1. < Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT)

I cannot clear my throat; feels like mucus is there. Suggestions?

Posted by muffincat1 @muffincat1, Mar 10, 2021

I have been to doctors and tried everything had my throat checked by doctors. nothing works it is driving me and my family nuts.

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Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Aug 15, 2022
In reply to @fab44 "I have used GUAIFENESIN extended-release 1200 mg and on the box it states (in bold print);..." + (show)
@fab44

I have used GUAIFENESIN extended-release 1200 mg and on the box it states (in bold print); "Do not use for more than 7 days"! Anyone else see this?

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Most of those contain other ingredients, like decongestants and cough suppressants - and 1200 is a very high dose.
Mucinex LA is just guaifenesin, 600 mg per dose, and has no such caution on the label. I have used it for over 35 years because I have very "sticky" mucus. Every time I stop, fluid fills my left ear and it gets infected - it was my long-time ENT who started me on it, the current one says "If it works, don't stop."
Sue

REPLY
wendymb | @wendymb | Aug 17, 2022
In reply to @fab44 "I have the same problem of mucus in my throat and not being able to clear..." + (show)
@fab44

I have the same problem of mucus in my throat and not being able to clear it. I have used everything available but nothing seems to work for me. It is worse in the evening when my throat is locked up with drainage. I use a vaporizer before going to bed and it helps loosen it up so I can go to sleep. Sometimes I have to use it twice. I feel like I am chocking and will wear out my throat with all of the clearing. I have been to an ENT Dr. without success and am going to another for a second opinion. If anyone has a recommendation for a highly rated ENT Dr. I would appreciate it! I also use Neti Pot, and humidifier at night without much success.
Good luck!

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same issue here. i find there are two OTC meds that work, but are not the best to take because they're anticholinergics. But they WORK: benadryl at night and sudafed during day. i try not to take more than once a week to once a month (when i've about had it with my throat), so i don't know how helpful that will be for you since you need something daily.
Also, more naturally, you can add Alkalol (amazon sells it and others) to your netipot, and after nasal rinse, swish and gargle with the last bit of it. This was recommended at my last ENT visit. Also just gargling with ½ tsp salt in a glass of warm water is very soothing.
hope you find something that helps. if you do, please share.

REPLY
1 reply
stephanie101 | @stephanie101 | Aug 18, 2022

My husband that went through Larynx cancer and now in a Trach was suggested by his Pulmonary Dr. to use his Nebulizer treatments. And it has helped immensely for him. He had a lot of mucus and clearing his throat ALL night long. hope this helps. and use a Humidifier.

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stephanie101 | @stephanie101 | Aug 18, 2022

Are you taking any Blood pressure medicine that would cause the clearing of the throat? or any other Med. that would cause that?

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stephanie101 | @stephanie101 | Sep 8, 2022
In reply to @jetsetter "This is probably simplistic but my son has this. He’s always trying to clear his throat..." + (show)
@jetsetter

This is probably simplistic but my son has this. He’s always trying to clear his throat and it is annoying fit him and those around him.

He discovered when he eliminates dairy from his diet, the phlegmy throat feeling goes away and he no longer feels like he has to constantly clear his throat.

I have Sjögren’s syndrome which is an auto-immune disorder. Many systemic manifestations but most of us have dryness of all mucus membranes, notably sinus, throat, eyes, etc. another fellow Sjögren’s”patient mentioned this symptom on the Smart Patients website. Because of less saliva production and dryness overall, our throats often have thick secretions.

One of their doctors said that throat clearing can become a habit, and that instead of trying to clear your throat, you should take a sip of water each time you want to clear, and be more conscious of not clearing every time you feel the urge.

This is probably elementary and not helpful, but I just thought the dairy elimination might help!

I hope you can get some relief!

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My husband has a Trach and I have heard from a nurse and another care taker that dairy can cause more phlegm or secretions. Also low blood pressure Meds. did this to me and my husband. Just a thought.

REPLY
fab44 | @fab44 | Sep 9, 2022
In reply to @wendymb "same issue here. i find there are two OTC meds that work, but are not the..." + (show)
@wendymb

same issue here. i find there are two OTC meds that work, but are not the best to take because they're anticholinergics. But they WORK: benadryl at night and sudafed during day. i try not to take more than once a week to once a month (when i've about had it with my throat), so i don't know how helpful that will be for you since you need something daily.
Also, more naturally, you can add Alkalol (amazon sells it and others) to your netipot, and after nasal rinse, swish and gargle with the last bit of it. This was recommended at my last ENT visit. Also just gargling with ½ tsp salt in a glass of warm water is very soothing.
hope you find something that helps. if you do, please share.

Jump to this post

I have used Mucinex 1200 mg with Benadryl 25mg. Alone the Mucinex did not help much but it did help with the Benadryl. I stopped them both when I found out the side effects: Benadryl: Alzheimer's & Dementia. The Mucinex: kidney stones! Way too risky!
I had an appointment with another ENT Dr. for a second opinion. He recommended "Ipratropium Bromide" Nasal solution. I have been using it over a week without success. I will use it for a month and then go back to see the end of September.

REPLY
1 reply
wendymb | @wendymb | Sep 10, 2022
In reply to @fab44 "I have used Mucinex 1200 mg with Benadryl 25mg. Alone the Mucinex did not help much..." + (show)
@fab44

I have used Mucinex 1200 mg with Benadryl 25mg. Alone the Mucinex did not help much but it did help with the Benadryl. I stopped them both when I found out the side effects: Benadryl: Alzheimer's & Dementia. The Mucinex: kidney stones! Way too risky!
I had an appointment with another ENT Dr. for a second opinion. He recommended "Ipratropium Bromide" Nasal solution. I have been using it over a week without success. I will use it for a month and then go back to see the end of September.

Jump to this post

So annoying how the meds that work best for this (Sudafed too) are too risky to take. I still use them on occasion but you’re wise to look for alternative solutions.

REPLY
kecm | @kecm | Sep 15, 2022

I have the same thing, and I notice if I eat no dairy, it helps.

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willows | @willows | Sep 16, 2022

Are you taking medication for high blood pressure. I had problems clearing my throat every morning. I was taking lisinopril for blood pressure. Was switched to another kind and noticed a big improvement in the need to clear my throat.

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dancing1 | @dancing1 | Sep 24, 2022

For anyone have terrible taste in mouth along with this occasional mucus that is hard to get rid of. I’ve been having a terrible taste for two months now. I e seen the dentist, dermatologist, and recently GI doctor. Nothing has helped. I have Sjogrens disease. It’s a terrible taste there nonstop.

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