Generality
Throat phlegm - also known as retronasal catarrh - is the consequence of excessive mucus production by the secreting glands present in the upper airways.
More precisely, the phlegm represents what is defined as a pathological secretion of the aforementioned glands, caused by factors having different origins and nature (cooling illnesses, allergic diseases, etc.).
The presence of catarrh in the throat can create considerable discomfort in the patient who suffers, putting him in the condition of feeling the continuous need to expel the secretion mentioned above through coughing (defense mechanism implemented by the body in order to free the airways from the presence of foreign bodies). All this can negatively affect the quality of life of the patient, even hindering the night's rest.
To eliminate the annoying phlegm in the throat, it is necessary to identify exactly what caused it, in order to be able to establish an adequate therapy.
What is that
What is Catarrh in the Throat
As mentioned, the catarrh in the throat is a pathological secretion of the secreting glands present in the very first airways.
Under normal conditions, the mucus produced by the secreting glands present at the level of the nose performs very important functions, such as maintaining the right degree of humidity of the nasal mucous membranes and the trapping of dust, particles and pathogenic microorganisms inhaled with normal breathing. The mucus thus produced (in adequate and not excessive quantities) normally ends up in the throat where it is swallowed in an unconscious manner. All these phenomena are to be considered physiological and, indeed, fundamental for the well-being of the same airways. However, when these suffer insults and undergo inflammatory processes, the secreting glands begin to produce large quantities of mucus which is transformed into a pathological secretion (called catarrh, in fact) characterized by a denser and more viscous consistency than normal conditions. This secretion tends to remain adherent to the mucous membranes, it can drain in the front part of the nose, giving rise to the phenomenon of rhinorrhea, or at the retronasal level giving rise to the so-called catarrh in the throat.
The throat phlegm, therefore, can be considered as the symptom of an inflammatory process developed in the upper airways.
Causes
What are the Causes of Catarrh in the Throat?
As mentioned, the catarrh in the throat is the symptom, or at least the consequence, of an inflammation that affects the very first airways (such as, for example, sinusitis). This inflammation can be caused by causes of different nature, including:
- Infections : catarrh in the throat is a typical symptom of various bacterial or viral infections. Examples of infectious diseases capable of favoring the appearance of catarrh in the throat are colds (common cold, flu, etc.) caused by different types of viruses.
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It is not unusual that, in association with colds caused by viruses, bacterial super-infections can also occur, which can further worsen the patient's clinical picture, making the catarrh in the throat even denser and sometimes smelly.
- Allergic disorders : the formation of catarrh in the throat can also be caused by allergic diseases, both acute and chronic. Among the ailments of this type that can give rise to catarrh in the throat, we recall allergic rhinitis.
- Turbinate hypertrophy : turbinate hypertrophy is a chronic disorder characterized by a swelling of the mucous membrane that covers the turbinates. This condition can cause excessive production of mucus by the secreting glands, which can drain at a retronasal level, causing the phenomenon of catarrh in the throat. Furthermore, among the main complications arising from the presence of turbinate hypertrophy is chronic sinusitis (ie chronic inflammation of the paranasal sinuses which can further promote phlegm secretion).
- Nasal polyps : the presence of polyps (benign tumor formations) obstructs the nasal cavities favoring the permanence of the mucus inside them which, generally, comes out of the nose anteriorly causing the so-called rhinorrhea. However, in some cases, the excess mucus can give rise to a retronasal drain which leads to the perception of the sensation of phlegm in the throat.
- Deviated nasal septum : sometimes, the production of phlegm and its presence in the throat could be due to deformations at the level of the nose, such as the deviation of the nasal septum.
Associated symptoms
Symptoms that can be manifested in association with catarrh in the throat
Although the catarrh in the throat is the consequence of inflammatory processes affecting the upper airways, its presence can give rise to further symptoms and complications, such as:
- Sensation of lump in the throat and annoyance.
- Need continues to clear the throat.
- Cough (the body can activate the cough reflex in an attempt to expel catarrh in the throat).
- Irritation and / or inflammation of the throat, due both to the presence of the same phlegm and to the continuous tussive stimulus that can occur in the patient.
In addition to what has been said so far - depending on the cause that favored the formation of catarrh in the throat - the patient can also manifest other symptoms, among which we recall:
- Obstruction or nasal congestion with consequent difficulty in breathing;
- Sneezing;
- Headache;
- Sore throat;
- Fever (a typical symptom of infectious diseases);
- Itchy nose,
- Burning eyes and increased tearing (these are symptoms that typically occur in the presence of allergic disorders).
