Understanding Throat Drainage: Causes, Symptoms & Solutions

Throat drainage is part of being human. The average adult produces up to two quarts of mucus a day, and its job is to hydrate the respiratory system. Throat drainage becomes a problem when too much mucus is produced or when it's too thick.

Sinus Inflammation

• Sinusitis is bacterial inflammation of the sinuses. The inflammation results in thick mucus that drains down the rear of the throat and causes coughing, nausea and nasal congestion. Fever sometimes accompanies sinus infections.

Allergies

• Throat drainage can also be caused by allergies, which make the nose and sinuses produce more mucus than normal. Usually, this mucus is clear and thin. Thick mucus results when the air is too dry for the mucus membranes to sufficiently moisten their secretions.

GERD

• Symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can feel like symptoms of sinusitis. With GERD, stomach acid leaks from the stomach up to the esophagus. Sometimes, acid reaches the nose and sinuses, irritating membranes and triggering production of extra mucus, which causes throat drainage and coughing.