Watch the full video for more information!
Having a phlegmy throat is a very common complaint. Although there are many potential causes of throat mucus including reflux, post-nasal drip, esophageal obstruction, allergies, and dysmotility. Interestingly, dairy has also been found to be a common trigger.
One explanation of how milk and other dairy products can trigger a phlegmy throat is due to its ability to curdle or thicken in the presence of acid. Acidifying milk causes milk proteins, like casein, to unwind and unfold in a process known as protein denaturing. The unfolded proteins are then free to interact with each other and clump together in a way they could not do when they were properly folded. The milk takes on a curdled appearance from the lumps of proteins that are binding one another.
Given acid reflux is a common medical problem, it is not surprising that so many people complain of throat phlegm after ingesting dairy products. When reflux reaches the throat, this condition is called laryngopharyngeal reflux or LPR rather than gastroesophageal reflux or GERD.
Keep in mind that one does NOT have to suffer symptoms of heartburn or a burning throat to suffer from reflux (condition known as “silent reflux”).
As such, one of the first things that can be tried when a phlegmy throat complaint is present is to take an acid reducer medication and avoid all dairy products for at least 3 weeks.
For more information on phlegmy throat:
More info on the specific relationship between milk and throat phlegm:
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Video created by Dr. Christopher Chang:
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