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?

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Profile picture for Sue, Volunteer Mentor @sueinmn

Wow, 48 hours ago I would not have had anything to add to Jennifer's comments. You could be describing my husband - for all of the many years we have been together!
He has tried everything - sometimes in combination - and nothing completely resolved it. His was not post nasal drip or GERD either.
Last week his pain management doc, of all people, recommended Azelastine nasal spray. We just learned it is available over the counter in the same strength as the prescription version. Just a few days, and his throat clearing has almost disappeared! And he has been able to stop 2 of his 3 allergy meds.

Sue

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What are the side effects of Azelastine nasal spray? Some sprays can be addicting if they are not a saline spray.

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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

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Your description (from two years ago) is very similar to what I’ve experienced for many years. I’ve been to multiple ENTs, had an endoscopy (showed nothing unusual), been worked up for allergies, and been on multiple meds. Nothing has worked. Sometimes the problem is bearable and sometimes absolutely awful with constant sensation of mucus but inability to clear throat. Have you found any relief for your condition?
Thanks for any feedback.

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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

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Same boat; lots of testing, probing, and guinea pig meds and supplements; nothing helps!!!!

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Profile picture for newton88 @newton88

Your description (from two years ago) is very similar to what I’ve experienced for many years. I’ve been to multiple ENTs, had an endoscopy (showed nothing unusual), been worked up for allergies, and been on multiple meds. Nothing has worked. Sometimes the problem is bearable and sometimes absolutely awful with constant sensation of mucus but inability to clear throat. Have you found any relief for your condition?
Thanks for any feedback.

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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!

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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

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

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Profile picture for newton88 @newton88

Your description (from two years ago) is very similar to what I’ve experienced for many years. I’ve been to multiple ENTs, had an endoscopy (showed nothing unusual), been worked up for allergies, and been on multiple meds. Nothing has worked. Sometimes the problem is bearable and sometimes absolutely awful with constant sensation of mucus but inability to clear throat. Have you found any relief for your condition?
Thanks for any feedback.

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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.

REPLY
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

Hi, I just now joined this group. I was going to make a post about what I am going through. Sounds like you have the same issue. I have been diagnosed with Eagle syndrome a very rare condition. I had the same responses from doctors prescribe me the same medicines as you told me it was acid reflux, and postnasal drip You may want to do some research on Eagle syndrome. Prayers hope you get the help you need and I hope I do too. I have been struggling with this for about 15 years now. -Gabriel

REPLY
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

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

REPLY
Profile picture for gabrielmendez @gabrielmendez

Hi, I just now joined this group. I was going to make a post about what I am going through. Sounds like you have the same issue. I have been diagnosed with Eagle syndrome a very rare condition. I had the same responses from doctors prescribe me the same medicines as you told me it was acid reflux, and postnasal drip You may want to do some research on Eagle syndrome. Prayers hope you get the help you need and I hope I do too. I have been struggling with this for about 15 years now. -Gabriel

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Thank you. I have never tried this nor had this approach recommended. I appreciate your thoughts and wish you well.

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Profile picture for gabrielmendez @gabrielmendez

Hi, I just now joined this group. I was going to make a post about what I am going through. Sounds like you have the same issue. I have been diagnosed with Eagle syndrome a very rare condition. I had the same responses from doctors prescribe me the same medicines as you told me it was acid reflux, and postnasal drip You may want to do some research on Eagle syndrome. Prayers hope you get the help you need and I hope I do too. I have been struggling with this for about 15 years now. -Gabriel

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(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!

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