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You can get mucus in the throat from:
Mucus that drains backward from the nose is called postnasal drip. It can be caused by allergies (hay fever) or a viral infection, such as the common cold. Some people develop postnasal drip without having allergies or an infection. This is called vasomotor rhinitis.
People with sinus infections produce a lot mucus inside the sinus. This mucus can drip down and collect in the throat.
Normally, we are constantly swallowing saliva and small amounts of mucus. If you have a swallowing disorder, saliva and mucus will stay in the mouth and throat rather than moving down into the esophagus.
Acid reflux up to the throat can stimulate mucus production.
You can treat allergic and vasomotor rhinitis with:
GERD usually gets better with dietary measures, not lying down after eating and, acid-suppressive therapy. You can also elevate the head of the bed to decrease acid reflux and mucus in the throat.
Treatment of swallowing disorders may include special instructions on head position with swallowing and dietary changes.
To find out what the problem is, visit your doctor to review the above possibilities. After examining you, your doctor may also suggest x-rays to check out your sinuses or swallowing process.
Once there is a diagnosis, treatment is usually successful.
- Nasal problems
- Sinus infections
- Swallowing disorder
- Acid reflux (GERD)
Mucus that drains backward from the nose is called postnasal drip. It can be caused by allergies (hay fever) or a viral infection, such as the common cold. Some people develop postnasal drip without having allergies or an infection. This is called vasomotor rhinitis.
People with sinus infections produce a lot mucus inside the sinus. This mucus can drip down and collect in the throat.
Normally, we are constantly swallowing saliva and small amounts of mucus. If you have a swallowing disorder, saliva and mucus will stay in the mouth and throat rather than moving down into the esophagus.
Acid reflux up to the throat can stimulate mucus production.
You can treat allergic and vasomotor rhinitis with:
- Nasal irrigations
- Inhaled steroid nasal sprays
- Antihistamines
- Decongestants
- Or any combination of the above
GERD usually gets better with dietary measures, not lying down after eating and, acid-suppressive therapy. You can also elevate the head of the bed to decrease acid reflux and mucus in the throat.
Treatment of swallowing disorders may include special instructions on head position with swallowing and dietary changes.
To find out what the problem is, visit your doctor to review the above possibilities. After examining you, your doctor may also suggest x-rays to check out your sinuses or swallowing process.
Once there is a diagnosis, treatment is usually successful.
Continue Learning about Throat Disorders
Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.