumulation of mucus in the baby’s airways is considered dangerous. In infancy, treatment must be performed under the supervision of a physician.
3. Cough lasts over 2 weeks. A prolonged course of the disease can be a symptom of bronchitis, tuberculosis, and throat cancer. The doctor can determine the cause and treatment of mucus in the throat when examining and listening to the lungs.

What do they do with blood or pus?

There are pyogenic bacteria that cause great harm. The presence of pus is determined by a dense lump of mucus that is not swallowed or is very difficult to do. Often, the cure is difficult because microorganisms often develop protective mechanisms against certain antibiotics.

Resistance score varies by location. Sometimes it is necessary to isolate the pathogen from sputum and determine its sensitivity to drugs. Only a practitioner can prescribe an effective drug, and often this is done only after a laboratory test.

Actions in other cases

The following situations occur:

1. A person has severe sore throat, aggravated by swallowing, and also manifested by a violation of the tone of the voice. This is characteristic both for non-dangerous ailments, for example, laryngitis and tracheitis, and for an expanding tumor. In the latter situation, the symptoms increase: at first there is a feeling as if something is interfering, and then there are difficulties with swallowing liquid food. A doctor examines the back of the throat with a pharyngoscope and establishes the cause of discomfort.
2. Pain behind the sternum. With this symptom, x-rays and listening to the lungs are necessary thanks to a phonendoscope. This will determine if there is pneumonia.
3. Runny nose, headache. Symptoms may indicate sinusitis, and then treatment to restore the throat will be ineffective.
4. Enhanced sputum, in which there is an acidic taste in the mouth, pain in the stomach, especially after spicy or smoked food. Then you need to examine the stomach cavity with an endoscope.

Sputum Removal

When the causes of persistent mucus in the throat are identified, treatment will be effective with the use of suitable agents. With the elimination of the provoking factor or the cure of the source of the disease, it is necessary to act directly on the symptom itself.

Especially relevant therapy for dry cough, when there is no expectoration of sputum. Such measures are available at home:

1. Rinsing. This method helps eliminate mucus from the throat. Its use is allowed from 3 years. It is not so easy for younger children to explain the sequence of actions, they swallow the solution, which is dangerous.
2. Inhalation. There are 2 ways to carry out the event - dry and wet (steam). The second type includes the therapeutic effect of heating. It is forbidden at elevated temperature, the presence in the throat of ulcers and erosion. Inhalations are performed without special devices, you can inhale the vapor over the pan or with the use of a nebulizer, which is much safer, because there is no risk of burns.
3. Secretolytics and mucolytics. When sputum is very thick, removing it may be difficult. Then symptoms such as coughing, perspiration, pain during swallowing are likely. The doctor prescribes drugs that can thin the sputum, enhance its production or affect the secret.

Folk remedies

To improve mucus abduction, you can not go to the pharmacy to purchase expensive drugs. The following fees will help get rid of this phenomenon:

1. Sage with camomile and calendula. Herbs are especially effective for those whose inflammation is bacterial in nature. When they are taken, the sore throat softens, mucus is separated. The broth has a bactericidal effect.
2. Liquorice root. It is sold in the form of syrup and tincture. Due to its pleasant taste, it can be used for children. The drug is able to reduce coughing attacks, but with it the amount of sputum excreted increases.
3. Marshall, elecampane. Such a collection should be taken only by adults due to the presence in plants of components similar to the structure of the human genital organs. It enhances expectoration.
4. Coltsfoot, Thermopsis. These plants with prolonged use have a toxic effect, but can eliminate the problems of sputum separation. The secret also liquefies with them due to the presence of saponins and alkaloids.

The use of synthetic pharmacy products

With serious problems and a lack of desire to cook decoctions, tinctures, you can purchase a finished product. In pharmacies, many drugs are available for children and adults:

1. "Bromhexine." The medicine has no contraindications. Side effects are rare, they are associated with indigestion and allergic manifestations. The drug has an effect on the glands of the bronchi, it is able to increase their production of liquid secretion, because of which its viscosity is lost.
2. "Ambroxol". The drug acts like the previous one, but more effective and rarely leads to side effects. "Ambroxol" can be used for premature babies and babies with respiratory failure.
3. "Carbocysteine." The medicine acts on the mass of sputum, diluting it. It positively affects the mucosa, restoring and healing it. It can not be used during pregnancy and lactation, with some diseases of the kidneys and LCD. It is undesirable to use with antitussive agents, as they are able to weaken the effect of each other.
4. Mesna. The product is able to dilute sputum, and also has an expectorant effect. It is used in the form of a solution for inhalation and a nasal aerosol. It has side effects on the digestive tract and respiratory system. It should be used carefully by the elderly and newborn babies. Ampoules with residues must be disposed of, as the component is oxidized in air.

Prevention

Since mucus in the throat is only a symptom, and not a separate disease, there are no specific preventive measures to prevent its appearance. But still there are rules to reduce the risk:

1. The room must have sufficient humidity.
2. You should get rid of bad habits - smoking and drinking alcohol.
3. At the time of the peak of colds, it is recommended to use oxolinic ointment or wear a gauze bandage.
4. Once a year, you need to go to the ENT doctor, do fluorography.
5. If the cough is lingering, you should contact a specialist.

Output

Mucus in the throat worries many people. Although this symptom may not cause severe inconvenience, you should not ignore it. It is better to consult a doctor about the causes and treatment. And effective preventive measures will prevent this unpleasant condition.