1. < Digestive Health
Profile picture for rosemaryhow

Chronic throat clearing

Posted by rosemaryhow @rosemaryhow, Nov 2, 2022

I think I can deal with pain easier than this. It felt like I had my GERD under control, or at least I learned how to manage it. Then out of nowhere, I began having this very thick,tenacious mucous in my throat day and night, to the point that it awakened me and I was gagging on it.My PCP thought it was my sinuses, but ENT said it was a GI issue. GI said never heard of it. Have had many tests and x-rays.It is difficult to be with people as they say "why are you clearing your throat all the time" Has anyone experienced this with GI issues?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Digestive Health Support Group.

Profile picture for newton88
newton88 | @newton88 | Jul 10, 2025
In reply to @annc999 "I have a friend with a constant throat clearing issue, and it was diet related for..." + (show)
Profile picture for AnnieC @annc999

I have a friend with a constant throat clearing issue, and it was diet related for him. Gluten included.

Jump to this post

I have experimented with diet. I’d seen some commentary about dairy so I eliminated that. I thought I was getting some relief but after several days the problem was back—bad as ever. Maybe I try gluten next. Thank you!

REPLY
Profile picture for newton88
newton88 | @newton88 | Jul 10, 2025
In reply to @katydid77 "Have you tried Ginger Chews or lemon/ginger hot tea? This is the only thing that helps..." + (show)
Profile picture for katydid77 @katydid77

Have you tried Ginger Chews or lemon/ginger hot tea? This is the only thing that helps me when it seems mucus is hanging from my vocal chords. The Ginger cuts it loose. Simple, yet effective solution . I carry the chews in my pocket every where I go.

Jump to this post

Thank you. I have never heard this mentioned. Will try. I appreciate your message.

REPLY
Profile picture for newton88
newton88 | @newton88 | Jul 10, 2025
In reply to @sellen "I have been on 200 mg of Gabapentin in the morning for the past couple of..." + (show)
Profile picture for sellen @sellen

I have been on 200 mg of Gabapentin in the morning for the past couple of months and the severity and frequency of throat clearing is improved about 50% which I am very happy about! Some days it is barely noticeable.
From what I have read Gabapentin is most effective 2-3 hrs. After taking. Most of my throat clearing is mid morning (not sure why) and my ENT said it is fine to take it once per day. If your problem is all day you may need more frequency.
I tried 300 mg but it made me feel very clumsy and off kilter. I do hope you find relief as I totally understand your frustration!

Jump to this post

I was prescribed Gabapentin. It seems the theory is that throat nerves are overreacting to normal mucus and creating the sensation that there is more mucus there than is actually the case. Gabapentin is supposed to numb the nerves and reduce the distress. I didn’t detect any relief. That was a few years ago. Might be worth trying again.

Thanks for your message!

REPLY
Profile picture for newton88
newton88 | @newton88 | Jul 10, 2025
In reply to @sellen "Also….my ENT offered a nerve block but apparently the improvements can sometimes be short term. Might..." + (show)
Profile picture for sellen @sellen

Also….my ENT offered a nerve block but apparently the improvements can sometimes be short term. Might be another possibility.

Jump to this post

I have never heard a nerve block mentioned. I will explore this. Even a short term solution would be great! Any relief at all would be welcomed. Thank you.

REPLY
Profile picture for gabrielmendez
gabrielmendez | @gabrielmendez | Jul 10, 2025
In reply to @newton88 "(Continued) I have never heard of Eagle Syndrome. Will explore with doctor. I believe I have..." + (show)
Profile picture for newton88 @newton88

(Continued) I have never heard of Eagle Syndrome. Will explore with doctor. I believe I have had this problem for at least 15 years. Maybe 20. Thank you!

Jump to this post

That would make two of us my friend! Easily 15years for me with no proper help even now still struggling. Pray you get some answers don’t forget about me once you find out I’d love to know if it was indeed eagle syndrome. Keep me posted ? Blessings to you.

REPLY
1 reply
Profile picture for jhon108
jhon108 | @jhon108 | Jul 12, 2025
In reply to @vinman789 "I have had a problem for years that I always have something caught in my throat...." + (show)
Profile picture for vinman789 @vinman789

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

Jump to this post

Have you had your Thyroid checked?

REPLY
1 reply
Profile picture for newton88
newton88 | @newton88 | Jul 24, 2025
In reply to @jhon108 "Have you had your Thyroid checked?" + (show)
Profile picture for jhon108 @jhon108

Have you had your Thyroid checked?

Jump to this post

Hmm. I don’t think so. I will run this by MD. Thanks.

REPLY
Profile picture for newton88
newton88 | @newton88 | Jul 24, 2025
In reply to @gabrielmendez "That would make two of us my friend! Easily 15years for me with no proper help..." + (show)
Profile picture for gabrielmendez @gabrielmendez

That would make two of us my friend! Easily 15years for me with no proper help even now still struggling. Pray you get some answers don’t forget about me once you find out I’d love to know if it was indeed eagle syndrome. Keep me posted ? Blessings to you.

Jump to this post

I will certainly let you know if I encounter anything that’s helpful. So far, I remain at a loss. Best wishes to you!

REPLY
Profile picture for corysatsc
corysatsc | @corysatsc | Aug 7 10:54am

I have been dealing with throat clearing for several years and thought it was reflux. Would happen after eating certain foods but no consistency with types of foods. My dr prescribed Gabapentin for lower back pain/issues and I noticed my throat clearing came to a stop almost completely so I looked it up and sure enough, if it’s a nerve issue it helps!

REPLY
Profile picture for ejoy
ejoy | @ejoy | 4 days ago

I have! Was put on PPI for years and years. I learned how dangerous PPIs are for your gut and brain and weaned off. In going through the process, it was recommended to do an elimination diet. Lo and behold…it was dairy that was causing all the issues. And not only did my clogged throat, throat clearing and heartburn stop…my eyes quit itching. That was 10 years ago. I recently redid the elimination diet and have now learned that gluten / wheat causes my anxiety and aching joints. So now I am heartburn, anxiety, and aching joints free. I think they are trying to kill us with food….

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.