@nygirl4159 The first self-check I would do is to evaluate my airway clearance routine. Properly done, huff coughing and airway clearance should not irritate the throat. It is when we resorts to frequent throat clearing and "hacking" coughs that the problem occurs.
Did you have a session with a respiratory therapist on how to do the cycle of controlled breathing and huff coughing (most people don't get this training!) If not, here is a video:

And if you don't feel this loosens the mucus enough, using an Aerobika as part of airway clearance can help.