Hi Dear, Welcome to HCM. Understanding your concern. As per your query you have sore throat , dry cough along with feeling of phlegm in throat . Well the symptoms you mention in query are pointing towards sore throat , which can be caused by bacterial or viral infection and feeling of phlegm stuck in throat id probably due to smoking habit which will go away with time as you already quit smoking . I would suggest you to consult ENT specialist for proper examination . Doctor may order test like viral culture test , throat swab test and blood test to confirm the diagnosis and rule out causes like acid reflux . Doctor may prescribe anti bacterial ( amoxicillin) or anti viral ( acyclovir ) depending upon the diagnosis along with decongestants . For now continue doing gargles and drink one spoon of honey mix with glass of lukewarm water . Hope your concern has been resolved. Get Well Soon. Best Wishes, Dr. Harry Maheshwari