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Any answers to rid continual stubborn phlegm from throat?
Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) | Last Active: Sep 16 3:27pm | Replies (19)Comment receiving replies
The ENT specialist found nothing to solve my problem which I've been living with for 5 years. Endoscopy exams revealed nothing, although the ENT was convinced that I was suffering from GERD, and the last exam I had did not show any indications of GERD. I ever have heartburn or other symptoms either. But, apparently post nasal drip (which they now call some type of syndrome) can be difficult to detect and I personally feel that the phlegm build up that I get in my throat is nore likely coming from my sinuses. Mornings have been typically worse and it can take quite some time to clear my throat before I can speak normally without coughing etc. I've tried raising the head of my bed to sleeep which was recommended by the ENT doctor, as well as a spooneful of Gavascon before going to sleep--neither of these helped at all. Maybe these things will help you? I never eat after dinner and usually have supper by 6 pm. I eat 3 meals / day and eat healthy. I'm not overweight, exercise daily 30 minutes or more, and I'm in relatively good shape for a 71 year male. It would be a Godsend if I could find something to help me and I hope you find a solution as well--good luck!
Replies to "The ENT specialist found nothing to solve my problem which I've been living with for 5..."
Bluesmanbill: There is something informally called silent reflux (laryngopharyngeal reflux) that affects the throat, nose and ears. I don't remember if it involves the stomach acid but it does involve the digestive enzyme pepsin, which is an aerosol , so you don't necessarily feel any damage being done. An ENT named Jamie Koufman has a blog post on the topic https://jamiekoufman.com/understanding-post-nasal-drip-and-respiratory-reflux-your-complete-treatment-guide/ . If it is LPR, a low acid, whole food diet may help. If it's not LPR, good luck finding a path forward.
An update to this: I am still suffering from the same problems. Going back to see the ENT next month. No solutions, no cures--zippo. Most recently my GP prescribed a fluticasone furate nasal spray called Avamys. It did not help after weeks of using it daily to clear my stuffed ear issue and nothing that I've tried work to clear my throat mucus problem. I suffer with this throughout the day now as I clear my throat (or try to). I'm going to go for a PET scan as a CT scan revealed a nodule in one of my lungs that has grown since last year so they are going to check it out. Perhaps they will find something to help explain what's been happening to me? Lord knows at this stage anything might shed a light on it--I hope. Of course now I'm more concerned that the nodule may be cancerous and that will be another story. Life can be a bitch at times! Wish me luck and I hope some of you have found solutions to your problems.
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Oops--that should read "I never have heartburn..." 😉