Hello Thank you for trusting HCM Dear usually starts with a physical component, such as acid reflux or an upper respiratory tract infection. But then it can become behavioral when it becomes habituated, he explains. It s hard to know when it crosses that line. People with allergies or reflux are also producing a dry, sticky mucus that s leading to a phlegm-filled sound when the throat is cleared. Avoid cool drink and freeze water, avoid lemon fruits and allergen, use medications to ease reflux, allergies, and asthma. Voice therapy can help break the throat-clearing cycle of vocal hyperfunction. Still symptoms persisten you need show him to Ent surgeon he will examine and treat you accordingly.