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Constant Throat Clearing
For years I have been clearing my throat. I have had many tests at the Mayo Clinic and other clinics by ENT's and Gastro Doctors and one one can tell me the reason. The ENT's and Gastro doctors wind up blaming the other for not getting to the cause. I am on an Omeprazole for gerd and have tried all type of nose sprays and antihisamines line allegra. I have has a few scopes down my throat and a test at mayo that puts a test wire thru the nose into stomach. I dont want to do the Bravo esophageal pH test because of the sensation of something being in my throat for days. Any thoughts.
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This is a very frustrating condition with no easy answers. Please see other post about "phlegm collecting in throat".
I feel your frustration with this throat clearing! I, too, have seen an ENT, Gastric MD, allergy tests, have tried several allergy medications, diet changes, etc. Very frustrating! If I am around people they offer me cough drops which is sweet but they don’t help. My ENT says she has other patients with a throat clearing problem and she also says the only treatments available are gabapentin, Amitriptyline, and injections into the larynx. One MD on a Utube video said that it is Laryngeal Sensory Neuropathy and throat clearing is basically the same thing as a chronic cough just a more minor reaction. Currently I take gabapentin during the day and amitriptyline at bedtime. These help some but not a lot. I also try very hard not to clear my throat as frequently as it is my understanding that once we start throat clearing it irritates the larynx and worsens the situation. I look at a clock and make myself wait 5 minutes which is very hard to do! It doesn’t feel like phlem but more like cotton or a sock in my throat.
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1 ReactionPlease check out Dr. Jamie Kaufman's web page and book for invaluable information on silent reflux and low acid diet. I have had this for 50+ years, been to too many doctors to remember. Dr Kaufman's treatments for this is the only thing that has helped. Please check her out!
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2 ReactionsMy pulmonologist attributes it to tracheal malacia.
@max0204 That is interesting because I was diagnosed at mayo as having muscle weakness in the throat and esophagus. Now saying that, I dont think thats whats causing mucus or gerd, what ever it is. How do we tell if its from sinus or gerd. Thats the million dollar question md's cant solve. I have noticed that sodas irritate it. Cause it? Who knows. I have been off sodas for a week without any change. Any thoughts?
Ps, exactly which book by Dr. Jamie Kaufman has helped you.
When I lay down on my stomach to sleep the symtoms go away. When I wake up it feels like my sinus are draining. Is that a good sign that its coming from above vs my gerd? No MD can seem to know.
@tc7231
Guefenesin 1200 mgs 24 hr. 8 glasses water day,
I am 90% sure its not my sinuses thats the cause. Food and drink agrivate it. Sometimes there is a crackling in my throat when I talk, ie junk down there. Feels like sinus drainage but its not. Any of you have these symtoms?
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1 ReactionI can totally relate. I also don’t feel like it’s sinus drainage…more like cotton in my throat. Plus I have tried numerous allergy and sinus OTC meds and nothing really works. Gabapentin worked (a little) for a while. I think the act of eating sometimes triggers it but doesn’t seem to be related to particular foods.
Mine is becoming more frequent and my voice has become thinner, sometimes hoarse, etc. Any suggestions are welcome!