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Respiratory Concerns

I get three or four bouts of colds/sinus infections each year which always progresses into laryngitis with croup-like symptoms. I have a very difficult time getting air past my inflamed voice box and experience inspiratory wheezing (or stridor?) with the dry barky cough, and  sometimes a thick yellowish/greenish phlegm will be cleared from my throat. It's very scary feeling like my throat is closing up at times. I drink lots of water, use a humidifier and my albuterol inhaler (which I have for occasional mild asthma)...but that only seems to mildly help. The problem feels like it is localized to my throat though, not my lungs. I'm usually prescribed  antibiotics for a suspected sinus infection, and take it faithfully but I worry that it dries out my throat even more, exacerbating the croup like symptoms. I also wonder if the anitbiotic is useless if perhaps the origin of my upper respiratory infection is viral. It seems abnormal to have such severe problems with laryngitis.
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Avatar universal
Hi Jerry, yes, I'm sure it all starts with chronic inflammation of my sinuses. I have to clear my throat several times any given day. I don't usually have a stuffed up nose, though I suspect the sinuses must be inflamed and triggering postnasal drainage...(unless somehow or in addition to this the throat produces its own mucus?). Position does affect me at night when postnasal drip or throat congestion is present. I've seen an ENT a couple of times. I don't feel like my problems were ever sufficiently resolved. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I wish you success in finding relief from your sinus issues!!! Take care
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612551 tn?1450022175
You mention only throat (and that's more than enough), not nose/sinus.  Do you also have nasal blockage?  This isn't leading me to a conclusion but the information may be helpful to those reading.

I frequent this Community because of a chronic nasal congestion problem, mainly when lying down, trying to sleep. So I can empathize with the panic caused by not getting enough air.  Is your condition affected by you body's position, sitting, standing, lying down?  

I guess I'm trying to connect, more than offer an answer, so an opinion is if body position affects the breathing blockage sinus is a likely contributor, if not then sinus are not a major factor, i.e., not a sinus infection.  Hey, just relating, not a doctor.

I read you have been examined and treated by a medical doctor, an ENT?  I have not yet gone to a specialist but I may yet do so.  

Final observation on this reply, if you have a low resistance to what's "going around" avoid crowds, wash you hands often... must be more.  I always wash my hands after shopping and frequently "eye" the package and wish I could wash them too, I am not a hypochondriac.
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