Sore throat and phlegm: what should you know?

A Common Cold, Influenza or COVID-19 can increase mucus and irritate the throat. Allergic Rhinitis may cause mucus to drip from the nose into the throat, leading to repeated throat clearing, especially with sneezing or congestion. Acid Reflux can create a lump-like feeling, throat clearing or thick secretions without a typical cold. Tonsillitis and Strep Throat can cause throat pain and visible coating or drainage around inflamed tonsils. Green or yellow phlegm does not by itself prove a bacterial infection or mean antibiotics are needed.

Drink water or warm fluids and consider saline nasal treatment if post-nasal drainage is present. Rest, avoid smoking and use a lozenge if safe for you. Gentle steam from a warm shower may feel soothing, but avoid burns from hot water. A pharmacist can advise on an appropriate pain reliever or treatment for congestion. Do not start leftover antibiotics, and avoid cough medicines that are unsuitable for your age or other conditions.

Seek urgent help for difficulty breathing, blue lips, coughing blood, inability to swallow fluids, or rapidly worsening throat swelling. Arrange medical review for chest pain, dehydration, persistent fever, wheezing, symptoms that keep worsening, or phlegm continuing beyond the expected illness. A clinician can listen to your chest and examine your nose and throat when the source is unclear.

Could post-nasal drainage or reflux be contributing? Do my chest symptoms need checking? Which mucus or pain treatment is suitable? When should I return if the phlegm changes?