How to Remove Mucus in the Throat

Coughing helps get rid of mucus, so you shouldn’t hold your cough. Rinse your mouth with warm water mixed with salt and drink plenty of water. Besides, you can apply steam or appropriate medicine. Alternatively, consider using natural ingredients and avoiding foods that stimulate mucus production, such as dairy products. Ultimately, you should identify the cause of the mucus (for example, an allergy) and seek treatment.

Table of Contents

Basic treatment methods

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Get rid of phlegm or mucus in the throat by coughing. If mucus builds up in your throat, you can cough to push the mucus out. Find a private place like the bathroom and try to cough or spit to get the mucus out of your throat. Do not cough too hard or too much to avoid injury.

Gargle with warm salt water. Dissolve a teaspoon of salt in 240 ml of warm water. Fill your mouth with water, tilt your head back (do not swallow salt water) and start rinsing so that the water reaches the depths of your throat.

Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Drinking water properly helps to dilute the mucus on the throat wall as the water moves down the esophagus. You can drink proven mucus-thinning fluids such as:

Warm tea with honey and lemon. Honey and lemon tea should be a regular choice. The acidity of lemon is great for breaking up mucus, and honey will create a protective layer for the throat.
Warm soup. Chicken soup is a favorite because the broth is thin and helps reduce mucus. Note that you should eat thin soup instead of thick and too fatty soup.
Cool water. Drink as much water as possible to keep your body hydrated.

Try using herbal and natural ingredients

Use eucalyptus oil. Eucalyptus essential oil has long been used as an herb to help reduce mucus. The most effective way to use it is to apply a carrier oil (such as coconut oil) to the upper chest area, then apply a few drops of eucalyptus oil. At first, this method may make you cough more, but later will help thin the mucus in the throat.

Adding a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil to a steam generator can also help. Remember not to drink eucalyptus oil .

Add turmeric powder to water to aid digestion. Turmeric acts as an antiseptic. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder and 1 teaspoon of honey in 240 ml of hot water. Drink turmeric water several times for best results.

Eat spicy foods to help thin the mucus and drain it out. There are many spicy foods that can help reduce mucus, such as:

Mustard or horseradish
Peppers, such as Jalapeno or Anaheim ớt
Ginger or garlic

Avoid mucus-producing foods and irritants

Stay away from milk and dairy products. Although evidence is mixed ^{[2] X Sources of research} on how dairy products increase mucus, it’s best to avoid milk if you think mucus increases after taking it. The cause is thought to be due to the high amount of fat in milk, which makes the mucus thicker and more irritating.

Stay away from soy products. Although high in protein and good for health, soy products, such as soy milk, tofu, and soy sauce, can increase mucus viscosity and cause mucus accumulation. If possible, it is best to avoid soy products to be on the safe side.

Quit smoking. There’s one more reason if you haven’t quit. Smoking irritates the throat, impairs respiratory function, and causes congestion.

Avoid other irritants such as harsh chemicals or paint. Paints and household cleaning products such as ammonia can irritate the nose and throat, increasing mucus secretion.

Diagnose the problem

Determine if you have a cold. Do you know why a cold is accompanied by persistent mucus discharge? Mucus performs 2 functions which are ^{[3] X Research source} :

Covers the internal organs of the body, keeps them moist and prevents them from drying out.
Acts as the first line of defense against pollutants and bacteria (they are often trapped in mucus before entering the rest of the body).

Determine if postnasal drip syndrome is present. Postnasal drip is when the body produces too much mucus, causing it to flow down the throat instead of out of the nose. ^{[4] X Research Source} Postnasal drip syndrome can be caused by colds or allergies, certain medications (including those for high blood pressure), deviated nasal septum, and smoke from irritants. response. See your doctor right away if a foul-smelling or runny nose persists for more than 10 days.

Determine if the mucus is due to seasonal allergies or an allergic reaction. Allergies can stimulate mucus secretion. Mucus from allergies is usually clear, while mucus from a cold or flu is usually greenish-yellow. ^{[5] X Research Source} If allergies are suspected, you should avoid going outside on days with high levels of pollen in the air and stay away from:

Moldy moss
Pet fur
Dust mites

Determine if pregnancy is making the mucus discharge worse. Pregnancy can be one of the factors that increase mucus secretion. While you can’t take anything other than a decongestant like Claritin, you’ll be more comfortable knowing that the increased mucus won’t last forever.

Assess whether the mucus on the tongue is fungal. If most of the mucus seems to be on the back of the tongue it could be a sign of oral thrush caused by candida. You may also see the following symptoms: ^{[6] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}

White sores on the tongue, inner cheeks, gums, tonsils, and upper roof of the mouth.
Red
Hot
Painful
Loss of taste
Feels like there’s a cotton ball in my mouth

Advice

Stay away from paint and fumes as they will clog your throat.
Try spicy food.
Drink a glass of warm water mixed with honey every morning.
Rest and drink herbal tea.
Hot water, lemon juice, honey and a little cinnamon make a great drink.
Gargle with warm salt water every hour or 30 minutes if needed.
Take a warm bath every day. The steam will help you breathe easier.
Seek medical attention right away if you start coughing up blood or greenish-yellow mucus.
Lie down with a pillow with your head elevated to reduce mucus secretion and ease coughing.
Avoid drinking cold water. Instead, you should drink herbal tea or water mixed with honey.

Steps

Basic treatment methods

Try using herbal and natural ingredients

Avoid mucus-producing foods and irritants

Diagnose the problem

Advice

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