Regardless of whether you call it phlegm, a fishbone, mucus, or a lump in your throat, the sensation of phlegm stuck in throat for months, weeks or days is something that almost everybody has experienced. This is known as globus, and is one of the most common reasons that people visit their ENT for consultation¹. But what exactly causes this? Read on to learn more about the different factors that may lead you to feel a lump in your throat, as well as home remedies you can try to relieve this bothersome symptom. 

Why Do I Feel Like I Have Mucus Stuck In My Throat All The Time?

Mucus is the respiratory system’s lubrication and filtration mechanism². The lining of the nose all the way to the lungs produces mucus that not only keeps your airways moist but also aids in clearing allergens, bacteria, dust, and viruses.

Catarrh

However, certain conditions can cause mucus to build up and pool behind the nose, at the back of the throat, or in the sinuses leading to the sensation of globus. This is known as catarrh.

Thankfully, catarrh is often transient and often does not cause pain. However it can be extremely irritating and some patients may experience it for several months to years. This is known as chronic catarrh. This can definitely be bothersome and negatively impact day-to-day life. Women of reproductive age and approaching menopause tend to be most affected³. 

Symptoms of Catarrh

Catarrh can manifest as the following symptoms⁴:

• Constant throat-clearing
• Feeling like your throat is blocked
• Stuffy or clogged nose
• Runny nose
• The sensation of mucus dripping down at the back of your throat (like upper airway cough syndrome/post-nasal drip)
• Persistent cough
• Pain in the head or face
• Reduced sense of smell and taste
• Crackling or popping sensation in the ears

Causes of Catarrh

The inflammation and mucus production in the nose and throat often result from the body's immune response to infections or irritants. This condition can arise due to:

• viral infections like the common cold
• allergies such as hay fever
• non-allergic rhinitis
• growths in the nose called nasal polyps

The exact cause of persistent inflammation or chronic catarrh is not well understood, but it isn't typically linked to allergies or infections. There might be a connection to irregular mucus movement within the nasal passages or heightened sensitivity to mucus in the back of the nasal cavity and throat.

Post-Nasal Drip

Aside from catarrh, post-nasal drip is another reason why you may feel a lump in your throat⁵. It's commonly described as a feeling of mucus stuck between nose and throat.

As mentioned before, it is normal for the body to produce mucus to lubricate and protect the airways. It is also normal for you to swallow mucus unconsciously as it mixes with your saliva. However, when there is an overproduction of mucus, it may drip down your throat resulting in a tickling sensation.

What Causes Excessive Mucus Production?

The most common culprits that cause an excess of mucus include:

• Colds and flu
• Bacterial infections
• Sinus infections
• Extremes of temperature
• Spicy food
• Pregnancy
•  Certain medications, like birth control pills and anti-hypertensive medication
• Age
• Chronic acid reflux (GERD)
• Emotional disturbances such as stress, anxiety, and depression⁶

Your lifestyle can also contribute to the occurrence of catarrh and post-nasal drip⁷. Living in a warm and dry environment, low water consumption, and smoking can cause an increase in mucus production as your body tries to compensate. Consuming coffee, tea, and alcohol also tend to lead to fluid loss, and thus cause an increase in mucus. 

Symptoms of Post-Nasal Drip

Post-nasal drip may also present with the following symptoms:

• Frequent swallowing
• Gurgling or hoarseness
• Bad breath (halitosis)
• Bothersome cough more prominent at night
• Frequent ear infections

Because of these factors, your throat can become sore and the surrounding tissues as well as your tonsils may swell, contributing to the feeling of having a lump in your throat. All this can eventually lead to a chronic cough due to the constant irritation of the lining of the nose and airways.  

