What Causes Feeling Of Phlegm Behind Throat Along With Chest Congestion?

Posted on Tue, 2 Feb 2016

Question: It feels like I have a phlem in the back of my throat but it won't come up every time that I cough like it just sits there and also my lungs feel congested or clogged. Almost sore like I just got done smoking the night before when I don't usually smoke. Not really any breathing problems it's been this way since Saturday. I am a 30-year-old female prior social smoker for the past 10 years but quit about a year and a half ago. I've sprayed nasal decongestants and taking Mucinex but it's not anything with my sinuses and so it hasn't helped. No sharp pain in lungs just a little sore and clogged.

Answered by Dr. Klarida Papaqako (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Seems like a common cold infection.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thank you for using HCM to post your question.

I read your question and understand your concern.

Seems like you are going through an upper respiratory tract infection.
In general it starts with 3-5 days of fever, runny nose, cough (with or without phlem), sore throat, and then the symptoms get better except the cough which may need up to 3 weeks to go away completely sometimes, especially in ex-smokers.

What you are describing above is typical. I don't see red flags. So my advises would be:
-- Drink plenty of water, which will help you clear easily the secretions and the phlem.
-- Continue using Mucinex as needed, so cough will be treated. If has very good components that not only stop the cough but also help clear the secretions from the lungs.
-- The nasal decongestant will help not only with the nose, but directly to prevent the sinuses from getting blocked, since it keeps opened the sinus entrances. But I would say to not use it for more then 5 days, because it causes a type of addiction of the nose mucosa and then will be difficult to be without it.
-- If you start having fever, shortness of breath or chest pain, consider seeing your local doctor so he can examine you for complications. Even though, in your age, the fact that you quit smoking (congratz about that) are both very good factor that makes me confident that you will be just fine in few days.

Hope this is helpful.

Let me know if you need more clarifications.
Regards,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Klarida Papaqako (3 hours later)

Thank you, I guess I should have clarified. I don't have any other cold or flu symptoms including fever, runny nose, or cough. I'm only coughing to try to get phlem out of my throat but nothing comes up. Kind of like how people describe post nasal drip but it feels like there is actually something stuck in the throat and lungs. It's not hard to breathe but it's very uncomfortable constantly trying to clear my throat and nothing changes. I only drink water as well.

Answered by Dr. Klarida Papaqako (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Keep "an eye" on it for 1-2 weeks, and if not better do further exams

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear,

Thank you for the clarification. It changes our point of view.

In this case I would say that if you have no viral infection symptoms, and if the Mucinex and Nasal decongestant doesn't help then don't use them.
If they are helpful somehow, use them for one week, because in that case means that the phlem is getting thinner and that is improving the situation.

Either way, continue drinking plenty of fluids.

If worse or not better in 2 weeks time, then the next best thing to do is a visit to the oto-rhino-laringologist specialist (ear-nos-throat doctor), who may need to perform a physical examination and a laringoscopy so he can watch closely what is causing that sensation, if there is anything there or not.

From what you are describing, the most possible is to be something that will pass and will be self limited. But if is not getting worse, then to be sure consider going deeper.

I hope I answered your question.
Let me know if I can help you further.

Regards,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Klarida Papaqako (2 hours later)

Ok, that would make sense. I'm just always worried about my lungs since I used to smoke and have a fear of lung infections. I woke up this morning and my lungs were very sore, not in my chest but more in my back, but I also worked out for the first time yesterday since this happened and felt like they were on fire. I was doing crossfit also too though so it's a very intense workout. I was hoping it would help me to cough up anything but it didn't. I will keep trying trying mucinex and wait a week and see if this helps. if anything above sounds abnormal to you please let me know. thank you

Answered by Dr. Klarida Papaqako (20 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Description seem like nothing to worry about.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear,

I read carefully your description and there is nothing to worry about in what you are describing. The pain you have seems more like a muscular pain, than that of a lung pain.

Continue with Mucinex and let me know if any new symptom if you wish.
Take any pain killer, as needed for the pain, maximum 3 times/day.

Feel free to write for any question. I will be happy to explain and advise.
Please kindly close and rate the answer if not any more concerns for this issue.

Regards and take care.
Dr. Papaqako

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. Prasad