1. Acid reflux (silent reflux)
Acid reflux, particularly its less obvious form known as silent reflux or gastrolaryngeal reflux disease (GLR), is a leading cause of persistent mucus buildup in the throat. This condition occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter, the valve between the stomach and esophagus, malfunctions and allows stomach acid to flow backward up the esophagus. Unlike typical acid reflux that causes noticeable heartburn, silent reflux often manifests only through throat symptoms such as constant mucus, a sensation of a lump in the throat, hoarseness, or chronic cough.
