Throat clearing is one of those behaviours we do unconsciously until it becomes hard to stop. A slight tickling sensation in the throat, a feeling of mucus, or the feeling that something is stuck can make people try to clear their throats. Though this may provide some temporary relief, sometimes frequent throat clearing can cause further irritation.
The reasons for this behaviour are not always clear. Acid reflux, nasal allergies and post-nasal drip can all cause the need to clear the throat, which can irritate the vocal cords and keep the process going. Therefore, knowing the causes of this persistent sensation is important to effectively manage it and protect vocal health.
Common causes of persistent throat clearing
- Silent reflux: Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), commonly known as silent reflux, is a condition whereby gastric juices reflux back into the throat. In contrast to regular acid reflux, which causes heartburn, silent reflux can lead to frequent throat clearing, coughing, hoarseness or a sensation of something stuck in the throat.
- Post-nasal drip: Conditions affecting the nose, such as allergies and sinusitis, cause excessive mucus secretion that ends up dripping into the throat and can be felt as a constant presence there, hence causing throat clearing. Such an occurrence can happen frequently in the morning or when lying down.
- Medication Side Effects: Some medications have side effects that can cause a constant dry cough or sore throat. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should consult their doctor before making changes to their medication.
- Dehydration and Environmental Irritants: Dehydration leads to the production of thick and sticky mucus in the throat, whereas dry air, air conditioners, dust and smoke cause irritation in the throat.
Simple ways to reduce throat clearing
- Replace forceful clearing with gentle swallowing: When there is a need to clear the throat, try swallowing gently or having a small amount of water. In case there is a need to remove mucus, a gentle huff using an open mouth, like fogging a mirror, may assist in removing mucus without the continuous strain of the vocal cords.
- Control nasal allergies and congestion: When postnasal drip is responsible for throat clearing, finding out what the trigger is – such as dust mites, pollen, or pet dander – can be helpful. In addition, using a saline nasal spray can be helpful in removing the excess mucus. For nasal rinses, use sterile, distilled or boiled and cooled water.
- Avoiding the triggers for reflux: If the symptoms get worse after meals and/or when one wakes up in the morning, refrain from eating about two to three hours before sleeping. Using a wedge pillow to raise the head of the bed may also help in reducing nighttime reflux.
- Keep the throat moist: Drinking water often during the day is highly recommended, especially in air-conditioned rooms. Using a clean humidifier in case of dry air indoors may also be helpful in alleviating irritation. It is advisable to avoid smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke.
When should one consult an ENT specialist?
If throat clearing persists for more than three to four weeks, particularly alongside symptoms such as hoarseness, difficulty swallowing or a persistent sore throat, consulting an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist can help identify the underlying cause and guide appropriate treatment.
Since throat clearing has several possible causes, it is essential to know the cause of the problem. Eventually, a proper diagnosis combined with a change in lifestyle can help reduce throat irritation, break the cycle of repeated clearing and protect long-term vocal health.
The author is a leading ENT and Head and Neck Surgery expert at Apollo Spectra Hospital, Chennai.
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of THE WEEK.
