Understanding Chronic Throat Clearing in Seniors: Causes & Solutions

Question
My 95 yr.old father is constantly clearing his throat of phlegm. Never smoked, not sick, and no allergies. Why is this?  Sometimes has matter to dispel, but not always.  

Answer
Dear Donna,

This is a commmon problem in the elderly.  It may be caused from certain medications, however, you did not indicate any medications are being taken.

Sometimes it is just because there is an excess of mucous that collects in the throat and this is the way the body takes care of clearing it away.

I would suggest having your father examined though just to make sure there is not something else causing this.