Chronic throat clearing, mucus, burning throat

[PaulaAnn]

I am 63 yrs old and have dealt with constant throat clearing for quite a few years.  I really had no idea that I was doing this until my african grey started to mimic me and my granddaughter said.."she's copying you Nana" Good grief.  
Anyway, I had mentioned it to my pcp and he asked if I was having any bleeding.  I replied NO.  Last scope was 1998 with no issues.
But just within the last year, it seems to have gotten worse..more chronic constant throat clearing, lots of mucus..sinus and nasal drainage, blowing nose, sore burning throat, that metallic taste.  Then recently, this summer...I have started to have issues when I would eat rice, bread or pasta.  The food stuck in my throat.  I would have to get rid of it or it would sit there.  There was no blood only thick white mucus.  After that, I would feel better.  It only happens with the above items and not all the time but sometimes.  I have had no issues with difficulty swallowing.

I went to an ENT 2 yrs ago and had no allergies.  

I do have a fax into my pcp for a referral but wondered how many have dealt with this and if there was a scope done?  

Thanks all in advance ...

[Rose159]

Hi,

Just read your post from 2012.  I too have had this chronic white sticky mucus in my throat( never goes away) for over five years.  Had many tests and tried antacid meds but they did not work.  The mucus is the only symptom I have, but it is a big problem for me.  I constantly have tissues in my hand throughout the day.  What has been your experience with the mucus issue.
Hope to hear from you.

                     Rosemarie Cattuti
                     New York  

[PaulaAnn]

Also...I am thinking this could be an inflammation of the throat. Will keep you posted.  

[PaulaAnn]

Thank you so much.  I appreciate that.  I'm going to see what happens going on that diet.  Its all new to me.  Sounds like you have dealt with this.  I will keep you posted after my EGD.  

It makes sense since only certain foods gives me that "food stuck in the throat" feeling and I have to bring it up.  Lots of mucus.  Sorry to be so detailed.

Thanks again for taking the time.

Paula

[CalGal]

Paula, there are a couple of forms of gluten issues, one being non-celiac gluten sensitivity that may not show up in a biopsy. If it turns out that looking at your duodenum shows no 'flattening' and a biopsy of that area does not result in an increased number of IEL's being found, give an exclusion diet a try. Stay off of all gluten for a period of about 3 weeks and see what happens. You might be surprised.

Good luck.

[PaulaAnn]

Thank you CalGal....  I thought of that too..maybe gluten intolerance.  I always have the throat issue with starches...like white bread, rice and pasta,  Nothing else causes it.   I never associated the burning throat with it though I imagine that is a symptom too.

No fatigue or brain fog (well not much)..but I do get a pinkish face rash which I blamed on the heat/hot dry air also in the winter months from the furnace. The middle age spread that I never thought I would get since I've been thin all my life.  

Oh..all the adventures that come with errr..maturing.  

Thanks again.  I go on Monday for the EGD.

Paula

[CalGal]

Paula, in addition to checking on the possibility of acid problems, consider the possibility that some of the symptoms could be due to food intolerance issues. In some cases persons with issues due to foods can have all the same outward symptoms of 'acid' but the cause may be due to what they're eating. Some, with gluten issues, can also have RA-like issues, rashes, brain fog and fatigue.

[PaulaAnn]

Thank you for answering me...I truly appreciate it.  

I do have an EGD scheduled for the throat issue on Monday, the 27th.  I was just wondering if anyone else had dealt with it...and I'm sure they have.  I think at 63 the old bod is not what it used to be.  Plus with my r/a ...that's always an issue.  

I appreciate you taking the time to answer me.....

Blessings to you!  

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

Well, without a clinical evaluation it would be difficult to determine the cause of your symptoms. Possibilities that may need to be considered include infections/ inflammations of the upper respiratory tract/ GI, medication side effect, neuro-muscular causes etc. I would suggest getting this evaluated by an internist or an ENT specialist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.
Hope this is helpful.

Take care!

[PaulaAnn]

Anyone??