1. < Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT)

Chronic throat clearing

Posted by vinman789 @vinman789, May 24, 2023

I have had a problem for years that I always have something caught in my throat.
I can’t swallow it and I can’t clear my throat to bring it up either
At first they thought it was reflux and I had the reflux surgery and it didn’t help.
I have had numerous endoscopy and they can’t find anything wrong
I have seen three ENT doctors and have gotten no relief
The current doctor has me on an anti depressant and omenprazel.
I have up coming appointments with speech therapist and a follow up with an neurologist
This is getting to the point where it’s affecting me physically and mentally
There are times when I’m embarrassed to leave my house. Who wants to be near someone when he clears their throat constantly
I’m getting to the point where I’m afraid of becoming a recluse
Oh I have also seen nose specialist and it’s not post nasal drip either
Has anyone had this and overcome it?
I’m at the end of my rope

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mikkimcc | @mikkimcc | Mar 25 1:43am
In reply to @cberry211 "Has anyone suggested that it may be a tic? Tics are autonomic (you don't have control)..." + (show)
@cberry211

Has anyone suggested that it may be a tic? Tics are autonomic (you don't have control) movements or speech that are part of a disorder known as Tourette's syndrome. I have a friend that has a tic of clearing her throat. Tic can sometimes be managed by medications but you should perhaps consult a psychiatrist or neurologist if this hasn't already been ruled out.

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I was going to say the exact same thing. It sounds like a tic.
Does anyone in your family have this issue? I've heard/read it can be hereditary.

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phyllisg | @phyllisg | Mar 25 8:55am

My husband is constantly clearing his throat and also coughing. He underwent throat cancer surgery 2 months ago. We assumed it was because of that because no one seems to know. He has tried just about everything. He cannot swallow so that limits what he can try.

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psmick | @psmick | Mar 25 11:41am

I can relate as have had it for years with no relief in sight. I, too, have tried 'all of the above' without success. It is not a tic, lol, as there is mucous. Still, post nasal drip, acid reflux, and sinus problems have all been ruled out. It is annoying, embarrassing and extremely frustrating. I try to avoid talking on the phone just for that reason. I also have tried a few suggestions made by others on this site, most recently, Lanolin in the nose, but it did not help me.
Thanks to all who have been willing to share!

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baguette | @baguette | Mar 26 8:09am

Could it be silent reflux, which can affect the throat, sinuses, and ears through the action of Pepsin, a digestive enzyme? You can learn more and decide for yourself at https://jamiekoufman.com. She is an ENT who specializes in silent reflux (LPR). Another one is Jonathan Aviv, who advocates not only a low-acid diet but a whole food diet too. My GI doctor and ENT have no idea what LPR is, and were of no help whatsoever. I am now on the low acid, whole food diet, using Gaviscon Advance, aloe vera juice, sleeping with head inclined, and am seeing progress in dealing with the symptoms. Maybe worth a try as you pursue further investigation with doctors. BTW, some of the ENTs specializing in silent reflux say that PPIs don't work on that condition. Let us know when you finally have found relief. Good luck!

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1 reply
wendymb | @wendymb | Mar 26 2:36pm
In reply to @baguette "Could it be silent reflux, which can affect the throat, sinuses, and ears through the action..." + (show)
@baguette

Could it be silent reflux, which can affect the throat, sinuses, and ears through the action of Pepsin, a digestive enzyme? You can learn more and decide for yourself at https://jamiekoufman.com. She is an ENT who specializes in silent reflux (LPR). Another one is Jonathan Aviv, who advocates not only a low-acid diet but a whole food diet too. My GI doctor and ENT have no idea what LPR is, and were of no help whatsoever. I am now on the low acid, whole food diet, using Gaviscon Advance, aloe vera juice, sleeping with head inclined, and am seeing progress in dealing with the symptoms. Maybe worth a try as you pursue further investigation with doctors. BTW, some of the ENTs specializing in silent reflux say that PPIs don't work on that condition. Let us know when you finally have found relief. Good luck!

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Hi@baguette. I’m curious about Gaviscon Advance. Having tried Omeprazole for years, but now on Pepcid, I was wondering if the Gaviscon with its sodium alginate better coats the stomach, therefore preventing the acid from coming up?

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1 reply
baguette | @baguette | Mar 27 7:46am
In reply to @wendymb "Hi@baguette. I’m curious about Gaviscon Advance. Having tried Omeprazole for years, but now on Pepcid, I..." + (show)
@wendymb

Hi@baguette. I’m curious about Gaviscon Advance. Having tried Omeprazole for years, but now on Pepcid, I was wondering if the Gaviscon with its sodium alginate better coats the stomach, therefore preventing the acid from coming up?

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The point of Gaviscon Advance is to create what is called a raft, i.e., a foamy plug at the top of the stomach that keeps the stomach contents in the stomach from two to four hours. I think it does coat the stomach (if I have irritation in my esophagus drinking GA soothes it), but the main point is to plug up the stomach. BTW, there is a difference between GA from the UK and Gaviscon produced in the US. The GA is better, and does not have aluminum. It is available on Amazon.

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1 reply
wendymb | @wendymb | Mar 27 3:12pm
In reply to @baguette "The point of Gaviscon Advance is to create what is called a raft, i.e., a foamy..." + (show)
@baguette

The point of Gaviscon Advance is to create what is called a raft, i.e., a foamy plug at the top of the stomach that keeps the stomach contents in the stomach from two to four hours. I think it does coat the stomach (if I have irritation in my esophagus drinking GA soothes it), but the main point is to plug up the stomach. BTW, there is a difference between GA from the UK and Gaviscon produced in the US. The GA is better, and does not have aluminum. It is available on Amazon.

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Thank you. Yes I noted that Gaviscon Advancd has sodium alginate, while original Gaviscon does not. Did not know it’s only in Europe. Will try it in addition to Pepcid for my chronic cough. Appreciate your reply.

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fab44 | @fab44 | Apr 30 10:03pm
In reply to @sueinmn "Wow, 48 hours ago I would not have had anything to add to Jennifer's comments. You..." + (show)
@sueinmn

Wow, 48 hours ago I would not have had anything to add to Jennifer's comments. You could be describing my husband - for all of the many years we have been together!
He has tried everything - sometimes in combination - and nothing completely resolved it. His was not post nasal drip or GERD either.
Last week his pain management doc, of all people, recommended Azelastine nasal spray. We just learned it is available over the counter in the same strength as the prescription version. Just a few days, and his throat clearing has almost disappeared! And he has been able to stop 2 of his 3 allergy meds.

Sue

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What are the side effects of Azelastine nasal spray? Some sprays can be addicting if they are not a saline spray.

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