Excessive Phlegm: How to solve?
I have to seen three doctors in the past two years. Two of them were my PCP's. the other was a ENT specialist. The PCP's recommended otc drugs which were not effective enough. The specialist did not listen properly to my complaint of excessive phlem in my throat because I mentioned that I believe this condition has effected my hearing. So he talked me into getting a hearing test which resulted in me purchasing hearing aids. This did not solve my phlem problem.
I am a 85 year old male and my problem started about 2 to 2.5 years ago. I asked my second PCP about taking a sample of my phlem to send to a lab for diagnosis and he stated he does not take samples.
Well if it's an allergy that causing my problem, then why did my PCP refuse to take a sample. I am looking for a solution to my problem and not a continous treatment with drugs.
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Was having same problem. Bought a Puroair filter from Amazon for $150. Keep it on high all night right next to me. Within a few days, no phlegm spitting!!!!!!
I, too, have problems with phlegm, and recently discovered that there are two types of acid reflux. I dont have heartburn, but I don't have lots of phlegm in my throat in the morning.
The following is a summation from AI. I hope it helps you!
Acid reflux, particularly Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR) or "silent reflux," causes excess phlegm, throat clearing, and a "lump in the throat" sensation when stomach acid irritates the throat and larynx. The body produces this mucus to protect tissues from acid damage. Key remedies include elevating your bed, avoiding late-night meals, and reducing caffeine/fatty foods.
@ggcrow
My post autocorrected to I don't have phlegm, but of course, I DO!
I, too, have developed excessive phlegm recently and in my research, happened upon the following: (excerpt taken from the clevelandclinic.org website)
"Laryngopharyngeal reflux is a lesser-known form of acid reflux in which stomach acid travels all the way into your throat, causing symptoms there. LPR can be the underlying cause of hoarseness, laryngitis, chronic throat clearing and related symptoms. You might not have typical acid reflux symptoms, like heartburn or indigestion.
LPR is also called “extraesophageal” reflux, because the reflux passes beyond your esophagus. This causes different symptoms from typical acid reflux — so different that you might not realize it’s a type of reflux at all. Instead of causing heartburn and indigestion, LPR tends to irritate your voice, throat and sinuses. Because you can have LPR without other reflux symptoms, it’s sometimes called “silent reflux.”
Excessive phlegm is listed as a symptom and there are many non-medical treatments you can try. I encourage you to fo the website for more information.
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1 Reactionhttps://jamiekoufman.com/
I encourage you strongly to visit and read everything on this site. Very informative, with ways to treat all these symptoms. Good luck to you. After 50 years of suffering with all of this, and too many doctors to keep count of, this doctor and her approach has helped me the most. Again, good luck to you and everyone suffering with all these symptoms.
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1 ReactionI am an 83-year-old woman. I have the very SAME problems! All doctors seem to know what to do is keep prescribing meds--none help--and do hearing tests. Of course I can't hear--not with all the darn yuck stuck up in my head! It will clear for awhile, and then return. I have decided I have something so rare no doctor knows what to do. So.... Good luck with your problem. I definitely feel for you!
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1 Reaction@leehowder98 Have had this same issue and with tinnitus. ENT finds nothing. Started after they stuck one of those long sticks up my nose during covid scare. Try to manage with alternating allergy nose sprays and plain ole Benedryl works best for me. I alternate use. Good luck to you.
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1 Reaction@brigid4 My serious issues began after sinus/deviated septum surgery. Surgeon did way too much and I'm certain damage was done. I tell everybody now to not have nose surgery unless it is a life-or-death reason! I have heart issues (CAD) so I have to be careful about meds. Thank you for your encouragement. God bless!
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1 ReactionWater, water, and more water. Also do nasal irrigation.
@shauna1 so it is largely dehydration isnt it?