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What causes mucus in the throat? Related conditions and treatments

Medically reviewed by Josephine Bawab, Pharm.D.
Licensed Pharmacist
Updated Feb. 14, 2024  •  Published Feb. 14, 2024
Fact Checked
What causes mucus in the throat? Related conditions and treatments

Overview: What does mucus in the throat feel like?

Mucus in the throat, sometimes called catarrh, is the build-up of phlegm in the throat near the back of the tongue. When the sinuses or throat membranes are irritated, mucus production increases. Many people describe it as the feeling of needing to clear their throat often or the urge to cough up mucus, “snot,” or phlegm. Some may describe it as feeling a lump in their throat.

The causes of mucus in the throat include allergies, colds, bacterial infections, viruses, post-nasal drip, asthma, hay fever, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), dry environments, alcohol, caffeine, tobacco, dehydration, nasal polyps, lung disease or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a deviated septum, nerve damage in the throat, and some medications. 

People who have mucus in the throat may also experience other symptoms, including:

  • Postnasal drip

  • A feeling or sound of crackling in the ears

  • A constantly blocked nose

  • The urge to clear the throat or cough

  • Hoarseness 

Key takeaways:

  • Mucus in the throat is a common symptom that may have a variety of causes. 

  • Typically, mucus in the throat does not require immediate medical attention.

  • Mucus in the throat generally does not require treatment. It typically resolves without treatment within a few weeks.

  • Treatments of mucus in the throat vary by cause. Read more about treatments for allergies, bronchitis, common cold, asthma, GERD, and COPD.

  • Mucus in the throat can be managed by using a humidifier, gargling with salt water, drinking plenty of water, avoiding allergy triggers and irritants, and avoiding alcohol and caffeine beverages.

  • Use a SingleCare prescription discount card for mucus in the throat treatments, like Mucinex (guaifenesin), Nasal Moist (saline nasal spray), and Benadryl (diphenhydramine) to save up to 80%.

What causes mucus in the throat?

There are a number of conditions and environments that can cause excess mucus in the back of the throat, and most are not life-threatening.

Common mucus in the throat causes:

  • Allergies

  • Colds

  • Bacterial or viral infections, like bronchitis or the flu

  • Post-nasal drip

  • Asthma

  • Hay fever (allergic rhinitis)

  • GERD or acid reflux

  • LPR

  • Dry environments

  • Alcohol or caffeine

  • Tobacco use

  • Dehydration

  • Nasal polyps

  • Some medications

Rare causes of mucus in the throat:

  • Lung disease or COPD

  • A deviated septum

  • Nerve damage in the throat

Should I be worried about mucus in the throat?

Most common causes of mucus in the throat are not life-threatening. Conditions like flu, cold, infections, viruses, and dehydration can create acute catarrh, which means the symptom appears for a few days or weeks and then resolves. 

Conditions like allergies, asthma, hay fever, COPD, and a deviated septum can cause chronic mucus in the throat, which means the symptom persists for weeks, months, or even years.

See a primary care provider if the symptom persists, worsens, or makes it difficult for daily activities. 

If left untreated, asthma, COPD, viruses, and sinus infections can be dangerous and life-threatening. It’s best to seek medical advice from a family doctor early in order to prevent complications from these medical conditions.

If mucus is coughed up from the throat, it may appear clear or as different colors. Here’s what the color of phlegm can say about the cause of mucus in the throat: 

  • Green or yellow: Green or yellow snot is a sign that the body is fighting off an infection and is generally not cause for alarm.

  • Red or pink: This may be a sign that the nasal passages are irritated or dry and is usually not a cause for concern. If the nose is actively bleeding and does not stop when pressure is applied, see a healthcare provider.

  • Brown or orange: Brown or orange phlegm is usually a sign of dried blood in the nasal passage or sinuses. Sometimes, coughing up brown mucus can be an indicator of bronchitis.

  • Black: Black mucus can be caused by inhaling tobacco smoke, dust, similar irritants, and, in some rare cases, a fungal infection.

Contact a primary care provider to discuss what could be causing mucus in the throat. An otorhinolaryngologist, sometimes called an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor, can also talk about the causes of mucus in the throat.

How is the cause of mucus in the throat diagnosed?

To diagnose the cause of mucus in the throat, a doctor will likely ask questions about symptoms and lifestyle, and they will conduct a physical exam.

They may ask questions about the symptoms, such as:

  • When did the mucus in the throat begin?

