Do you suffer from constant phlegm in the throat and a stuffy nose that’s hard to clear? Postnasal drip and frequent throat clearing can indicate imbalanced digestive function.
While throat and nasal mucus can be a sign of bacterial infection, persistent and chronic phlegm caused by too much mucus production can result from low stomach acid.
Let’s look at the link between low stomach acid and excessive mucus production and the steps you can take to get rid of phlegm fast.
What is phlegm?
Mucus glands in the lungs, nasal passages, and throat produce mucus to lubricate and moisten the upper airways and protect the lungs and sinuses from irritants and allergens by trapping debris and bacteria.
However, excessive mucus production results in phlegm build-up, which can cause frequent throat clearing, postnasal drip, difficulty swallowing, chronic sinus congestion, and a persistent cough.
Excess mucus in your throat can indicate various health issues, including chronic lung disease, bacterial infections, and food allergies. It’s typically treated with over-the-counter medication to loosen mucus and nasal sprays to clear congestion.
However, many people suffer from constant phlegm unrelated to an infection or allergic reaction and don’t improve with medications, inhalants, sinus rinse, or other treatments.
It has been suggested that imbalanced digestive function is one of the most common undiagnosed causes of treatment-resistant, chronic phlegm.
Watch the video below to discover the real cause of constant phlegm.
The most common cause of constant phlegm in your throat
Stomach acid plays a vital role in the breakdown and digestion of foods and is the body’s first-line defense against invading microbes.
Low stomach acid, or hypochlorhydria, is a common issue that can significantly impact digestive health and has been linked to excessive mucus production, particularly in individuals with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR).
Although it’s widely believed that reflux is caused by excessive stomach acid, research published in Integrative Medicine suggests that insufficient acid can impair the closure of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), triggering the reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus or larynx.1
“If the valve at the top of your stomach doesn’t sense enough acidity, it may fail to close properly, allowing stomach content to rise into the throat, which can trigger mucus production,” explains Dr. Berg.
Additionally, low stomach acid levels can result in incomplete digestion and the formation of gas bubbles that increase the pressure within the stomach. This can also cause the reflux of stomach content, including hydrochloric acid, into the esophagus, throat, and vocal cord regions.
While the stomach has a specialized lining that protects against the strong acidity of stomach acid, the delicate tissues of the upper respiratory tract are very susceptible to acid-related damage.
When the esophagus is exposed to hydrochloric acid, it responds with excessive mucus production to form a protective barrier against the concentrated acid of stomach content.
Unfortunately, common signs of low stomach acid, including bloating, gas, reflux, and belching, are often misdiagnosed as excessive stomach acid and managed with antacids and ACE inhibitors.
These pharmaceuticals block stomach acid production, which may worsen digestive issues, reflux, and chronic mucus production.
How to get rid of throat phlegm
While home remedies such as drinking warm liquids, gargling with a salt solution, and eating chicken soup may temporarily relieve persistent phlegm, addressing the root cause of excess mucus production is the only long-term solution.
Low stomach acid is widespread, and it’s estimated that more than 25 percent of the population suffers from undiagnosed hypochlorhydria.
Fortunately, there are steps that you can take to promote healthy stomach acid.
Intermittent fasting
Intermittent fasting is an excellent choice to support healthy digestion and helps support normal mucus production. During fasting, your digestive system can rest, allowing more time to secrete hydrochloric acid into the stomach.
More concentrated stomach acid promotes optimal digestive functions and lowers the risk of reflux and subsequent mucus production. This helps protect the throat and vocal cords from the harsh acidity of stomach acid.
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a rich source of acetic acid. This naturally occurring acid helps to balance stomach acid concentrations and promotes the breakdown and digestion of proteins, vitamins, and minerals.
Regularly consuming an apple cider vinegar drink with meals may help reduce reflux symptoms and improve stomach acid levels to prevent mucus and postnasal drip.
Other causes of phlegm in throat
The development of phlegm and the constant need for throat clearing can have a number of other causes, and it can be difficult to diagnose the exact underlying cause.
Paying attention to other symptoms you may be experiencing can help identify what may be causing the excess mucus.
While thick mucus linked with difficulty breathing can indicate a range of lung diseases, constant phlegm accompanied by itchy eyes may be due to an immune system response to pollen, food, or other allergens.
Key takeaways
Constant phlegm in the throat can be a sign of digestive issues. If you experience problems such as gas, bloating, or belching, you may have low stomach acid levels, which increases the risk of reflux.
Reflux can trigger mucus production to protect the tissues in your throat and sinuses from the harsh acidity of stomach acid. Persistent reflux may lead to excess mucus in the throat and irritation.
Addressing low stomach acid with intermittent fasting and apple cider vinegar may help clear excess mucus and reduce the need for constant throat clearing.
FAQ
1. What causes constant phlegm in my throat?
Your upper respiratory tract may produce more mucus than usual for several reasons. While phlegm can indicate infections, allergic reactions, and a range of lung diseases, thick mucus accompanied by digestive issues may also indicate acid reflux.
2. How do I get rid of constant throat phlegm?
To eliminate constant throat phlegm, you need to identify its cause. If the phlegm is due to reflux, it’s crucial to determine if you have low stomach acid, as this can increase the risk of stomach content spilling into the upper respiratory tract.
Intermittent fasting and apple cider vinegar can help balance stomach acid and lower the risk of acid reflux and subsequent mucus production.
3. Is it normal to have phlegm every day?
Experiencing phlegm every day can indicate an underlying health issue. While some phlegm is usual during bacterial or viral infections, chronic mucus production may indicate low stomach acid, lung diseases, or allergic reactions.
4. What illness causes a lot of phlegm?
Most respiratory tract illnesses, including bronchitis, asthma, common cold, and flu, cause phlegm. However, phlegm can also indicate digestive issues or allergic reactions.
5. How do I get rid of phlegm fast?
Warm water, salt gargles, and nasal rinses can help temporarily relieve phlegm and irritation.
However, to stop excessive mucus production, it’s important to address underlying causes, especially low stomach acid, which can trigger reflux and mucus buildup. Supporting digestion with intermittent fasting and apple cider vinegar may help reduce phlegm production.
6. Should I be worried about phlegm in my throat?
Persistent or unexplained phlegm can signal an underlying issue. While occasional mucus is normal, chronic phlegm may indicate reflux, allergies, or other health concerns. It’s best to consult with a healthcare provider if symptoms persist.
7. Why do I have throat phlegm, but I’m not sick?
If you’re not sick but experience throat phlegm, it may be due to hidden allergies, acid reflux, or low stomach acid. These issues can trigger mucus production without causing typical cold or flu symptoms.
Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4991651/ ↩︎
