9 Causes for Throat Clearing and How to Make It Stop

Habitual throat clearing and certain medical issues can lead to ongoing throat clearing. Addressing the root cause often helps reduce or stop the behavior.

Everyone clears their throat occasionally. Whether it’s to get someone’s attention, a nervous tic, or because it feels like something’s lodged in the back of the throat, there are many reasons we go ahem.

When throat clearing becomes frequent, though, it’s important to determine the cause. Chronic throat clearing can strain your vocal cords over time and is frequently a symptom of another condition. Pinpointing the source is essential to reducing throat clearing.

Keep reading to find out more about throat clearing, why it happens, and when it might indicate a more serious issue.

9 causes of throat clearing

Chronic throat clearing is not a standalone diagnosis but rather a symptom of another problem. Common causes of persistent throat clearing include:

1. Reflux

Many people who report ongoing throat clearing have a condition called laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). LPR occurs when stomach contents — acidic or nonacidic — travel upward into the throat, producing an irritating sensation that prompts throat clearing. Most people with LPR do not have the typical reflux complaints like heartburn or indigestion.

Treatment for LPR can include medications and, in severe cases, surgery. Lifestyle adjustments and home strategies often help as well. Try these at-home measures:

• Raise the head of the bed by 30 degrees or more.
• Don’t eat or drink within three hours of lying down.
• Limit or avoid caffeine and alcohol.
• Avoid spicy, fatty, and acidic foods.
• Adopt a Mediterranean-style diet, which may be as effective as medication for easing LPR symptoms.
• Lose excess weight.
• Manage stress.

2. Postnasal drainage

Postnasal drip is another frequent trigger for throat clearing. It occurs when the body produces extra mucus that trickles down the back of the nose into the throat. Other symptoms may include:

• a cough that worsens at night
• nausea from mucus moving into the stomach
• a scratchy or sore throat
• bad breath

Allergies often cause postnasal drip. Other contributors include:

• a deviated septum
• cold air
• viral infections, such as a cold or flu
• sinus infections
• pregnancy
• weather changes
• dry indoor air
• eating spicy foods
• certain medications

Treatment depends on the cause. For allergy-related drip, avoiding triggers or taking allergy medicines can help. Additional remedies include:

• over-the-counter decongestants like pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)
• antihistamines such as loratadine (Claritin)
• saline nasal sprays
• sleeping with the head elevated
• staying well-hydrated
• drinking warm fluids

3. Zenker’s diverticulum

In rare cases, an abnormal pouch in the esophagus—called Zenker’s diverticulum—can trap food and mucus, causing them to accumulate and irritate the throat.

Surgical repair is commonly required to treat Zenker’s diverticulum.

4. Chronic motor tic disorder

Chronic motor tic disorder involves brief, involuntary, spasm-like movements or vocal tics. It usually begins before age 18 and may persist for four to six years.

Other signs may include:

• facial grimacing
• blinking, twitching, jerking, or shrugging
• sudden, uncontrollable limb or body movements
• grunting or groaning

Treatment depends on symptom severity and can include behavioral therapies and medications.

5. Tourette syndrome

Tourette syndrome is a neurological condition that produces both motor tics and vocalizations. Additional features may include:

• repetitive eye blinking or darting
• nose twitching
• mouth movements
• head jerking
• grunting
• coughing
• repeating words or phrases (your own or others’)

Management of Tourette syndrome may involve neurological care, medicines, and therapy.

6. Pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorder with streptococcus (PANDAS)

PANDAS typically appears suddenly in children after strep throat or scarlet fever. Along with throat clearing and other vocal tics, symptoms can include:

• motor tics
• obsessive-compulsive behaviors
• mood swings or irritability
• panic attacks

Treatment can include therapy, counseling, and medications when appropriate.

7. Food allergies

Sometimes a food allergy or sensitivity produces a ticklish feeling in the throat that prompts clearing. Dairy is a common offender, but eggs, rice, and soy can also be triggers. Avoiding the offending food is the typical remedy.

8. A side effect of medication

Certain blood pressure drugs may cause a persistent tickle in the throat that leads to frequent clearing. If you suspect your medication is responsible, discuss alternatives with your prescriber.

9. Habit

At times there may be no medical cause — the throat clearing is simply a habit or a subconscious response to anxiety or stress.

These strategies may help break the habit:

• increase fluid intake
• track your throat-clearing or ask someone to help monitor it
• replace the behavior with another action, like swallowing or tapping your fingers

When to get medical help for throat clearing

If throat clearing is frequent or interferes with daily life, seek evaluation. A doctor will perform an exam and may recommend an endoscopy to inspect the throat and upper airway. Allergy testing might also be suggested.

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Treatment for throat clearing

Long-term management of chronic throat clearing depends on identifying and treating the underlying cause. Options include lifestyle modifications, medications, and sometimes surgical intervention.

Home remedies

If you catch yourself clearing your throat more often, try simple home strategies. When the urge arises, attempt one of these alternatives:

• take a sip of water
• suck on sugar-free candy
• swallow twice
• yawn
• cough gently

What’s the prognosis?

Occasional throat clearing is normal. Persistent clearing, however, can signal an underlying disorder and may injure your vocal cords over time.

If basic home measures don’t reduce throat clearing, seek medical care promptly to find the cause and begin appropriate treatment.