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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
excess mucus
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
KevinMD.com
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
excess mucus
by Nickmbb, Mar 17, 2003 12:00AM
In the past few mounths, I have been feeling a "hairy" feeling in the back of my throat...In the past few weeks, I now get what feels like excess mucus building up that actually makes a clicking sound. My nose is not congested. This excess mucus doesn't interfer with my breathing or swallowing, but it is extremely annoying and causing some anxiety now. The only way this problem gets any relief is when I lay down. Sometimes the mucus slides down my throat and I cough it back up, but I can't seem to get rid of it. Only rarely will it make my throat feel sore. When I am able to pull it away from the back to spit it out, the mucus is mostly clear or slightly tinged yellow. My PT has refered me to a ENT but the appointment is a month away. I take allegra, but doesn't seem to help. I do get occasional heartburn and I am a lite smoker.
What I want to know is if there is anything I can do in the mean time to relieve this until I see the ENT. I have tried graggling and different throat OTC meds. I even cut way down on the smoking.
What I want to know is if there is anything I can do in the mean time to relieve this until I see the ENT. I have tried graggling and different throat OTC meds. I even cut way down on the smoking.
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Mar 17, 2003 12:00AM
, Mar 17, 2003 12:00AM
Hello - thanks for asking your question.
Please understand my limitations over the internet as I have neither met nor examined you. This information is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation.
There are many reasons for increased mucous production. Here is a brief list:
Chronic bronchitis
Pulmonary emphysema
Bronchial asthma
Chronic sinusitis
Gastroesophageal reflux disease
Allergic Rhinitis
Congestive Heart Failure
Bronchogenic lung carcinoma
Cystic lung disease
Pneumococcal pneumonia
Treating excessive mucous would depend on the cause. If the cause is chronic sinusitis for instance, then imaging with plain films or a CT scan would be helpful to evaluate the sinuses. Appropriate antibiotics would then be helpful. If the sinus symptoms continue, then surgery involving sinus aspiration and washing would then be considered. For symptomatic relief, you have already tried Allegra - you may also want to discuss the option of nasal steroids (i.e. Flonase or Rhinocort) with your personal physician.
If the cause is GI-related (i.e. GERD), then treatment with either H2-blockers (Zantac, Pepcid) or PPIs (Prilosec, Protonix) would benefit. A 24-hr pH study would be the definitive test for GERD.
If the cause is pulmonary-related (i.e. COPD), then treatment with appropriate inhaled bronchodilators or steroids will benefit.
Coincidentally, I have researched a similar topic on Google Answers. You may read more about my answer here:
http://answers.google.com/answers/main?cmd=threadview&id=124157
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.
Please understand my limitations over the internet as I have neither met nor examined you. This information is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation.
There are many reasons for increased mucous production. Here is a brief list:
Chronic bronchitis
Pulmonary emphysema
Bronchial asthma
Chronic sinusitis
Gastroesophageal reflux disease
Allergic Rhinitis
Congestive Heart Failure
Bronchogenic lung carcinoma
Cystic lung disease
Pneumococcal pneumonia
Treating excessive mucous would depend on the cause. If the cause is chronic sinusitis for instance, then imaging with plain films or a CT scan would be helpful to evaluate the sinuses. Appropriate antibiotics would then be helpful. If the sinus symptoms continue, then surgery involving sinus aspiration and washing would then be considered. For symptomatic relief, you have already tried Allegra - you may also want to discuss the option of nasal steroids (i.e. Flonase or Rhinocort) with your personal physician.
If the cause is GI-related (i.e. GERD), then treatment with either H2-blockers (Zantac, Pepcid) or PPIs (Prilosec, Protonix) would benefit. A 24-hr pH study would be the definitive test for GERD.
If the cause is pulmonary-related (i.e. COPD), then treatment with appropriate inhaled bronchodilators or steroids will benefit.
Coincidentally, I have researched a similar topic on Google Answers. You may read more about my answer here:
http://answers.google.com/answers/main?cmd=threadview&id=124157
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.
