Hearing this, " unless I have an exacerbation, I get only a little mucus - the only time I get it after meals is if I aspirate food, then I cough up stuff for a few hours - I assume my lungs are producing mucus to surround and kick out the foreign substance," is a help.
Two ENT swllow tests in 2023 did not indicate I aspirate food etc. So it very well can be the hiatal hernia causing this daily and nearly constant all day problem of having to clear my throat. I did read that a hiatal hernia could cause a problem of throat clearing. Relief of clearing the gel like substance somewhat comes a half an hour after eating or drinking and chewing gum, a very small piece of gum, tames it down after the half an hour or so has passed.
Now I understand how you are able to be as social as you are....this mucus problem of mine controls my social life at this point. I need to find a way to change that because overall I feel fine....as long as I get a good nights sleep. As much as four times up to visit the bathroom and then a few minutes of clearing the throat so I try to consider that and head to the bedroom early to make up the times of sleep interruptions. Adjustments, adjustments.
Thanks Sue for your time and replies....much appreciated.

P.S. Yes, probiotics during and immediately after antibiotics. I am also taking a probiotic a couple of times a week plus have greek yogurt several times a week for breakfast with banana and walnut flour. Yum. I also have not had the Candida again.....since learning back then to use probiotics.
Barbara

what is meant by live culture yogurt? Do you have to make that or can you buy it?? When you make it what do you use for starter?