Frequent throat clearing is commonly caused by postnasal drip, acid reflux, or allergies. See a doctor if it persists.
Common causes
- Postnasal drip.
- Acid reflux (LPR or GERD).
- Allergies.
- Dry air or dehydration.
- Smoking.
- Habit.
- Medicines such as ACE inhibitors.
What helps
- Drink water.
- Treat allergies or reflux.
- Avoid clearing, which irritates. Swallow or sip water.
See a doctor
If it lasts over 3 weeks, or comes with pain, hoarseness or trouble swallowing.
Mucus and postnasal drip
The most common reason for throat clearing is mucus draining from the nose and sinuses into the throat (postnasal drip). Allergies, colds, sinus infections and dry air increase mucus. Throat clearing then becomes a habit.
Acid reflux
Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) happens when stomach acid reaches the throat and voice box, causing a lump sensation, hoarseness and chronic throat clearing, often without heartburn. It is sometimes called silent reflux.
Other causes
- GERD.
- Asthma and chronic cough.
- Dry throat from dehydration, mouth breathing or low humidity.
- Smoking, vaping and irritants.
- ACE inhibitor medications, which cause cough.
- Vocal cord problems or overuse.
- Thyroid enlargement.
- Habit or tic, including Tourette syndrome.
- Anxiety.
- Swallowing problems.
Why throat clearing is not ideal
Forceful clearing strikes the vocal cords together, causing irritation and swelling, which makes you want to clear again.
What helps
- Sip water frequently.
- Swallow or sip water instead of clearing.
- Try a silent cough or a hard swallow.
- Use a saline nasal rinse for drip.
- Treat allergies.
- Use a humidifier.
- Avoid smoking and irritants.
- For reflux: avoid late meals, caffeine, alcohol and spicy food, and elevate the head of the bed. Ask a doctor about acid reducers.
See a doctor if
It lasts more than 3 to 4 weeks, with hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, weight loss, coughing blood, a lump in the neck or pain. An ear, nose and throat doctor may perform a laryngoscopy.
Reflux and drainage
Frequent throat clearing is often caused by postnasal drip from allergies or sinus issues, and by laryngopharyngeal reflux where stomach acid reaches the throat. Other causes include asthma, certain medicines like ACE inhibitors, smoking, dehydration and habit. Clearing the throat can itself irritate vocal cords and increase mucus, creating a cycle.
Remedies
Drink water, use a sip or swallow instead of clearing, treat allergies, avoid smoking and limit late meals and trigger foods like caffeine, alcohol and spicy food if reflux is suspected. See a doctor if it lasts more than a few weeks, or comes with hoarseness, trouble swallowing, weight loss, coughing blood or a lump in the neck. An ear nose and throat specialist can examine the larynx.
Based on data from the American Academy of Otolaryngology and the Mayo Clinic
