Throat clearing happens for many reasons throughout the day, but if you feel something is stuck in your throat, it is often phlegm — and it can linger there for months. Persistent throat clearing shouldn't be dismissed, since chronic throat clearing can damage the vocal cords over time, so identifying the cause is key.
5 Reasons for Persistent Throat Clearing
- Reflux (laryngopharyngeal reflux) — acidic and non-acidic stomach contents traveling up to the throat create a sensation that triggers coughing up mucus.
- Post-nasal drip — when the body overproduces mucus, it drains down the back of the throat and prompts more frequent coughing; this can continue for months in people prone to allergies.
- Zenker's diverticulum — a rare abnormal pouch in the esophagus that can trap food and mucus together in the throat for months or years.
- Chronic motor tic disorder — brief, unexplainable spasms (phonic tics) that typically start before age 18 and last 5 to 6 years, sometimes with facial grimacing, blinking, twitching, shrugging, jerking, grunts, or groans.
- Tourette syndrome — a neurological disorder with involuntary physical and vocal tics, which can include eye blinking, nose twitching, sudden mouth movements, head jerks, and repeating the same words or phrases.
Final Outlook
Throat clearing is common, but if mucus stuck in your throat persists for months and leads to troubled breathing, get checked for allergies and an underlying cause. Contact Pulmonary Medical Consultants, serving Tomball, TX, for a checkup at (281) 357-1300.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition.