Why does mucus build up in my throat during cold weather?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 28-year-old male. I have had mucus collecting in my throat for almost two weeks now. For as long as I can remember, maybe for 10 years or so, I have been suffering from this condition, which some have called bronchitis, dust allergy, and so on. Any change in weather, any exposure to dust, smoke and fragrance from vehicles, incense sticks, powders or scents, or exposure to cold items causes this mucus secretion in my throat area. It is usually just a mucus collection in my throat for several days. Typically, there is no cough, fever, throat pain, or runny nose. The collection is more pronounced in the morning after I wake up from sleep. The condition is more prevalent in cold weather. I was away from my hometown for a few years, but I did not experience this issue as much as I do when visiting my hometown. I want a permanent solution for this. I have not undergone any major tests for this problem. I usually visit a local doctor when symptoms occur and take medicines for the infection. I am taking Montek FX (Fexofenadine and Montelukast) and Fluticasone nasal spray for 10 days. While the condition has improved, I am still not back to normal and can still feel the mucus in my throat.

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

After going through your query, it seems you are suffering from allergic bronchitis. Usually, this condition is triggered only if you are exposed to particular allergens. Additionally, environmental pollution can worsen the situation. As you mentioned, it is very clear that symptoms recur in your hometown but do not appear in other places where you stay. Therefore, it is important to identify the specific triggers in your surroundings and avoid outside pollution as much as possible.

To rule out any other pathology and the possibility of asthma, it is suggested to do a chest X-ray and spirometry test. If the reports suggest the possibility of asthma, then there is a need to start an anti-inflammatory inhaler called a controller. Expectorants work effectively in any kind of bronchitis and help in expelling the thick mucus. Allergen avoidance remains the main priority.

I hope this has helped you.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Yes, as I said earlier, it can be coexistent allergic rhinitis and bronchitis, which cause recurrent on-and-off symptoms. A skin prick test can help you pinpoint the allergic trigger. Once we know it, avoiding it should be the first priority. Also, there is no urgency for doing tests as it is not an emergency. Until then, just continue the same medicines as prescribed.

I hope this has helped you.

Thank you.

Answer 3

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I am glad to hear that you are improving symptomatically. The soreness in your throat can be due to many factors, such as the food you eat, the quality of air, other allergies, or local issues like tonsillitis. Frequent gargling with a good mouthwash like Chlorhexidine gluconate can help alleviate that feeling. It is fine if the brand of the medicine is different as long as the content is the same.

So, just continue with the medication and follow frequent gargling at least three times a day. Avoid oily and spicy foods for a few days and include more leafy vegetables and fruits in your diet. If this does not help, consult an ENT specialist to rule out any local throat pathology.

I hope this has helped you.

Thank you.