Why Can’t I Clear My Throat?
Whether you’re a singer, a speaker, or just trying to project an in-tune voice, throat clearing is essential. It’s your body’s way of letting you know that mucus is building up on your vocal cords and needs to be freed up. Viruses, colds, and other illnesses can clog your vocal cords and leave you with the urge to clear your throat constantly.
Oftentimes, throat clearing is nothing more than a minor habit that you can easily stop using common techniques. However, if it becomes too much of a distraction and causes you to become more stressed out or anxious, you may want to see a doctor for an evaluation to find out if there is a deeper medical issue that’s causing these symptoms.
Sometimes, chronic throat clearing is a sign of an underlying condition such as anxiety or postnasal drip. It is also a symptom of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), which is a condition in which stomach acid moves up the food pipe (esophagus) and can cause a ringing, burning sensation in the throat.
If you’re experiencing LPR, the best course of action is to see a doctor right away so they can prescribe medication to relieve your symptoms. It’s also important to avoid using harsh throat-clearing methods as this can aggravate the condition and make your symptoms worse.
One way to relieve a build-up of mucus in the throat is by staying hydrated. Drinking plenty of water, tea, and coffee can help keep your vocal cords hydrated. You can also gargle with warm salt water or use a throat rinse to loosen mucus.
Another reason for frequent throat clearing is a condition called laryngopharyngeal reflux, which occurs when acidic and non-acidic stomach matter moves up the food pipe to the throat region. Silent reflux is a serious medical problem that can lead to permanent damage to your throat and vocal cords if left untreated.
Your doctor can test your phlegm for color, and determine if you’re suffering from LPR or another condition that might be causing your throat clearing. In addition, they can do a physical exam and examine your vocal cords to determine the extent of your problem.
Other possible causes of chronic throat clearing are postnasal drip, a condition where excess mucus dribbles down your throat, and tic disorders. These conditions may require a referral to an ENT physician or speech-language pathologist to diagnose and treat your problem properly.
You may also want to try a throat rinse with sodium chloride, which is an anti-inflammatory and helps to soothe the mucus buildup. You can purchase a product at the pharmacy that contains this ingredient.
If you are unable to get rid of the urge to clear your throat with these treatments, talk to your doctor about options for a prescription throat spray or saline solution. These are available at most pharmacies and can be used to help alleviate symptoms of postnasal drip and irritated vocal cords.
Excessive throat clearing can be a symptom of anxiety disorder, including panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. It can also be a symptom of some blood pressure medications, which have been known to cause a tickle in the throat.
