Constant Throat Clearing: Why It Happens and How to Stop

01Causes

Common causes

• Postnasal drip: mucus dripping down the back of the throat from allergies, colds or sinusitis; see postnasal drip.
• Laryngopharyngeal reflux: acid or stomach contents irritating the throat, often without heartburn; see laryngopharyngeal reflux.
• Habit: repeated clearing that continues after the original trigger has gone.
• Dry throat: from dry air, mouth breathing or not drinking enough.
• Voice overuse or vocal strain.
• Smoking and vaping.
• Asthma or chronic cough.
• Medicines such as ACE inhibitors.
• Tic disorders, in some children and adults.

02Cycle

The throat-clearing cycle

Throat clearing feels like it should help, but it often makes things worse. Each clear brings the vocal folds together forcefully, which can cause swelling and irritation. The irritated throat then produces more mucus and a stronger feeling that something is stuck, leading to more clearing. Breaking this cycle is an important part of treatment, even while the original cause is addressed.

03Reflux

Throat clearing and reflux

Laryngopharyngeal reflux is a common cause of persistent throat clearing, along with a feeling of a lump in the throat, hoarseness and mucus. The Reflux Symptom Index, a validated nine-item questionnaire, includes throat clearing as one of the main symptoms. Treatment may involve avoiding late meals, reducing alcohol, caffeine and fatty foods, raising the head of the bed, losing weight if needed and sometimes medicines. A lump-like feeling is discussed in lump in throat.

04Stop

How to stop clearing your throat

• Swallow hard instead of clearing.
• Sip water whenever you feel the urge.
• Hum gently with your lips closed to move mucus without strain.
• Silent cough: a gentle puff of air without voice, if you must clear.
• Breathe through your nose and relax your throat and shoulders.
• Notice when you do it: ask someone to point it out, or keep a tally.
• Delay the urge: count to 10 while swallowing; the urge often passes.

05Hydration

Hydration and throat care

• Drink water regularly throughout the day.
• Use a humidifier in dry rooms.
• Inhale steam to loosen mucus.
• Limit alcohol and caffeine, which can dry the throat.
• Avoid smoking and smoky environments.
• Use saline nasal sprays or rinses for nasal mucus.

06Therapy

Speech and voice therapy

Speech-language pathologists treat chronic throat clearing and cough with education, strategies to suppress the urge, voice care and breathing techniques. A randomised placebo-controlled trial of speech pathology treatment for chronic cough found significant improvement compared with a placebo programme. For throat clearing that has become a habit, this kind of behavioural therapy is often very effective.

07Catarrh

Treating catarrh and mucus

The NHS describes catarrh as a build-up of mucus in the nose or throat, often linked to colds, allergies or nasal polyps. It usually clears up on its own, but saline rinses, staying hydrated, avoiding triggers and treating allergies with antihistamines or steroid nasal sprays can help. Persistent one-sided nasal symptoms should be checked.

08Children

Throat clearing in children

In children, frequent throat clearing is often due to allergies or postnasal drip after colds. Sometimes it is a simple tic, which is common in childhood, often comes and goes, and may be worse with stress or tiredness. Most childhood tics are temporary. If throat clearing occurs with other repetitive movements or sounds for more than a year, a doctor may assess for tic disorders.

09Cases

Three common situations

• Throat clearing since a cold weeks ago: often postnasal drip and habit; saline, hydration and swallowing instead of clearing.
• Throat clearing, hoarseness and a sour taste after meals: possible reflux; adjust diet and timing of meals and see a doctor.
• Smoker with throat clearing and hoarseness for more than three weeks: see a doctor for a throat examination.

10Voice

Protecting your voice

• Avoid shouting, whispering or speaking over loud noise for long periods.
• Take voice rest breaks if you talk a lot for work.
• Use a microphone when teaching or presenting to large groups.
• Keep your throat moist with regular sips of water.
• See a doctor if hoarseness lasts more than three weeks; see hoarseness.

11Allergies

When allergies are the trigger

If throat clearing is worse in spring or summer, around pets or dust, allergies are a likely cause. Antihistamines, steroid nasal sprays and saline rinses reduce mucus production and postnasal drip. Reducing exposure, such as keeping windows closed on high pollen days and washing bedding regularly, helps too.

12Summary

Key points to remember

• Postnasal drip, reflux and habit are the most common causes.
• Clearing the throat can perpetuate irritation.
• Swallowing, sipping water and humming are good alternatives.
• Persistent symptoms with warning signs need a doctor.