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Clearing your throat may seem like a harmless habit and, often, it is done without much thought. Yet, if you find yourself needing to do so consistently, it could point to an underlying issue that warrants the professional input of an ear, nose, and throat specialist. Here, discover what could be prompting this pattern and what to do about it.

What Makes You Feel Like You Need to Clear Your Throat?

Throat clearing is a symptom, not a condition in itself. Typically, it first surfaces as a result of a cold or upper respiratory infection that affected the throat or airways. It can also be a result of exposure to allergens causing an itchy sensation in the nose and throat. Ear, nose, and throat specialists have also seen it as a response to laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR).

Some individuals can’t pinpoint the exact time when the urge to clear their throat first began. A condition called globus pharyngeus gives the sensation of a lump in the throat and affects nearly half the population. For others, throat clearing is a tic that develops as a result of stress, or it can even be a learned behavior picked up by a spouse or other cohabitant.

Why Is Persistently Clearing Your Throat a Problem?

Occasional throat clearing shouldn’t cause any alarm, but when repeated often, the condition can begin to damage the throat. Each time, the throat becomes more inflamed, which again produces the urge to clear the throat. When done too repeatedly, it can eventually lead to friction on the vocal cord, which may also contribute to the formation of ulcers or masses. In general, it is considered to be isolated when it lasts two weeks or less, but any duration exceeding this period is considered chronic.

How Can You Address the Issue?

ear, nose, and throat specialistAn ear, nose, and throat specialist can address your chronic throat clearing by first determining the root cause. They will then recommend a course of treatment based on their findings. For instance, they may prescribe a medication to combat reflux or allergies if one of these conditions is causing irritation in the throat. Solutions such as voice therapy can also help to break patients of the habit.

 

If you or a loved one struggles with persistent throat clearing, the dedicated team from Arizona Coast Ear Nose & Throat can help. Serving Lake Havasu City and Mohave County, these ear, nose, and throat specialists offer individualized treatments for reflux and allergies. Learn more about the conditions they treat by visiting their website or call (928) 854-5368 to schedule a consultation.

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