Any answers to rid continual stubborn phlegm from throat?

Posted by eternity @eternity, Dec 9, 2024

For many years I smoked. Haven't smoked for the last 25 years. It caused some phlegm problems, but that has worsened in the last five years. Such thick continual phlegm in my throat...some foods worsen it, on laying down at night, it gets worse....after sleeping and waking in the morning it is dreadful and frightening. So tight, and won't totally release - just spitting out small amounts for half an hour, while the fear of choking takes place - have choked and I need someone who has successfully overcome this situation to give me some help. Doctors only say what COULD BE causing this, but no remedy. Since it is progressively worse, it is frightening that it will end my life by closing my airway. Not being able to breath is not fun.

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Profile picture for bluesmanbill @bluesmanbill

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!

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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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Best to drink couple qts water daily. Guaiefenesin 12 hour relief time released will thin secretions enough to pass normally. Raise head of bed 7 inches. If stuffy look into nose deviations.

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@bluesmanbill
N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a medication and dietary supplement with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. People use 600 - 1200 mg of it daily to loosen up the mucus that some people need to clear from their lungs. You can buy it at health food stores or online.

Have you been diagnosed with chronic sinusitis? Did the CT scan reveal bronchiectasis?

Hope NAC might help with the thickened mucus.

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Profile picture for jnmy @jnmy

@bluesmanbill
N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a medication and dietary supplement with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. People use 600 - 1200 mg of it daily to loosen up the mucus that some people need to clear from their lungs. You can buy it at health food stores or online.

Have you been diagnosed with chronic sinusitis? Did the CT scan reveal bronchiectasis?

Hope NAC might help with the thickened mucus.

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No diagnosis for anything yet--they kept thinking it was GERD but none of the things prescribed for GERD made any difference. I never have heartburn or acid rising up in my throat. I'm not familiar with NAC but will look into it. If this the lungs are the source of the mucus I hope to find that out next week when I get my PET scan and further exams and tests done. Thanks for the info.

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Profile picture for bluesmanbill @bluesmanbill

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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My ENT recommended I take a PPI (like Prilosec OTC) for two weeks. That lessened the problem I was having with excess phlegm, however, it also interfered with the absorption of pain meds I am taking, so had to discontinue.

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Profile picture for bluesmanbill @bluesmanbill

No diagnosis for anything yet--they kept thinking it was GERD but none of the things prescribed for GERD made any difference. I never have heartburn or acid rising up in my throat. I'm not familiar with NAC but will look into it. If this the lungs are the source of the mucus I hope to find that out next week when I get my PET scan and further exams and tests done. Thanks for the info.

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Please let us all know how it goes. Good luck.

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Profile picture for tct @tct

My ENT recommended I take a PPI (like Prilosec OTC) for two weeks. That lessened the problem I was having with excess phlegm, however, it also interfered with the absorption of pain meds I am taking, so had to discontinue.

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Sorry you weren't able to continue. I do take a PPI med, (Pantaprozole), here because of the blood thinner (currently low does ASA), I'm on, which my stomach cannot handle otherwise, but it has unfortunately not helped for the phlegm issue.

But I thank you kindly for the suggestion--I do appreciate all the feedback!

BTW: Prilosec is not available here in Canada.

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Profile picture for wendymb @wendymb

Please let us all know how it goes. Good luck.

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I will--maybe others can benefit from what I find out. That's what I like about this site, there's a lot to learn and too many of us need help. Our health is vitally important. 🙂

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Profile picture for bluesmanbill @bluesmanbill

Sorry you weren't able to continue. I do take a PPI med, (Pantaprozole), here because of the blood thinner (currently low does ASA), I'm on, which my stomach cannot handle otherwise, but it has unfortunately not helped for the phlegm issue.

But I thank you kindly for the suggestion--I do appreciate all the feedback!

BTW: Prilosec is not available here in Canada.

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Not yet. My pain level has been debilitating and dr prescrbing narcotics
and i wont go that route so loosing trust in the medical system and praying
and trusting God instead. Pain still very much there but im getting
through one minute at a time . Our healthcare system has kicked seniors to
the curb and thats more. Commfortable than being in a puppet doctors
office. They have no choice or they can lose their license. I so
appreciate your concern and when i have a better day i will try your
suggestions.

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