throatclearing

Throat clearing is the act of forcefully expelling air through the throat to remove mucus, irritants, or secretions from the airway. It is a common reflex, often voluntary, and can be a habitual behavior. It serves to clear transient irritation, but persistent throat clearing is typically a symptom rather than a disease.

Causes of throat clearing include acute infections such as the common cold, post-nasal drip from allergic rhinitis or sinusitis, gastroesophageal or laryngopharyngeal reflux, asthma, chronic cough, dehydration, dry air, and environmental irritants like smoke or dust. In some people, throat clearing becomes a habitual tic or compulsive behavior.

Chronic throat clearing can irritate the larynx, leading to hoarseness, sore throat, laryngitis, and, with persistent clearing, nodules or polyps on the vocal folds. It can also perpetuate throat symptoms and voice change if not addressed.

If throat clearing persists for weeks or is accompanied by difficulty swallowing, weight loss, coughing up blood, wheeze, or trouble breathing, a clinician should be consulted. Evaluation may include laryngoscopy to inspect the vocal cords, nasal endoscopy, and, when indicated, testing for reflux. An assessment helps distinguish simple irritation from more serious conditions.

Management focuses on addressing underlying causes and reducing clearing frequency. This can include hydration, humidification, saline nasal irrigation, allergen avoidance, and topical nasal therapies for allergies; reflux management with dietary changes and medications; and overall vocal hygiene. Behavioral strategies such as deliberate swallowing, breathing exercises, and working with a speech-language pathologist can help reduce habitual throat clearing. With appropriate treatment and behavior modification, throat clearing often improves; chronic cases may require ongoing management.