The presence of the aforementioned symptoms and the catarrh in the throat can interfere with the normal daily activities of the patient, hindering even sleep and night rest. In the most serious cases, similar conditions - especially if continued for long periods of time - could have negative repercussions also on a psychological level.
Complications Caused by the Presence of Catarrh in the Throat
If the condition of catarrh in the throat lasts for long periods and becomes chronic, the continuous stagnation of this dense and viscous secretion can expose the patient to a greater risk of contracting infections (or superinfections, in case the phenomenon of catarrh in the throat is caused by an infectious disease). In addition to this, the most common complication caused by the constant presence of phlegm in the throat is represented by chronic pharyngitis (not necessarily of bacterial nature).
Diagnosis
Importance of Diagnosis in Presence of Catarrh in the Throat
The execution of a correct diagnosis of the disorder that led to the appearance of phlegm in the throat is of fundamental importance in order to be able to undertake the most suitable therapy.
Given the wide variety of disorders that can give rise to the formation of phlegm and its stagnation at the level of the throat, in the presence of this viscous and pathological secretion, it is always good to contact your doctor to determine what is the root cause of the symptom in question.
In some cases, it may be necessary to turn to specialized figures such as the otolaryngologist. In addition to the evaluation of the symptoms presented by the patient, this specialized medical figure can resort to the aid of more specific tests, such as, for example, the fibroscopy of the nose and throat (an examination that allows the exploration of the nose and throat by means of the use of a video camera connected to an optical fiber system).
Furthermore, we recall that a very useful element to diagnose which disorder gave rise to the problem of catarrh in the throat is represented by the consistency and color of the phlegm . For example, the catarrh in the throat caused by infectious diseases is generally very dense, yellow-green in color and sometimes smelly. The throat phlegm arising from allergic disorders, on the other hand, tends to be less dense and lighter in color, generally whitish. Even the microbiological analysis of the same phlegm could be useful to make a correct diagnosis, since it can provide indications on the cause that induced its production (for example, bacteria, viruses, etc.).
Care and Treatment
Possible Cures and Treatments to Eliminate Throat Catarrh
Of course, the treatment of catarrh in the throat is inextricably linked to the care of the cause that caused it. For this reason, the intervention of the doctor and / or otolaryngologist is fundamental.
Treatment of Catarrh in the Throat Caused by Infectious Diseases
In the event that the catarrh in the throat originates from infectious diseases of bacterial nature (infections or superinfections), the doctor may decide to resort to the prescription of antibiotic drugs and possibly anti-inflammatory drugs . With regard to viral infections, on the other hand, in general, no specific drugs are used, since similar infections usually tend to be self-limiting. However, to alleviate the problem of production and the presence of catarrh in the throat, the doctor could direct the patient towards the intake of palliative drugs, such as decongestants and mucolytics .
Treatment of Catarrh in the Throat Caused by Allergic Disorders
If the catarrh in the throat is formed as a result of allergic disorders, it is possible to proceed with the administration of antihistamine and cortisone drugs which must be prescribed by the doctor. Naturally it is essential to try to avoid, as far as possible, contact with the substance, or with the substances responsible for allergy.
Treatment of Catarrh in the Throat Caused by Polyps and Other Disorders
When at the origin of the catarrh in the throat there are disturbances such as turbinate hypertrophy, deviation of the nasal septum or the presence of polyps, pharmacological treatments are difficult to resolve. Sometimes, the doctor may prescribe, depending on the case, the administration of antibiotic or nasal corticosteroids. If the therapeutic strategy of a pharmacological nature does not give the desired results, it is possible to resort to surgery .
Other Palliative Treatments
Sometimes, while proceeding with the treatment of the basic disorders that gave rise to the production and presence of catarrh in the throat, it is possible to resort to some palliative treatments to give relief to the patient from the discomfort and discomfort caused by the aforementioned pathological secretion. These treatments include washing with saline solutions (available in pharmacies in ready-to-use packs), or fumigations with essential oils with balsamic and expectorant properties (such as, for example, the essential oil of mint or eucalyptus) .
In any case, the type of treatment (even if palliative) to be carried out to eliminate, or in any case reduce, the presence of phlegm in the throat, must be established by the doctor or otolaryngologist after a thorough examination and a correct diagnosis.
