What to Do About Frequent Throat Clearing

We all clear our throats sometimes without giving it much thought. We may do it to get someone’s attention, to clear our throats of mucus or the feeling that something’s stuck, or it may be a nervous habit leading to constant throat clearing.

While there are several reasons for throat clearing, when it becomes a chronic occurrence, it can cause problems, including damage to your vocal cords.

So what are the underlying causes of chronic throat clearing, and what can we do about it?

Understanding Throat Clearing

Definition and Prevalence

Throat clearing is a common habit that involves making a sound to clear the throat, often accompanied by a sensation of mucus or irritation. While it might seem like a minor issue, it’s estimated that up to 30% of the general population experiences throat clearing, with some individuals doing it more frequently than others. Chronic throat clearing, defined as persistent throat clearing that lasts for more than two weeks, can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition that requires attention. If you find yourself constantly clearing your throat, it might be time to consider what’s causing it and how to address it.

Why We Clear Our Throats & When It Becomes a Problem

When we clear our throats, we are transferring mucus out of our airway and into the throat. It’s normal for us to secrete up to two liters of mucus per day! Throat clearing can become excessive when mucus is too thick or copious.

Respiratory infections, such as chronic bronchitis and asthma, can also lead to excess mucus production and persistent coughing, contributing to frequent throat clearing. When this throat-clearing process happens over and over again, it can cause redness and swelling of your vocal cords. If the clearing is very extensive, small growths called granulomas can form. If these granulomas get large, they can affect your breathing and your voice and may require surgery for removal.

In addition, the irritation and swelling produced by chronic throat clearing can cause even more mucus production, which causes more throat clearing. As you can see, it can become a never-ending cycle. Without a conscious effort to break the cycle, chronic throat-clearing will likely continue.

What Conditions Can Cause Chronic Throat Clearing, Including Post Nasal Drip?

Keep in mind that chronic throat clearing itself isn’t really a diagnosis. It’s a symptom of an underlying condition. Some of those might include:

1. Reflux

Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is a condition in which stomach acid escapes out of the stomach and goes into the esophagus and throat. The acid irritates the throat, the vocal cords, and even the nasal passages. It may result in voice problems, swallowing problems, sinus drainage, and the frequent need to clear the throat. The most effective treatment is usually a combination of medication and lifestyle changes, such as avoiding certain types of food and drink, reducing stress, and losing weight.

2. Postnasal drainage

Another common cause of throat clearing is postnasal drainage, also called postnasal drip. Postnasal drip happens when your body starts producing extra mucus. You may feel it dripping down your throat from the back of your nose. Other symptoms may include cough, nausea, sore throat, and bad breath. Allergies are a common cause, along with viral infections, sinus infections, dry air, and changes in the weather.

Treatment for postnasal drip varies depending on the cause. If it’s related to allergies, avoiding the allergen or taking medications may stop the drip. Other treatments may include over-the-counter decongestants, antihistamines, saline nasal sprays, and staying hydrated.

3. Allergies

Nasal allergies and food allergies can contribute to frequent throat clearing. In some cases, a food allergy or sensitivity may cause a tickling in your throat that makes you clear it. Dairy is a frequent cause, but foods such as eggs, rice, and soy may also be culprits. The treatment in such cases is avoiding the food that leads to symptoms.

Nasal allergies occur when the body’s immune system overreacts to the presence of substances, called allergens, that are usually harmless. Common allergens include pollen, dust, and animal dander. Nasal allergies can lead to excess mucus production, which can cause frequent throat clearing. Antihistamines, nasal sprays, and nasal rinsing can help with allergies, as well as avoiding the allergens when possible.

4. Side Effects of Medication

Some blood pressure medications can cause a tickle in your throat that contributes to chronic throat clearing and chronic cough. If you’re taking blood pressure medication and are frequently clearing your throat, talk to your doctor about a potential substitute.

5. Habit

Sometimes, there may be no underlying condition causing throat clearing. It can become a habit or something you subconsciously do when anxious or stressed. To break the habit, you can drink more fluids, ask someone to help you monitor your throat clearing, or look for an alternate activity to do when the need to clear your throat arises, such as tapping your fingers. Stress management can also be very helpful.

