Stopping the Habit of Throat Clearing

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Stopping the Habit of Throat Clearing

Jun 04, 2021

Sometimes a cold, cough or something breathed in will cause you to constantly clear your throat. On this Health Minute, laryngologist, Dr. Katherine Kendall, says it can become a habitual response rather than an actual need. Learn some tips for breaking the habit.

Pea Weber - Friday Night Host und TV-Produzent
Seit 25 Jahren liegt der gebürtige Zürcher uns mit der besten Musik zur besten Zeit am Freitagabend in den Ohren. Auch den Zuschauerliebling «Sing meinen Song – Das Schweizer Tauschkonzert» brachte er in die Wohnzimmer der Schweiz. Wir besuchen ihn in seiner frisch bezogenen Wohnung im Aargau, wo wir seine kuscheligen Mitbewohner kennenlernen. Hier können wir ihm auch entlocken, welcher internationale Superstar den sonst so souveränen Pea ins Schwitzen gebracht hat.
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Episode Transcript

Interviewer: You have this feeling like you have to constantly clear your throat. Dr. Katherine Kendall's a laryngologist. What's going on?

Dr. Kendall: That sensation usually starts from an irritation in the larynx from a cold or a cough, or another exposure. The feeling goes on after the original problem has resolved, and it's like scratching a mosquito bite. The more you scratch it, the more it itches. So I generally recommend that patients try to stop throat clearing.

Interviewer: So, generally, it's not caused by anything other than just a habit. So what do you do?

Dr. Kendall: I recommend substituting the response with a throat clear with something other than a throat clear, such as a hard swallow, a sip of water, chewing gum, or even snapping a rubber band on the wrist.

Interviewer: And how long until I see some results?

Dr. Kendall: Three months should do it. If not, an individual should seek care from a laryngologist.

updated: June 4, 2021
originally published: February 6, 2019

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