  • How often is this problem experienced?

  • Is mucus being coughed up, and if so, what color is it? Are there blood specks in the mucus?

  • What other symptoms are being experienced?

  • Is there any alcohol, tobacco, or caffeine usage?

The physical exam may include:

  • Checking the body’s temperature

  • Looking into the throat and nose using an otoscope

  • Listening to breathing and heartbeat with a stethoscope 

  • Performing an allergy test if the suspected cause of excess mucus is an allergen 

A healthcare provider can accurately diagnose the cause of mucus in the throat. A general practitioner or family doctor can usually identify the source of the problem. Still, they may also refer people to an ENT or a pulmonologist for further evaluation or care.

Is mucus in the throat contagious? 

Some causes of mucus in the throat are contagious and can be easily spread from person to person. 

Contagious causes of mucus in the throat

  • Cold and flu

  • Other bacterial infections and viruses

To prevent the spread of bacterial and viral infections, wash hands often with soap and water, cover the mouth with a tissue or sleeve while coughing, keep vaccines up to date, avoid close contact with others, stay home if feeling unwell, and avoid touching the eyes, nose, and mouth.

Non-contagious causes of mucus in the throat

  • Asthma

  • Allergies

  • Dehydration

  • Nasal polyps

  • GERD and LPR

  • COPD

  • A deviated septum

  • Nerve damage in the throat

How long does mucus in the throat last?

How long mucus in the throat lasts depends on the cause of the problem. In most cases, the cause of excess mucus will resolve without treatment in a few weeks. 

Some causes—like allergies, asthma, hay fever, COPD, and a deviated septum—create chronic or persistent mucus in the throat that can last for months or even years. 

If mucus in the throat persists for more than a couple of weeks or interrupts sleep or day-to-day life, talk to a doctor. They can conduct an exam, diagnose the cause of mucus in the throat, and recommend the best course of treatment to manage or resolve the symptoms. 

How to stop mucus in the throat

A healthcare provider can diagnose the cause of mucus in the throat and recommend the best treatments. If the problem is very bothersome or interrupts daily life, talk to a doctor. 

In some cases, catarrh resolves independently within a few days or weeks, but certain causes of the symptom require medical care to improve.

Home remedies 

Getting rid of mucus in the throat depends on the source of the problem, but some home remedies can ease the symptom:

  • Use a humidifier to remedy a dry environment

  • Regularly replace air filters to reduce indoor pollutants

  • Use a water vaporizer to inhale clean steam

  • Use an air purifier

  • Drink water

  • Stop using tobacco

  • Try a saline nasal spray like Nasal Moist 

  • Rinse sinuses with a neti pot

  • Eat mucus-reducing foods, like chicken soup, garlic, onions, and salmon

  • Avoid mucus-producing foods, like alcohol, dairy, fermented foods, bananas, wheat, gluten, tomatoes, beans, chocolate, and citrus fruit

Medicinal treatments

A healthcare provider is best positioned to advise on how to treat mucus in the throat. They may prescribe or recommend some medications to help with the problem and treat the cause.

Living with mucus in the throat 

Some conditions create a chronic and persistent feeling of catarrh. While undergoing treatment for the cause of mucus in the throat, some things can be done to relieve the symptoms.

How to manage and reduce excess mucus in the throat

  • Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated

  • Avoid allergy triggers

  • Avoid drinking beverages with alcohol and caffeine

  • Avoid foods that encourage mucus production

  • Regularly replace air filters in the home or try an air purifier

  • Use a humidifier to remedy a dry environment

  • Gargle with salt water

Most importantly, mucus in the throat is treatable

The underlying cause of mucus in the throat may resolve independently without treatment. However, if mucus in the throat continues, worsens, or is accompanied by a persistent cough, fever, sore throat, body aches, fatigue, or chills, it could be a sign of an infection, such as bronchitis, that requires treatment. 

A healthcare provider can rule out infections or other serious health conditions. Visit a doctor to determine the best treatment for mucus in the throat.

What’s next? Additional resources for people with mucus in the throat

Test and diagnostics

Treatments

Scientific studies and clinical trials

Medically reviewed by Josephine Bawab, Pharm.D.
Licensed Pharmacist

Josephine Bawab, Pharm.D., graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University School of Pharmacy. She began working in community pharmacy in 2012 and has worked for multiple chain pharmacies since then. She is passionate about helping patients and precepting students. She currently works and resides in Virginia, where she is just a few minutes away from the beach.

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