What remedy for over night build up throat mucus

I have all of this mucus that I have in my throat that I have from being sick a few days ago and I don't know how to get rid of the mucus so I just swallow it when it bugs me. Is there any home remedies I can possibly use?

Hello Anon

Thank you for writing.

Have you been ill? Do you have allergies? This may be the cause of excess mucus. With viral bronchitis, small amounts of white mucus are often coughed up.

To know how to treat this overnight phlegm, you need to know it's cause.

It sounds like what you have may be Post-Nasal Drip.

Causes of PND include:

Inhaled Irritants- These minute particles cause swelling of the nasal and sinus lining and originate mostly in areas with a lot of smog and dust.

Dairy Products- These food substances may cause ones mucus to thicken, making effective mucus drainage difficult. Dairy products also cause an irritation to the delicate mucus membrane lining and stimulate the nasal lining to increase their production of mucus.

Continuously eating foods that you are allergic too- This will cause mucus to thicken, resulting in poor mucus drainage and congested nasal passages.

Living in dry areas- This dry environment may cause the drying out of nasal mucus, making it thick and difficult to get rid off. This stagnant mucus is then a perfect host for bacteria to live and thrive in.

Smoking- Causes an irritation and inflammation of the delicate mucus membrane lining of the nasal passages. This causes an increase in the amount of mucus the nasal membrane secretes.
Smoking also causes damage to the cilia, decreasing their ability to transport this excess mucus.

Avoid drinking caffeine containing products and alcohol - As these substances may cause the drying out and thickening of mucus.

Colds and flu- Ones immune system is lowered when one is suffering from a cold or flu. This makes it easier for a person to develop post nasal drip and sinus infections.

Throat and Swallowing disorders - These disorders may result in an accumulation of fluids, mucus and solid particles in the back of the throat. This accumulation of foods and liquids may cause the glands of your throat to increase their mucus production resulting in post nasal drip.
Any growth or swelling in, or at the back of the throat may also prevent one from swallowing the mucus which will then stagnate, becoming thick and tenacious and creating another perfect environment for sinusitis creating bacteria.

It is important that one drink lots of water during the day as these liquids help stimulate mucus flow, preventing it from becoming stagnant and thick.

Washing your nasal passages regularly with a saline solution containing no preservatives helps to wash away any harmful bacteria or foreign particles which may be trapped in the nasal passages or sinus cavities. This irrigation of ones nasal cavities will not however treat the underlying cause of a sinus infection or sinus related conditions.

I hope this helps.
Susan