Suggest Treatment For Severe Cough With Excess Phlegm In Throat

Posted on Tue, 28 Jun 2016

Question:
Sure when I go to bed at night it feels like I am choking and there is a lot of flem in my chest and I cough a lot
I take advil cold and sinus and it helps some but does not clear it up I find I have to clear my throat a lot too.

Thanks
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Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (56 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
post nasal drip causes irritation of the throat lining

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

Clearing the throat, excess mucus causing coughing is likely related to post nasal drip of mucus.

This is a common condition. It can be due to allergies or an acute infection (cough and cold).
If it has been occurring for a long time then allergies are more likely.

Treatment: (a) if you can determine the cause of the allergies and then eliminate or reduce your exposure to it , this would help
If could be to dust, pollen, animal dander, food or drink

I had a patient with bad post nasal drip, when she did the allergy test, it turned out that she was allergic to bananas.

If you cannot clearly pinpoint a source, you may need allergy testing as well

This can be a blood test or skin prick testing.

(b) continue the allergy medication

(c)add a topical steroid nasal spray such as nasocort, nasonex, flonase, rhinocort etc
May need a prescription from your doctor

(d)if there is no improvement then yo may need medication such as montelukast or ketotifen which are used in persons who do not respond to typical allergy meds

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar