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The throat clears when there is excess mucus in the throat, which can be caused by an inflammation in the throat or an allergy, for example.
Usually, the sensation of something stuck in the throat caused by the throat clearing is due to irritation of the throat mucosa or the lack of fluidity of the mucus, which can cause discomfort. In order to alleviate this symptom, measures must be taken to reduce this irritation or to hydrate the mucus more, so that it ceases easily with the cough and does not stick to the walls of the throat.
See in the video below some easy ways to end the throat clearing:
1. Gargling with water and salt
Gargling is very easy to do and helps to relieve throat irritation because salt helps to attract more water to the walls of the throat, creating a barrier that in addition to moisturizing it also protects against dust that can further irritate mucous membranes.
To make this gargle you must:
- Mix 1 tablespoon of salt in half a glass of warm water;
- Stir the water well until the salt completely dissolves;
- Put the mixture in your mouth and tilt your head back;
- Gargle with water for at least 30 sec;
- Repeat the gargling until all the water has run out.
This technique provides quick relief and, therefore, can be used whenever the discomfort is very intense, up to 3 to 4 times a day.
2. Applying eucalyptus essential oil to the chest
Eucalyptus essential oil is a natural way to release mucus stuck in the throat and open the airways, in addition to relieving irritation in the throat, improving the discomfort caused by the throat clearing.
To use the essential oil, mix 1 to 2 drops in a teaspoon of coconut oil or other vegetable oil, and then rub the mixture on your chest. At first, this technique may cause a slight coughing sensation, but over time the cough will reduce and relieve throat irritation.
In most cases, the use of eucalyptus essential oil diluted in another vegetable oil does not cause skin irritation, however, if redness or itching is identified in the area, it is advisable to wash the skin with water and avoid using the essential oil.Know the medicinal properties of eucalyptus.
3. Drink lemon tea with honey
Lemon has the ability to break up mucus molecules, making it more liquid and easier to eliminate. Honey, on the other hand, helps to create a protective layer of the throat, which reduces the irritation of the mucosa. Thus, this tea is an excellent way to relieve the feeling of something stuck in the throat.
To take this home remedy you must mix 2 tablespoons of lemon juice in 1 cup of boiling water, add 1 teaspoon of honey, mix and drink as soon as it is warm. See other teas that help relieve throat inflammation.
4. Make mistings with water vapor
Nebulisations are great for moisturizing the throat mucosa, but also for liquefying the throat cleared, allowing it to be eliminated more easily.
To do this, it is recommended:
- Place 1 to 2 liters of boiling water in a bowl;
- Place a towel over your head, covering the basin too;
- Breathe in the steam coming out of the bowl.
This nebulization can also be done with a nebulizer, which is a device in which the vapor is released directly through a face mask.
In water, you can also mix a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil, to obtain the benefits of relieving irritation and even reducing cough, if present. Also check out 4 types of nebulization that help treat respiratory problems.
5. Drink 2 liters of water
Although it is the simplest tip, it is one of the most effective in relieving the sensation of throat clearing in the throat, as it moisturizes the secretions that are trapped, allowing them to be eliminated with the cough. Water can be drunk in the form of teas or even coconut water, for example.
Possible causes of throat clearing
Clearing your throat is caused by too much mucus in your throat, which can be due to throat irritation or allergy. Some of the most frequent causes include:
- Flu or cold;
- Allergy;
- Bronchitis;
- Inflammation of the larynx or pharynx;
- Sinusitis;
- Pneumonia.
Thus, if the throat does not improve after 3 days, it is important to go to the general practitioner or pulmonologist, to identify if there is any problem that needs to be treated with specific medications.
Some signs that may indicate that the throat clearing is being caused by another problem and that it is necessary to go to the hospital include the presence of yellowish or greenish phlegm, difficulty in breathing, sore throat or low fever, for example.