constant clearing of the throat

[ninfan9]

i've been having this problem for about 9 years now and it's really annoying.... it happens in weird periods of time. my voicebox doesn't function correctly if i don't clear my throat when i feel a build up of phlegm and it gets really aggravating... for some reason it doesn't happen if my throat is dry and when i just wake up in the morning. my sisters and my dad have this problem too.... i've been told by many doctors it's post nasal drip, but for some reason i feel it's something totally different.. any ideas?

[doctornee medical]

Hi
Thanks for writing to the forum!

Yes, post nasal drip is the commonest cause for your symptom. An ENT specialist or even your physician can confirm this for you. If you have other symptoms like headache, running nose or pain or itch in throat, then maybe you should consult an ENT for sinusitis and upper respiratory infection.

Another possibility is irritation by stomach acid as in GERD. Omeprazole is a good drug to combat this. Along with it you can try over the counter antacids. However I would recommend you see a doctor and take medication under a doctor’s supervision. Avoid heavy meals. Avoid too much of caffeine, tea, fried food and drinks both alcoholic and non alcoholic fuzzy ones. Avoid heavy exercises within 4 hours of a heavy meal. Raise the head end of the bed by pillows to 30 degrees. Go to bed at least 2 hours after food.

Hopefully these tips will help you.

Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!

[ninfan9]

yea, what you said is basically what my doctors told me... at one point they tried doing an acid reflex test by running a wire from my nose to my stomach, but i couldn't tolerate it. my gag reflex is very sensitive.. the thing about those symptoms is that it's all year round. sometimes it's better sometimes it's worse, but it usually varies fro day to day not season to season like most allergies. . i don't know if the information i just provided helps in figuring out what it is.. would it do any good if i requested to have a camera look at my throat from the inside to get a better look at it? This didn't happen to me as a kid, it started becoming a real annoyance when i was in junior high.... the head aches and runny nose are just a normal thing when my allergies hit in the spring/summer... another thing that i noticed for the past few years is that i get sinusitis every year pretty much at the same time..

[doctornee medical]

Hi
Thanks for keeping me posted!
Yes, an endoscopy (camera) will help diagnose GERD. In your case with your history of sinusitis, post nasal drip is more likely. What is important is you must find out what is causing this allergy. Common allergens are pollen, mold, dust, pet dander, cosmetics or drugs. You must get an allergy test done, either a skin test or by RAST, to know what you are allergic to. Seasonal allergies are generally due to pollen or dust. Any cosmetic you apply on face or eye or even for your hair like shampoos or dyes too can cause allergies.

Hope this helps. Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!