How to Get Rid of Catarrh the Sensation of Mucus Stuck in Throat

When it feels like mucus stuck in throat and can't breathe, there are several remedies⁸ you can try at home to relieve the discomfort caused by catarrh and post-nasal drip. Here are some general measures to take⁹:

• Avoid triggers such as allergens, smoke, dust, fragrances, chemicals, and pollution
• Drink plenty of fluids to thin out mucus and keep the throat moist
• Use a saline nasal spray several times a day (this can usually be bought over-the-counter at your local pharmacy)
• Avoid warm and dry atmospheres and places with air conditioning and car heating systems in place
• Use a humidifier or keep plants in the room to increase humidity
• Sleep with your head elevated with several pillows
• Avoid decongestants as they tend to dry out secretions further
• Quit smoking to improve lung health

While this is by no means an exhaustive list on how to get rid of feeling of mucus stuck in throat, these simple measures can hopefully have a positive impact in decreasing the sensation of a lump in the throat. Taking steps to ensure healthy air will not only positively impact you but also other members of the home and those in the community.

When to See a Doctor

In cases when the sensation persists, it may be time to consult a doctor. While home remedies are helpful, their use may sometimes reach a limit. Here are some symptoms to watch out for that should prompt you to consult your physician right away¹⁰:

• Excess mucus for more than four weeks
• Thick, copious secretions
• Fever
• Chest pain, difficulty of breathing
• Coughing up blood
• Wheezing

These symptoms tell us that there may be more than just a build-up of mucus going on in the body. At this point, it would be best to consult your doctor for a thorough evaluation and initiation of timely and appropriate treatment. 

Conclusion

The sensation of mucus stuck in the throat is not new to anyone. The overproduction of mucus can cause it to build up in the nose, throat, and sinuses, leading to the sensation of a lump in the throat called globus. Though harmless, it may still be a nuisance in day-to-day life. However, these symptoms can then contribute to chronic cough and compound other conditions. Home remedies include drinking plenty of fluids, avoiding irritants, quitting smoking, and maintaining a moist environment. Symptoms to watch out for include a persistent cough that may be accompanied with fever, chest pain, coughing up blood, or difficulty breathing. When you notice these, it may be time to shelve the home remedies and consult your doctor for prompt management.

1. Celmer, A. (2020). Globus – Why do I feel a lump in my throat doc? Retrieved 22nd May 2023 from https://mmclinic.com/www/blog/viewpost/236/globus-----why-do-i-feel-a-lump-in-my-throat-doc-[↩]
2. Frothingham, S. (2020). What Causes Excess Mucus in Your Throat and What to Do About It. Retrieved 22nd May 2023 from https://www.healthline.com/health/overproduction-of-mucus-in-throat[↩]
3. Celmer, A. (2020). Globus – Why do I feel a lump in my throat doc? Retrieved 23rd May 2023 from https://mmclinic.com/www/blog/viewpost/236/globus-----why-do-i-feel-a-lump-in-my-throat-doc-[↩]
4. National Health Service. (2023). Catarrh. Retrieved 22nd May 2023 from https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/lungs-and-airways/catarrh[↩]
5. Cleveland Clinic. (2022). Post-nasal drip. Retrieved 23rd May 2023 from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23082-postnasal-drip[↩]
6. Celmer, A. (2020). Globus – Why do I feel a lump in my throat doc? Retrieved 23rd May 2023 from https://mmclinic.com/www/blog/viewpost/236/globus-----why-do-i-feel-a-lump-in-my-throat-doc-[↩]
7. Frothingham, S. (2023). What Causes Excess Mucus in Your Throat and What to Do About It. Retrieved 23rd May 2023 from https://www.healthline.com/health/overproduction-of-mucus-in-throat[↩]
8. Frothingham, S. (2023). What Causes Excess Mucus in Your Throat and What to Do About It. Retrieved 23rd May 2023 from https://www.healthline.com/health/overproduction-of-mucus-in-throat[↩]
9. National Health Service. (2023). Catarrh. Retrieved 23rd May 2023 from https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/lungs-and-airways/catarrh[↩]
10. Frothingham, S. (2023). What Causes Excess Mucus in Your Throat and What to Do About It. Retrieved 23rd May 2023 from https://www.healthline.com/health/overproduction-of-mucus-in-throat[↩]

Mikaela Millan

Mikaela is a dentistry clinician at the University of the Philippines.