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What Causes Severe Cough With Excess Mucus And Sore Throat?

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Posted on Tue, 8 Nov 2016
Question: I've had a cold virus for a week and have been coughing up lots of mucus. I'm now on the tail end of the virus but have a sore spot on the right side of my throat. Hurts when I cough and blow my nose. Thoughts?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Scott Rebich (17 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
See list below

Detailed Answer:
Hi there,

I would recommend:
Salt water gargles
Acetaminophen or ibuprofen as prescribed on the bottle
Cough drops or Anesthetic lozenges
Cool-mist humidifier
Hydration or double fluid intake
Warm steam showers
Antihistamines such as Zyrtec or Benadryl or allerga
Mucinex or Guaifenesin
Avoid tobacco, smoke, and alcohol

I hope this helps. Let me know if you have additional questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Scott Rebich (24 minutes later)
I'm concerned its something severe like esophagal or windpipe cancer or some kind of blockage as I've had a discomfort in the bottom of my throat and top od sternum for some time.

Presently the right side around my XXXXXXX apple is painful though when I burb, cough or swallow. Could these symptoms be caused by pain caused by my cough/cold?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Scott Rebich (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Your symptoms are from an active or resolving infection.

Detailed Answer:
Hi there,

Esophageal cancer is not associated with coughing up mucus or sore throat - these are symptoms of an active or resolving infection.

Esophageal cancer is usually associated with heart burn, difficulty swallowing, weight loss, burning with swallowing, and indigestion. Occasionally, people with esophageal cancer will cough due to severe acid reflux, but the cough is dry and non-productive. It is most common in people with heavy alcohol drinking history and long history of acid reflux. There is also an increase risk with smoking.

Laryngeal cancer is associated with a heavy history of smoking and drinking alcohol among many other things. Acid reflux is also a risk factor for laryngeal cancer. Almost everyone will have hoarseness, throat-tickle, and a dry nonproductive cough.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Scott Rebich (1 hour later)
Can you confirm if there is a test/s that can be done to reassure me that my windpipe and esophogus are clean, clear and show no cancerous tumors or blockages? Ct scans, xrays, etc
doctor
Answered by Dr. Scott Rebich (31 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Ct scan, laryngoscope, EDG

Detailed Answer:
Hi there,

A CT scan of the neck and chest would show if there's any masses or lymph nodes that are swollen which could indicate cancer. A laryngoscopy could look at your vocal chords, and an EGD can look at your stomach, esophagus, and small intestine.

These studies will rule out malignancy.

I hope this helps.

Let me know if you have additional questions.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
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Answered by
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Dr. Scott Rebich

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :2015

Answered : 283 Questions

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What Causes Severe Cough With Excess Mucus And Sore Throat?

Brief Answer: See list below Detailed Answer: Hi there, I would recommend: Salt water gargles Acetaminophen or ibuprofen as prescribed on the bottle Cough drops or Anesthetic lozenges Cool-mist humidifier Hydration or double fluid intake Warm steam showers Antihistamines such as Zyrtec or Benadryl or allerga Mucinex or Guaifenesin Avoid tobacco, smoke, and alcohol I hope this helps. Let me know if you have additional questions.