Sputum in the throat is released in diseases of the respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract and other systemic ailments. Sputum production does not always mean ARVI or bronchitis. You can find out the origin of the secretion and the disease, characterized by copious sputum production, after examining the mucus in the laboratory.
To combat a lump in the throat and cough, you will have to understand the possible causes of mucus accumulation in the throat. Read on estet-portal.com about the reasons for phlegm secretion in the throat.
The mechanism of mucus formation in the throat
The surface of the pharynx is lined with epithelium, the cells of which are capable of producing secretions - sputum. This colorless substance can moisten the throat and prevent injury.
Sputum is also produced by the mucous membrane of the nose, trachea, and bronchi. The liquid substance prevents the mucous membrane from drying out, envelops it and contains immune cells that filter the entry of viruses into the respiratory tract. When immunity decreases and an additional defense system is required, sputum increases in volume and protects the body from viruses, bacteria, foreign bodies and allergens entering the body.
Phlegm in the throat consists of several components: water, saliva and mucus from the nasopharynx and sinuses. When the amount of phlegm increases, a lump forms in the throat, which irritates the mucous membrane and makes you want to cough it up. Sputum production is accompanied by a runny nose and sore throat.
What causes phlegm in the throat?
Factors that provoke the appearance of sputum and its discharge are of different origins and differ in location.
Respiratory system diseases
- Bronchitis is the spread of a viral or bacterial infection in the respiratory tract involving the bronchi. Characterized by cough, accumulation of sputum in the bronchi, runny nose, and fever. It can occur in acute and chronic form. Frequent coughing and constant sputum production may indicate the progression of this disease.
- Bronchial asthma is an inflammation of the airways that produces large amounts of mucus, preventing normal breathing. The disease is accompanied by attacks of suffocation, coughing, and shortness of breath. The accumulation of phlegm in the throat occurs most often after an emotional change, after physical activity or in the presence of allergens.
- Pneumonia or pneumonia is an inflammatory process in the lungs that affects the alveoli and interstitial tissues of the lung. The disease is accompanied by trembling, fever, pain in the chest, under the shoulder blades, cough with thick sputum, and rapid breathing.
- Laryngitis can be an independent disease and mean inflammation of the mucous membrane of the larynx. Or be a concomitant factor in diseases such as measles, scarlet fever, whooping cough. Laryngitis is characterized by a small amount of sputum produced and a frequent suffocating cough.
- Obstructive bronchitis and changes in chromosomes in the genetic code: in the process of changes in the chromosomal structure, the lung frame suffers and leads to the development of obstructions. With obstructive bronchitis, inflammation causes a narrowing of the lumen of the lungs, causing difficulty in inhaling and exhaling.
- Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that affects the lungs. Caused by mycobacterium or Koch's bacillus. Characterized by severe cough, hemoptysis and sputum production, weakness, weight loss, fever and sweating.
Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract
One of these diseases is pharyngolaryngeal reflux - the passage of food debris from the esophagus or duodenum into the larynx. Contents from the stomach irritate the mucous membrane and cause coughing. This disease is accompanied by hoarseness, heartburn, lump in the throat and cough, as well as sputum production.
Diseases of the cardiovascular system
When the heart and circulatory system are affected, very little sputum is produced, but patients feel a lump in the throat and there are frequent coughing attacks.
Other factors for the appearance of phlegm in the throat:
- smoking tobacco – with smoker’s bronchitis, the patient often coughs and expectorates phlegm;
- occupational factors: expectoration of sputum upon contact with industrial aerosols, combustion products.
Sputum production is associated with many diseases and lifestyle choices. To get rid of an annoying cough and the presence of phlegm in the throat, you should undergo an examination and find out the cause of this symptom. And only then begin complex therapy aimed at getting rid of mucus and other associated symptoms.
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