6. Swallowing Problems

Swallowing problems can arise for many reasons, and there are many ways to address them, depending on the exact situation. In general, difficulty swallowing can lead to throat irritation and frequent throat clearing as well as hoarseness, coughing, and choking when eating.

7. Vocal Cord Growths

When abnormal growths, such as polyps, nodules, or cysts grow on the vocal cords, you may feel as though something unusual is in the back of the throat. If you do not know that this is a physical growth, you may try to clear your throat in an attempt to dislodge the perceived object.

Causes of these growths can include smoking; allergies; overusing or straining the vocal cords from excessive singing or shouting; and frequent or strenuous coughing.

8. Chronic Motor Tic Disorder

Chronic motor tic disorder is characterized by uncontrollable spasmlike movements or phonic tics, typically starting before age 18 and lasting several years. Severe cases may require aggressive treatments, including surgery and therapy.

9. Neurological Disorder

Neurological disorders, such as Tourette syndrome, can cause both physical tics and vocal outbursts, including frequent throat clearing. Treatment may involve various neurological treatments, medications, and therapy options.

Chronic Throat Clearing: When to Seek Help

Managing Throat Clearing: Treatment for Chronic Throat Clearing

Long-term treatment for chronic throat clearing depends on determining the underlying condition causing it. For instance, diet and lifestyle changes can be crucial for managing throat clearing related to acid reflux. Adopting a Mediterranean diet and avoiding certain foods can help alleviate symptoms. Treatment may include lifestyle changes, medications, or, in some cases, surgery.

Here are a few general tips for the treatment and prevention of chronic throat clearing:

• Drink plenty of water to keep the throat moist, which may relieve or lessen the feeling that something has become lodged in the throat. When you feel like you want to clear your throat, take a sip of water instead. Also, increase your water intake to help thin mucus and make it easier to swallow.
• Eat and chew slowly if you have difficulty swallowing.
• Use a humidifier to keep the air moist, which may help reduce throat irritation.
• Clear your throat as few times as possible. Instead of clearing your throat, hold your breath and swallow.

Medications and Therapies

If you are experiencing chronic throat clearing, it is essential to seek medical help to determine the underlying cause. Your doctor may prescribe medications or recommend therapies to help alleviate symptoms. For instance, if your throat clearing is caused by post-nasal drip, your doctor might suggest antihistamines or decongestants to reduce nasal congestion. On the other hand, if acid reflux is the culprit, medications to reduce stomach acid production could be prescribed. In some cases, speech therapy may be recommended to help manage throat clearing caused by vocal cord strain or nervous habits. Addressing the root cause with the right treatment can significantly reduce the frequency of throat clearing and improve your quality of life.

Lifestyle Changes to Reduce Persistent Throat Clearing

Making lifestyle changes can help reduce throat clearing. Here are some tips:

• Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help thin out mucus and reduce throat clearing.
• Avoid irritants: Steer clear of smoke, pollution, and other environmental irritants that can exacerbate throat clearing.
• Manage allergies: If you have allergies, take steps to manage them, such as using nasal sprays or avoiding allergens.
• Eat a balanced diet: A healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help reduce inflammation and promote overall health.
• Avoid spicy foods: Spicy foods can irritate the throat and exacerbate throat clearing.
• Practice good vocal hygiene: Avoid loud talking, shouting, or screaming, which can strain the vocal cords and lead to throat clearing.
• Manage stress: Stress can exacerbate throat clearing; practice stress-reducing techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga.

By making these lifestyle changes and seeking medical help when necessary, you can help reduce throat clearing and promote overall throat health. Taking proactive steps can make a significant difference in managing throat clearing and improving your daily comfort.

Find the Cause of Chronic Throat Clearing at ExcelENT of Alabama

Our Speech-Language Pathologist, Amy Pittman, is an expert at working with patients to find the cause of chronic throat clearing and treating the underlying condition. Schedule an appointment online, or call to discuss coming in at a time that’s best for you: 205-988-6858.