Constant throat clearing is commonly caused by a cold or allergies, but it can also be related to a more serious health condition, like COVID-19, sinusitis, gastroesophageal reflux and even laryngeal cancer.

Other symptoms can also emerge if you are constantly clearing your throat like coughing, fever, facial pain, throat burning, weight loss and hoarseness.

If you find that you are constantly clearing your throat, and if this occurs with other symptoms, it is important to see a doctor for assessment. Treatment may involve diet changes, antibiotics and even surgery, depending on the underlying cause.

Why am I constantly clearing my throat?

The main causes of constant throat clearing are:

1. Cold

Constant throat clearing can occur with a cold, and is usually related to increased mucus production and irritation in the airways. The need to clear your throat can increase when lying down, while other symptoms may also emerge such as fever, coughing, sneezing and a plugged nose.

How to treat: You can irrigate your nose with saline solution several times a day, especially if you are experiencing excessive mucus production in the airways. This can help to relieve the urge to clear your throat.

Other symptoms such as a fever or headache should be assessed by a doctor to determine the need for further treatment with antipyretic and analgesic medications.

2. COVID-19

COVID-19 can lead to constant throat clearing as this respiratory infection can increase mucus production and throat irritation. This condition also presents with other symptoms, like a fever, cough, blocked or runny nose, as well as loss of smell or taste.

How to treat: If you suspect you have COVID-19, you are advised to see a doctor for assessment and treatment. The constant throat clearing tends to resolve as the infection improves.

In more severe cases, some patients may additionally experience shortness of breath, chest pain or drowsiness, which may require treatment in a hospital setting.

3. Allergies

Allergies, also referred to as allergic, rhinitis is another common cause of constant throat clearing. Allergies can also cause symptoms like a runny nose, coughing, sneezing and watery eyes.

Allergy symptoms are typically caused by contact with a trigger, like dust, pollen or animal fur.

How to treat: Throat clearing caused by allergies can be prevented by avoiding contact with the triggering substance. It may help to keep your home well-ventilated, and to store magazines and newspapers appropriately to avoid collecting dust. You should also dust your home routinely with a damp cloth.

However, if your symptoms of frequent and intense, you should consult an allergy specialist or ENT specialist for assessment and treatment. Treatment may involve medications, such as antihistamines and nasal corticosteroids. Read more about the medications for allergic rhinitis that your doctor may consider prescribing.

4. Chronic bronchitis

Chronic bronchitis is more commonly diagnosed in smokers, and can cause constant throat clearing due to increase mucus production in the airways.

Patients with chronic bronchitis will typically have a cough with phlegm that lasts for months.

How to treat: if you suspect you may chronic bronchitis, it is important to consult a lung specialist or general practitioner. If confirmed, the doctor may prescribe medications such as bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids to help relieve throat clearing and coughing.

When chronic bronchitis is caused by smoking, quitting smoking is an essential part of the treatment. Home remedies for bronchitis can also be beneficial for managing symptoms naturally.

5. Sinusitis

Sinusitis is characterized by an infection in the cavities in the bones of the face, also referred to the paranasal sinuses. Infection in these cavities can cause constant throat clearing.

It is also common for yellow mucus to come out of the nose and for other symptoms to appear, such as facial pain, fever and cough.

How to treat: if you suspect sinusitis, it is recommended to consult an otolaryngologist or general practitioner. In addition to nasal lavage with saline solution, medications such as antibiotics, analgesics and antipyretics may also be indicated.

6. GERD

GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux, can sometimes cause constant throat clearing, due to the back-flow of stomach acid up to the throat. This can irritate the tissues in the throat and cause discomfort.

GERD can also cause other symptoms, like throat burning, heartburn, burping and indigestion, all which can worsen when lying down. Read more about the symptoms of GERD and what causes it.

How to treat: If you think you may have GERD, you should see a a gastroenterologist or general practitioner for assessment. If confirmed, the doctor may opt to prescribed GERD medications, like antacids, which will eventually help to reduce throat clearing..

Other measures like losing weight (in cases of obesity), avoiding meals close to bedtime and reducing your intake of fatty food, spicy food and alcohol can also be beneficial. Learn about the GERD diet your doctor may advise to manage symptoms and reduce flare-ups.

7. Exposure to irritating substances

Exposure to irritating substances, like cigarette smoke or pollution, can cause throat irritation and chronic inflammation, which can increase phlegm production.

This can lead to constant throat clearing and coughing, as a way for the airways to expel irritating substances. Other symptoms include a scratchy, itchy or sore throat.

How to treat: Avoiding exposure to substances that cause throat irritation is the most effective way to reduce throat clearing. If this is not possible, you can also use soothing throat lozenges that contain honey, lemon or ginger, or perform salt-water gargles.

Throat clearing caused by smoking typically resolves with smoking cessation, which can be aided by prescription medications like bupropion or varenicline.

8. Throat cancer

Although it is rare, constant throat clearing can be a sign of throat cancer. This condition also tends to cause symptoms like hoarseness and difficulty swallowing. It is more common in older adults and smokers.

How to treat: If you suspect you may have throat cancer, it is important to consult an otolaryngologist to confirm a diagnosis and begin treatment. Treamtent should be guided by an oncologist, and may involve surgery to remove the tumor, radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy.

When to see a doctor

It is important to see a doctor if you experience:

Constant throat clearing that does not improve over time
Fever
Shortness of breath
Hoarseness
Cough
Unexplained weight loss
Burning in the throat, chest or upper stomach

In these cases, a constant throat clearing may be a sign of a more serious condition, such as sinusitis, GERD or even cancer. It is important to seek assessment to determine the underlying cause and initiate treatment.