Q: I constantly have to clear my throat, sometimes a few times in a row. What can I do about it? — Judith, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada A: Our first, not-so-wild guess is that you have postnasal drip, most likely triggered by allergies. An antihistamine may prevent the lava flow of mucus from your sinuses that’s making you sound like you constantly want someone’s attention (ahem!). To be sure, let your doc shine a light on your problem, accompanied by a tongue depressor and the instructions, “Say ‘ahhhh.’ ”
We’re suggesting this because frequent throat clearing can signal many conditions, ranging from swollen tonsils and/or adenoids to asthma, acid reflux disease (stomach acid backing up into your esophagus) and even Tourette syndrome (a nervous system disorder often marked by vocal tics). But it also can be all in your head: Stress makes your throat muscles spasm, creating a lump-in-the-throat feeling that you try to clear. Using stress-reduction techniques when you’re under pressure helps keep that lump away. (We love deep breathing and meditation for easing tension down a notch.)
