Mucus in Throat: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Mucus in the throat occurs when there is an excess buildup of mucus, often due to conditions like colds, allergies, sinusitis, or acid reflux. This can cause a constant feeling that something is stuck in the throat, along with irritation and the need to clear the throat frequently.

Mucus in the throat may worsen when lying down and is often linked to symptoms like coughing, runny nose, or post-nasal drip. In some cases, it can also be associated with chronic conditions such as bronchitis or GERD, which increase mucus production.

Relief for mucus in the throat may include simple measures such as drinking plenty of fluids, doing saltwater gargles, and inhaling steam to help loosen and clear the mucus. It is also important to identify the underlying cause, as treatment may include medications like antihistamines, nasal sprays, or antacids.

What causes mucus in the throat?

Mucus in the throat may be a symptom of: 

1. The common cold

Mucus in the throat is a common symptom of a cold. It happens because the respiratory airways produce more mucus and the throat becomes irritated. The mucus often gets worse when you lie down and may be accompanied by fever, coughing, sneezing, and a stuffy nose.

How to treat: You can perform nasal irrigations with saline solution several times a day, especially if you notice a lot of mucus buildup. If you also have symptoms such as fever or headache, you should see a healthcare provider, who may prescribe pain relievers and fever-reducing medication.

2. COVID-19

COVID-19 can cause mucus in the throat because the virus irritates the airways and increases secretions. It usually appears along with other symptoms, such as fever, cough, stuffy or runny nose, and loss of taste or smell.

Read more about the symptoms of COVID-19 and how it is transmitted. 

How to treat: If you think you may have COVID-19, you should contact your primary care provider, who can recommend treatment such as pain relievers and antivirals. The mucus in your throat usually improves as the infection gets better.

More severe cases may require treatment in the hospital. According to the CDC, emergency warning signs such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or new confusion require immediate medical attention.

3. Allergies

Allergies are another common cause of mucus in the throat. They usually occur together with symptoms such as a runny nose, coughing, sneezing, and watery eyes.

These symptoms are often triggered by contact with dust, pollen, or animal fur.

How to treat: Mucus in the throat caused by allergies usually improves when the triggers, such as dust or pollen, are avoided. It is important to keep your home well ventilated and store newspapers and magazines in closed containers to prevent dust buildup. You should also clean surfaces with a damp cloth or towel to help keep dust levels low.

You should see an allergy specialist or your primary care provider if your symptoms are frequent or severe. Once an allergy is confirmed, treatment may include medications such as antihistamines and corticosteroid nasal sprays.

4. Chronic bronchitis

Chronic bronchitis is a condition that occurs most often in people who smoke. It can lead to mucus in the throat because the airways produce more secretions than normal.

People with chronic bronchitis may also have a productive cough that can last for several months.

How to treat: If you think you may have chronic bronchitis, you should see your primary care provider or a pulmonologist (lung specialist) for an evaluation.

If the diagnosis is confirmed, the doctor may prescribe inhalers, such as bronchodilators and corticosteroids, to help reduce mucus and coughing. Chronic bronchitis related to smoking often improves after a person stops smoking.

5. Sinusitis

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the nasal cavities, which are hollow spaces in the bones of the face. This swelling can lead to mucus in the throat.

Many people also notice yellow nasal discharge, along with facial pain, fever, and coughing.

How to treat: If you have symptoms of sinusitis, you should see your primary care provider or an ENT (ear, nose, and throat specialist) for an evaluation.

The doctor may recommend nasal irrigation with saline solution and, if needed, prescribe medications such as antibiotics and pain relievers.

6. GERD

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can cause mucus in the throat. This happens because acidic stomach contents can flow back into the esophagus, irritating the airways and leading to increased mucus production.

Other common symptoms of GERD include a burning sensation in the throat or chest and the backflow of stomach contents toward the mouth, especially when lying down.

How to treat: GERD symptoms should be evaluated by a primary care provider or a gastroenterologist. If GERD is confirmed, treatment with medications such as antacids can be started, which usually helps relieve the sensation of mucus in the throat.

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), GERD can also be managed with lifestyle changes such as weight loss and avoiding meals close to bedtime.

Learn more about a GERD diet and which foods to avoid. 

7. Laryngeal cancer

Although it is rare, laryngeal cancer can also cause mucus in the throat, along with hoarseness and difficulty swallowing. This type of cancer is more common in older adults and in people who smoke.

How to treat: If you suspect you may have laryngeal cancer, you should seek urgent medical evaluation to confirm the diagnosis and begin treatment. Treatment may include surgical removal of the tumor, radiation therapy, and/or chemotherapy.

Home remedies

Common at-home remedies or mucus in the throat include:

1. Salt water gargles

Salt water gargles are very simple to do and help relieve throat discomfort, because the salt draws water to the lining of the throat. This forms a protective barrier that keeps the throat hydrated, shields it from dust, and helps prevent further irritation.

The following are step-by-step instructions for a saltwater gargle:

1. Mix 1 tablespoon of salt into half a cup of warm water.

2. Stir well until the salt is completely dissolved.

3. Take a sip of the solution and tilt your head back.

4. Gargle the water for at least 30 seconds.

5. Repeat until you have used all of the water.

You can use this method whenever your throat feels very uncomfortable, up to 3 or 4 times a day, and it usually provides quick relief.

2. Essential oils

Eucalyptus essential oil is a natural option that can help loosen mucus stuck in the throat and open the airways. It may also ease throat irritation and reduce discomfort caused by postnasal drip.

To use an essential oil, mix 1 to 2 drops with coconut oil or another vegetable oil, then rub the mixture over your chest. At first, this may trigger a mild cough, but the cough usually decreases and throat irritation tends to improve.

In most cases, eucalyptus essential oil, when properly diluted in a carrier oil, does not cause skin irritation. However, if you notice redness or itching, you should wash the area with water and stop using the essential oil.

3. Lemon tea with honey

Lemon helps to break up mucus, making it thinner and easier to clear from the throat. Honey coats the throat and soothes the irritated tissue. Together, they can help relieve the feeling of something stuck in the throat.

To prepare, mix 2 tablespoons of lemon juice into a cup of hot water and add 1 teaspoon of honey. Stir well and drink the tea while it is still warm.

4. Steam inhalation

Nebulizers help keep the lining of the throat hydrated and loosen mucus, making it easier to clear. You can try:

• Steam inhalation with a bowl: Pour 1 to 2 liters (about 30 to 60 ounces) of boiling water into a bowl, place a towel over your head and the bowl to form a tent, and gently inhale the steam that rises from the bowl.

• Nebulizer use: Use a nebulizer, which is a device that produces a fine mist or steam for you to inhale through a mask.

In either method, you can add a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil to help relieve throat irritation and coughing.

Always be careful with hot water to avoid burns, and keep bowls of hot water and steam inhalations out of reach of children.

5. Increased hydration

Although this may seem like a simple tip, drinking 2 liters (about 8 to 10 glasses of water) is one of the most effective ways to reduce excess mucus in the throat.

Drinking water helps moisten the secretions that are stuck there, making them easier to clear with coughing. Herbal teas or coconut water can also be consumed in place of plain water.

When to see a doctor 

You should see a doctor for further evaluation if you have constant mucus in your throat that does not improve, especially if you also have:

• Fever

• Shortness of breath

• Hoarseness

• Coughing

• Unexplained weight loss

• Burning in the throat, chest, or mouth

In these situations, mucus in the throat may be a sign of a more serious condition, such as sinusitis, GERD, or even cancer, so it is important to see a healthcare provider to identify the underlying cause.