Continued Post-Nasal Drip and Constant Mucus in Throat

I had Covid last June, followed by months of the terrible hacking cough others have mentioned. The cough eventually receded, but I was constantly clearing my throat before I could talk & my voice had become chronically “raspy.” My primary care doctor referred me to an ENT who recommended Musinex. I take 2 capsules morning & night, & it has definitely helped. He also referred me to an imaging center for a “barium swallow” test, which involved drinking multiple cupfuls of this milky liquid while images were taken of the stuff passing through my esophagus. I was later told I have a “Zenker’s diverticulum” ( it’s really a thing—I looked it up!). It’s a little pouch-like protrusion into the esophagus (I presume caused by all the coughing). It collects mucus, also food particles, and can cause gagging & choking, as well as the chronic throat clearing. The ENT thinks it’s not serious enough for surgery (of course, he isn’t living with it), & I’ve only had one instance of serious choking, so far. That made me more conscientious about taking the Musinex, which definitely helps. I see my primary care physician later this month, & I’ll talk with her about what, if anything, to do next.

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I know Pepcid helps me when I have a stomach ache, but doesn’t help me with the phlegm. The only thing that actually helped some was Benedryl, but that can be constipating. I actually don’t cough from inside my lungs , I hack mucus like a Llama. I avoid potato chips, orange juice and nuts. It makes it so much worse. It almost seems like sinusitis with a food allergy I had scans done of my lungs and sinuses, and nothing shows up. I think that’s why some people don’t believe I have anything. I’m going to try Flonase again, maybe for a little longer. Hugs 🤗

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I had Covid last June, followed by months of the terrible hacking cough others have mentioned. The cough eventually receded, but I was constantly clearing my throat before I could talk & my voice had become chronically “raspy.” My primary care doctor referred me to an ENT who recommended Musinex. I take 2 capsules morning & night, & it has definitely helped. He also referred me to an imaging center for a “barium swallow” test, which involved drinking multiple cupfuls of this milky liquid while images were taken of the stuff passing through my esophagus. I was later told I have a “Zenker’s diverticulum” ( it’s really a thing—I looked it up!). It’s a little pouch-like protrusion into the esophagus (I presume caused by all the coughing). It collects mucus, also food particles, and can cause gagging & choking, as well as the chronic throat clearing. The ENT thinks it’s not serious enough for surgery (of course, he isn’t living with it), & I’ve only had one instance of serious choking, so far. That made me more conscientious about taking the Musinex, which definitely helps. I see my primary care physician later this month, & I’ll talk with her about what, if anything, to do next.

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I got Covid in March of 2020. It was mild, but lots of coughing and weird dizziness for a month. Fast forward. I still have tons of phlegm I’m my throat. My Doctor just doesn’t think it’s long Covid. I know it is. I’ve never had it before Covid. I feel like the mucus never goes away in my throat. Certain foods make it worse. Sometimes even toothpaste makes me gag. I’ve taken many different antihistamines, Pepcid, antihistamine nasal sprays, saline. Nothing helps much. I have this big lump in my throat. I can spit, but it comes right back. I dread going to my Dr again, she will just blame it on something else. Maybe a sinus Specialist? No, histamine diet doesn’t work either. Anyone find any relief?? Even some family just make jokes about my hacking and don’t believe in long Covid. I feel alone. My husband is my only believer in this issue.

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Your comment about hacking like a Llama 🦙 cracked me up and is exactly how I feel!
I’m having the same lingering symptoms. I’ve used Mucinex (which seems to make me hack up more), Mucinex Sinus, NyQuil, DayQuil, Corricidan, and sinus rinse. But I stopped using all of that and am just using Flonase Sensimist and it does seem to help, but it’s still there.

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I have to keep my humor, or I will get depressed. Thanks for the tips. I am trying different things. I really appreciate the input. We have to help each other; there isn’t a cure for what we have right now. Thanks. Llama 🦙 mama ❤️

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Your comment about hacking like a Llama 🦙 cracked me up and is exactly how I feel!
I’m having the same lingering symptoms. I’ve used Mucinex (which seems to make me hack up more), Mucinex Sinus, NyQuil, DayQuil, Corricidan, and sinus rinse. But I stopped using all of that and am just using Flonase Sensimist and it does seem to help, but it’s still there.

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