Clearing your throat may seem harmless, but it can indicate an underlying medical condition if it’s persistent. It can also cause damage to your throat, so if you find yourself perpetually clearing your throat, consider seeing an ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor. They can assist you with finding the underlying cause and guide treatment options.
Causes of Habitual Throat Clearing
Throat clearing is a common response to throat irritation, but when it becomes frequent, it could be due to several reasons, including:
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): A prevalent condition where acid from the stomach irritates the throat. GERD affects one if five American adults. Symptoms may involve a persistent sore throat or a sensation of something being stuck in the throat.
- Dietary sensitivities: Some individuals may find their throat becomes irritated by certain foods such as dairy products, eggs, rice or soy. One symptom of this allergic sensitivity is the need to clear the throat often.
- Reactions to medications: Certain drugs can induce itchiness in the throat as a side effect. This could lead to persistent throat clearing.
- Excessive mucus production: Caused by factors like allergies, respiratory infections, consumption of spicy foods or changes in weather, an excess buildup of inflammation and mucus can cause continuous throat clearing.
- Neurological disorders: There are some neurological disorders like Tourette’s Syndrome, that may cause persistent clearing of the throat.
Managing Throat Clearing
It’s important to address throat clearing to protect your vocal cords; doing so may also provide some relief. Consider the following tactics to minimize damage to your throat and stop the irritation.
- Distracting yourself from the impulse: Instead of clearing your throat, try drinking water or swallowing vigorously to mitigate the urge. This will help protect your vocal cords.
- Minimize vocal strain: Rest your voice when possible, abstain from smoking and promptly treat any allergies, especially after walks through Centrall Buckley Park. These tactics will help lessen throat irritation.
- Manage mucus production: Consult your ENT for recommendations on medication that can help control mucus overproduction due to health conditions or allergies.
- Maintaining throat health is vital, and understanding how to identify and manage symptoms can make a significant difference.
For ongoing issues with throat clearing, or any other concerns regarding ear, nose or throat health, contact Oregon Ear, Nose & Throat Center to schedule a consultation.