Suggest Treatment For Excess Mucus In Throat Causing Difficulty In Swallowing

Posted on Mon, 14 Sep 2015

Question: I have a constant form of mucus in my throat that I have to "draw up with my tongue". Is hard to swallow as it thick.....thus mostly have to spit it out. After I eat.....the mucus forms profusely....is embarrassing...I have to keep a napkin to absorb it. Is almost like a constant "reflex"......dry mouth, stinging tongue but thick forming mucus constantly. I seem to have relief from it at night. I feel the need to spit it out constantly and is very embarrassing to me.

I had a period in my life where I had a feeling of a lump in my throat for a year due to I feel stress.
Also 50 years ago I developed overnight "Horners" Syndrome ....ended up with drooping eyelid, perspiring on one side of head and face, one pupil did not dilate properly (and still does not). So, I am wondering if difficulty in swallowing is not a symptom of what occurred early on in my life. Thank you

Answered by Dr. Abubakar Siddiqh (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
seems to be acid peptic disease.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I had gone through your question and understand your concerns that you are having constant mucus in throat. I would like to ask you few more details.

- Is there any nasal obstruction or running nose or post nasal drip (nasal secretions dripping back into throat) ?
- Is there any burning sensation in chest or belching ?

Kindly get back to me with the details.

Based on your clinical details, it appears to be acid peptic disease (hyperacidity causes mucus accumulation in throat, which is common in elderly persons) or sinusitis (constant post nasal secretions blocks the throat).

I would suggest restarting the following measures before investigating further.

1. Steam inhalation twice daily, with that stop smoking and consuming chilled frozen foods (if you are with these habits).
2. Stop consuming spicy, junk foods, maintain 3 hours interval between dinner and night sleep, keep head end elevation (support with pillows to prevent regurgitation of partially digested food).
3. Make habit of regular walk and stress free life style.
4. Start over the counter tab. Protonix (pantoprazole) once daily, before food for couple of weeks.

In case of persistence, you need to see an ent surgeon for x-ray para nasal sinuses (sinusitis) and endoscopy to rule out any other causes.

Horner's syndrome, is related to sympathetic trunk. Throat related symptoms are related to vagus nerve, which comes directly from brain. Therefore I don't feel it is related to the past events leading to horner's syndrome.

Hope this answers your question, if you have additional questions or follow up questions then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your questions.

Wishing you good health.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Abubakar Siddiqh (9 hours later)

Yes, I do have constant post-nasal drip.
That is what I am drawing up constantly with my tongue it seems. I do it so many times a day that it seems by the evening is hard to swallow. My tongue always has a feeling of stinging and my mouth also.

If I drink soda.... Wine.... Belching is very prevalent. Have also had a tendency towards acidity in my stomach.

Answered by Dr. Abubakar Siddiqh (58 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Needs antibiotics.

Detailed Answer:

Hello again,

Thanks for considering my answer and for your follow up.

Kindly follow the instructions and investigations, what I have already mentiond.

You also requires a course of antibiotics ( post nasal drip denotes sinusitis). Visit a local practitioner for the same (antibiotic prescription). Untill then, continue steam inhalation and ppi inhibitor (pantaprazole).

All the best.

Take care.

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