Clear Mucus

For several weeks I have felt congested in my lungs.  Lately it felt worse so I drank lots of juice and took a non-drying decongestant expectorant.  It helped and I coughed up some clear mucas and felt better for a day or two.  Now the congestion is back and I feel like there is a lump in my throat.  A few minutes ago I felt anxious and a bit afraid that my breathing will be interupted.  I am 41 and in good shape.  I do have ulcerative colitus and have just gotten over a flare.  That "anxiety attack" was uncomfortable and scared me.  I was exposed to strep throat about 6 weeks ago.  What could be wrong?  Should I get a chest x-ray?  Thank you

[National Jewish]

Sore throats are usually caused by viruses, not bacteria, and are often associated with post-nasal drip. Any sore throat that persists for more than 7 consecutive days should be cultured for strep, especially with a known exposure.
The same is true for lung congestion, a feeling that can be experienced with a great variety of lung diseases, infectious and non-infectious. Lung congestion of several weeks duration definitely warrants a chest X-ray.
Anxiety is not uncommonly associated with chest discomfort, a feeling that one won't be able to breathe, with hyperventilation and with the feeling of a lump in the throat. It is also associated with heart palpitations or a rapid heartbeat, sweating, tremulousness and a generalized fear that something bad is happening or about to happen.