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What Causes Throat Congestion?
When I gargle with plain water to clear out my throat, I get rid of so much clear bubbly mucus. My throat seems to be really clogged with it. What causes mucus to be that way? It s also hard to get rid of completely, and sometimes even after I spit, there s a string of mucus hanging from inside my mouth to the outside of my mouth and into the sink.
Wed, 17 Oct 2018
Hi,
a. Acid reflux which may be LPR (LaryngoPharyngeal Reflux) where the symptoms of heartburn or indigestion are missing.
b. A Post Nasal Drip (PND) of mucus after a flu -like illness. Get an X-ray PNS (Para Nasal Sinuses) done. Mucolytics and decongestants and steam inhalation are recommended.
The phlegm and mucus accumulated overnight probably loosens up while eating breakfast.
c. Lymphoid hypertrophy in the throat. This will require a Videolaryngoscopy to rule out.
d. Allergy to something that you are eating.
e. Antibiotics and steroids upsetting the normal gut flora. Probiotics and multi-vitamins will help.
2. Once you have done the above investigations, you may narrow down the cause.
3. You may request your doctor to start with anti-reflux medication, probiotics and multi-vitamins, a mucolytic decongestant, regular steam inhalation and a medicated oral rinse to soothe the throat.
Anti-allergic medication may dryness and further worsen the symptoms (hence may be used for a short duration).
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Ivan R. Rommstein, General Surgeon
a. Acid reflux which may be LPR (LaryngoPharyngeal Reflux) where the symptoms of heartburn or indigestion are missing.
b. A Post Nasal Drip (PND) of mucus after a flu -like illness. Get an X-ray PNS (Para Nasal Sinuses) done. Mucolytics and decongestants and steam inhalation are recommended.
The phlegm and mucus accumulated overnight probably loosens up while eating breakfast.
c. Lymphoid hypertrophy in the throat. This will require a Videolaryngoscopy to rule out.
d. Allergy to something that you are eating.
e. Antibiotics and steroids upsetting the normal gut flora. Probiotics and multi-vitamins will help.
2. Once you have done the above investigations, you may narrow down the cause.
3. You may request your doctor to start with anti-reflux medication, probiotics and multi-vitamins, a mucolytic decongestant, regular steam inhalation and a medicated oral rinse to soothe the throat.
Anti-allergic medication may dryness and further worsen the symptoms (hence may be used for a short duration).
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Ivan R. Rommstein, General Surgeon
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