What To Drink If You Have A Frog In Your Throat

It may sound like a phrase out of a children's fairytale book, but having a frog stuck in your throat does not mean that you've literally swallowed a slimy, green amphibian. What you may have in common with that frog, however, is a croak-like sound emanating from your throat. In other words, people who say they have a frog in their throat are usually referring to the gritty, raspy quality of their own voice when sick.

Viruses or allergies are often to blame for these vocal changes, reports NBC News. The accumulation of mucus that occurs within the throat can hinder the normal functioning of our vocal cords, giving our voice a more throaty quality and the feeling of a large lump lodged in our esophagus. Usually, a frog-in-the-throat feeling will resolve on its own as the body recovers from illness or as allergy symptoms subside. Yet you don't have to suffer while you wait. Instead, Healthline suggests drinking a cup of warm, decaffeinated tea with lemon to help dislodge phlegm and ease the discomfort of that pesky frog in your throat.

Keeping our body flush with liquids is key when it comes to dealing with a phlegmy throat. Warm beverages in particular, such as tea, can help loosen stubborn mucus and lubricate the throat (via MedicineNet). In doing so, this can help clear out any obstructions and relieve additional symptoms like clogged up sinuses. Different kinds of herbal teas can offer different benefits depending on the cause of your froggy throat. If illness is to blame, clove tea or green tea can help combat infection. Peppermint tea can numb the area and reduce any pain or discomfort. The same is true for raspberry tea, which may help lower inflammation in the throat. Finally, chamomile tea can be especially great for a croaky voice. By keeping the throat hydrated, it helps alleviate a scratchy or hoarse voice.

Adding in a dash of lemon juice to your warm tea can provide even more added perks. Not only can lemon help dissolve phlegm and reduce discomfort in the throat, but it's ripe with vitamin C, which can kick our immunity up a notch and better equip the body to ward off infectious invaders.

Alternatively, there's a third reason as to why someone might experience a frog in their throat that has nothing to do with allergies or illness. Instead, it may be due to a condition known as laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), or "silent reflux" for short, explains NBC News. Often provoked by coffee, soda, spicy food, or alcohol, silent reflux occurs when stomach acid moves backwards towards the throat, aggravating the voice box. LPR isn't entirely unusual. In fact, it's not considered a medical problem if it happens fewer than 50 times daily. In the long run, however, the body may build up its defenses against silent reflux and layer the throat with excess mucus, leading to a chronic frog-in-the-throat feeling.

In cases of laryngopharyngeal reflux, beverages shouldn't be your main area of focus when it comes to treatment. Instead, work on avoiding any foods or habits known to prompt symptoms, such as smoking (via Cleveland Clinic). Sometimes, medications may be prescribed, like proton pump inhibitors or H2 blockers to neutralize the acid backing up into the throat. In certain specific cases, surgery may be recommended.

In most instances, a froggy throat usually takes care of itself. However, if symptoms last longer than 14 days or if you feel a physical lump protruding from your throat, be sure to see your physician.