Coughing and throat clearing are normally protective mechanisms to prevent food and water from going into the lungs or to expel phlegm. Reasons for excessive coughing or throat clearing should be investigated by medical doctor to understand the true cause and treatment required. If the coughing is related to a difficulty in swallowing fluids or food, a referral to Speech Therapist is required to assess this difficulty further. If the cough or throat clearing is related to throat hypersensitivity, a speech therapist can also teach some cough suppression techniques to bring down the cough frequency.