Thick saliva in throat – or mucus – is a viscous, acidic, and semi-opaque secretion, instead of the clear and watery one. Changes can be due to large quantities of organic matter in the saliva caused by a variety of reasons. Show Normal saliva is a lubricating fluid to help us eat and talk. It is also an antibacterial agent to help eliminate harmful bacteria in our mouth. Furthermore, it contains enzymes to help aid in food digestion and is normally thin, non-irritating, and non-disturbing. Thick saliva is not normal, and could be an indication of another health condition. It’s important to understand the possible causes of thick saliva to get the proper treatment. Causes of thick salivaRadiation therapy: Undergoing radiation therapy of the head and neck can produce thick saliva. Thick saliva may appear within the first couple of weeks of radiation therapy. Recovery of salivary glands can be seen within two to six months after radiation therapy has stopped, but thick saliva may be present up to five years after. Factors that contribute to normalization of saliva after radiation include age, dosage of radiation, and field of exposure. Dehydration: Insufficient hydration throughout the day can contribute to thick saliva. Smoking: Smoking irritates the internal lining of the upper respiratory tract, increasing mucus production. As a result, the smokers may feel as if there is something sticky in their throats. A cough with mucus may occur in some smokers as well. Candidiasis: This is caused by the fungus candida, so if your thick saliva is also accompanied by white patches in your mouth it could be a sign of oral fungus, which requires antifungal treatment. Cough and cold: When you are sick with the cold, flu, or another respiratory infection, extra mucus is produced, causing thick saliva. Autoimmune disorders: Some autoimmune disorders like Sjögren’s syndrome can cause thick saliva. Seasonal allergies: If thick saliva is only present during certain times of the year when you are around certain triggers, it could be a result of seasonal allergies. Pay attention to when you experience thick saliva to detect a possible allergen. Commonly, the allergy season spans from May to September, but winter allergies are possible, too. Diabetes and elevated blood sugar: When blood sugar level gets high or uncontrolled, it leads to dry mouth, once again causing thick saliva. Gastroenteritis: Having gastroenteritis could affect saliva production, thickening its consistency. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Acid produced by the stomach pushes up through the esophagus, so the mouth produces extra saliva to combat the acidity. Cystic fibrosis: In cystic fibrosis, the body produces abnormally thick and sticky mucus. Home remedies for thick saliva in throatIf your thick saliva is caused by a serious health condition, you need to speak to your doctor about treatment to prevent complications. If your thick saliva isn’t a cause for concern, there are some home remedies you can try to improve the condition.
Foods to help prompt salivating and decrease the thickness of salivaWhat we eat can have a large effect on saliva, so here are some common foods that not only help boost saliva production, but also decrease the thickness of saliva.
Here are food items you should avoid if you have a dry mouth as they could lead to thick saliva.
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