Are Cough And Thick Mucus In The Throat That Worsens At Night A Serious Concern?

Posted on Fri, 11 Mar 2022

Question: For the past seven months, I develop a clear thick mucus in my throat. I am 67 years old. It is worse when I lay down to sleep at night. Sometimes, I have to cough. I have no nasal congestion and no trouble breathing. I am able to expel the mucus with some difficulty.

Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
ENT visit recommended.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

The overproduction of mucus in throat you are suffering from may have different causes.
* Recurrent infections
* Allergies (smoking, dust)
* Gastroesophageal reflux
* Nasal polyp

You should visit a ENT doctor for
* Throat exam and swab, to see if you have an infection that may need antibiotics
* Do an endoscopy (camera tube in throat) to see mucosal lining, presence of polyp etc. He can even do a mucosal biopsy if he find it necessary.
* Do a total blood count

The treatment you are taking is very good but if it still is not resolving this situation you may need oral corticosteroids.

Hope I have answered the question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj