Coughing up mucus

For the last 4 years I have been coughing up mucus after every meal.  It doesn't matter what I eat.  And I often clear my throat throughout the day.  I got my gallbladder out 2 yrs ago, no effect (not sure if there would be).  I have had an upper endoscopy and a barium swallow which none showed any abnormalities.  I have been taking Ranitidine (300mg) for over a year and now they added Aciphex 20mg..... no relief.  Symptoms are still there.  What could be wrong?  I also had a colonoscopy as 2 family members died of colon cancer and my father had cancerous polyps.  There is a high incidence of cancer on my fathers side.  I am 37.  Any ideas?

[Ratnakar Kini, MD]

Hi,
You might be having gastroesophageal reflux disease. It can be confirmed with 24 hours pH monitoring test.
Medication alone is not enough to control symptoms. Dont eat large meals. Always eat smaller meals. Other lifestyle modifications that have to be done are -
1. Head elevation while sleeping
2. Small frequent meals
3. Going to bed 2- 3 hours after food
4. Avoiding bed time snacks
5. Avoiding smoking and alcohol
6. Avoiding tight fitting clothes
7. Avoiding cola, citrus drinks, carbonated drinks, tea, coffee, spicy food
8. Weight reduction

What were the colonoscopy findings?