Mucus in throat
I constantly have mucus lining my throat even after saline nebulizer. This makes me have to clear my throat all day. Does anyone have a suggestion for this? I am really growing weary and wondering how to get through each day. I have had bronchiectasis for 20+ years and mycobacterium simiae for about 4 to 5 years. I have chosen not to treat due to many other health conditions. All I can do is airway clearance, some exercise and eat a decent diet. I see my doctors every six months, but that really isn’t much help. HELP
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Could it be GERD reflux related?
Just been tested for that. Doctor says I don’t have it so I guess not.
Sinus draining in my case. Endless. I do not clear throat. I try to avoid reflex cough. I swallow and/or wipe it out and then take a menthal cough drop. It is very annoying. Azelastine nasal and flonase together helps some. I sleep with head elevated. Usually starts with a sinus irritation (weather etc.) and lasts several weeks then goes away for a bit. Worst is middle of night when reflex cough happens and wakes me up. I drink water and take a cough drop then back to sleep. Mine is not gerd either. That's the first thing everybody blames but the sinuses are not necessarily innocent!
Interesting. I have been wondering about my sinuses. Every morning when I wake up I cough up mucus for about 15 minutes and have to blow my nose about 20 times. After that my nose is clear for the rest of the day, but the mucus in my throat stays. I had been drinking all my liquids warm, but stopped when the weather got so hot. I am going to try going back to warm liquids too see if that will help my throat. Thank you for your response and giving me something to think about.
I have the same problem. Have had MAC for three years. I cough a lot; but do not cough up much mucus. Oten it is just foam.Will check to see if related to sinus. Saw my Pulmonoligist and took and xray. Didn't show anything.
I think your throat will feel better if you don't "clear it" but rather just normally or force a swallow and drink water. Mine got better when I stopped the cough/clear event by forcing a swallow as advised by a sinus dr.
Thank you for that idea!
To all above....my story.
I started having to clear my throat about 10 years ago in the mornings. Some mornings I brought up just what appeared to be clear sputum. However at times what came up was a darker yellow/green gel like substance/sputum. Eventually the clearing of the throat got worse and as of today it is a sticky, thick substance that comes up to the throat that makes me want to clear it out. At times I do bring up and out the light green/yellow mucus plug(s). I was diagnosed with BE 8/2022 and afterwards I had an coloscopy and endoscopy. The endoscopy showed a small hiatal hernia. The coloscopy and endoscopy did not indicate acid reflux. I understand, if I am correct, a hiatal hernia does cause over production of mucus. I also have the clear mucus, the foamy white bubbly (water,moisture) that comes out when I clear my throat, esophagus. This clearing goes on all day long and the need to clear is worse after eating or drinking (I drink water only). Any similarities for others who have posted?
Your story sounds so similar to mine. I also have a small hiatal hernia and even though my doctors never say it could be a problem, now I wonder? I have the mucus in my throat almost all day as well. I drink only water also.
I am losing hope that doctors know enough about this disease to help much. So I stick with saline nebulizer, good diet, and whatever exercise I have the energy to do. I wish I had some good tips for you, but I am at a loss. Mostly now I am just anxious and scared! Thank you for sharing your story.
You may already know these things but I will share what I was told while at NJH in Denver.
Follow all guidelines for acid reflux, meaning no food or water three hours before bed.
No water in the night if you wake up. Sleep with the head of the bed elevated....blocks or wedge pillow or both. Sleep on your left side.
With having several health problems it does become complicated for the doctors and ourselves. I think at that point we work our way to finding out what works for us. For me I questioned why I had to see the local Pulmonologist every six months when all that they now could do was help me with antibiotics if I had an exacerbation and as well since I go to Tyler to see Dr. McShane as my primary BE doctor. Overall from the start the local pulmonologist truly was not much help. He agreed and said to please call him if I needed him, like if I feel I am having an exacerbation. This site, the internet and NJH were and are the best sources for how to handle and what to do with BE and the hiatal hernia (acid reflux). I use to wake up at night and the morning with a burning tongue and did think "acid." It was a couple of years later that with going to and learning from NJH (NJH leans towards believing acid reflux plays a role with BE) and following the acid reflux diet that I no longer wake up with a burning tongue. My problem is more silent reflux because I have not/never, as yet, have/had heartburn, a burning in the esophagus and the other typical symptoms of acid reflux during the day. With the constant feeling of thick mucus sitting in my throat, I chew gum, not the best thing, but it seems to help with the mucus caused by the hiatal hernia. I decided to try gum chewing before I knew that chewing gum is suggested for trying to control symptoms with acid reflux. It's not a total help, but does help some. The constant mucus/sputum is truly my main problem and the cause of a limiting lifestyle with it being worse immediately after eating. Not a pleasant thing for others to be around and watching a person do what they need to do...bring the mucus/sputum up and out and into a cup. So, I have many talks with myself and do try to be positive. So far my talks have helped...so far. So glad we are all here for each other.