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What Causes Constant Phlegm In The Throat?
Question: I am a healthy 54 year old male. No chronic conditions. Non smoker. I have been having persistent mucous buildup to the point that big gobs of stuff comes out esp in the morning. As I expectorate, sometimes I can feel an almost blackout sensation (but know that I wont actually blackout). I mention this because my father had severe coughing episodes and he used to blackout occasionally.
I don't have a cough otherwise nor any signs of allergies (eyes watering etc.)
I don't have a cough otherwise nor any signs of allergies (eyes watering etc.)
Brief Answer:
few possible causes
Detailed Answer:
Hi and welcome to HCM.
If you are not smoker than some serious conditions such as COPD, tumors or emhisema are very unlikely. However, this cant be ruled out for 100%.
Your blackout experience is nothing unusual since cough may trigger so called vagal syncope. Try always to expectorate while sitting since blackout may sometimes occur.
If there is no chronic cough then it may indicate sinus infection or allergy and antihistamines and expectorans may be helpful.
Also, try to sleep with elevated upper body and avoid smoky area and ventilate the room your sleeping in frequently.
If fever, persistent cough or chest pain occur then you should do xrays to rule out pneumonia. Otherwise, try with these measures and if there wont be improvement, it would be good to do ventilatory lung tests.
Wish you good health.
Regards
few possible causes
Detailed Answer:
Hi and welcome to HCM.
If you are not smoker than some serious conditions such as COPD, tumors or emhisema are very unlikely. However, this cant be ruled out for 100%.
Your blackout experience is nothing unusual since cough may trigger so called vagal syncope. Try always to expectorate while sitting since blackout may sometimes occur.
If there is no chronic cough then it may indicate sinus infection or allergy and antihistamines and expectorans may be helpful.
Also, try to sleep with elevated upper body and avoid smoky area and ventilate the room your sleeping in frequently.
If fever, persistent cough or chest pain occur then you should do xrays to rule out pneumonia. Otherwise, try with these measures and if there wont be improvement, it would be good to do ventilatory lung tests.
Wish you good health.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Hi
Thanks for your email. I still have heavy mucous accumulation. As I said this started about 4-6 weeks ago. I am coughing up gobs of stuff every hour. Mucous is clear wuthout sign of unfection. Otherwise no discomfort-no running eyes ir nose, no cough. Chest is clear if one ignores the wheeziness due to a cumulated mucous.
I don’t have any known allergies to date. No chronic conditions. Borderline sugar but it diabetic.
What should I do next?
Thanks!
Thanks for your email. I still have heavy mucous accumulation. As I said this started about 4-6 weeks ago. I am coughing up gobs of stuff every hour. Mucous is clear wuthout sign of unfection. Otherwise no discomfort-no running eyes ir nose, no cough. Chest is clear if one ignores the wheeziness due to a cumulated mucous.
I don’t have any known allergies to date. No chronic conditions. Borderline sugar but it diabetic.
What should I do next?
Thanks!
Brief Answer:
try with standard medications
Detailed Answer:
Hello again,
You can always try with some Mucolytics such as ambroxol or sodium citrate. Also, increase your fluid intake, and some home remedies may help such as honey, peppermint or warm showering.
But also, some tests should be done if condition persists, and these include lung ventilatory tests and bronchoscopy if necessary.
I still believe that this is allergy and mucous form sinuses and throat may accumulate in lungs.
Try with my recommendation and please inform me about the progress.
Wish you good health.
Regards
try with standard medications
Detailed Answer:
Hello again,
You can always try with some Mucolytics such as ambroxol or sodium citrate. Also, increase your fluid intake, and some home remedies may help such as honey, peppermint or warm showering.
But also, some tests should be done if condition persists, and these include lung ventilatory tests and bronchoscopy if necessary.
I still believe that this is allergy and mucous form sinuses and throat may accumulate in lungs.
Try with my recommendation and please inform me about the progress.
Wish you good health.
Regards
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
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