Mucous Choking After Eating

[MucousNightmare]

I've been reading everyone's posts about getting thick, non-stop mucous in throat after eating.  I have the same thing for over a month now!  Now, I'm also starting to notice a stuffed nose too, then the mucous.  I also wake up around 4:00 AM with crackling sounds in my lungs, which turns into coughing and throat clearing for hours.  This creates so much anxiety!  NO doctors will help!!  They said GERD may be causing it, but I've been on Zegerid, 40 mg., 2x day for a month, and this is only getting worse?!  I went to a pulmonary specialist, lung function test normal, but yet these coughing attacks - the mucous goes down lungs and gives me ASTHMA!  but every time these doctors check my lungs they said they're CLEAR!!@!  Yeah, because I'm not having an attack now!  It's like NONE of them "get it!"
If so many of us have this horrific nightmare of mucous flooding our lungs after we eat, WHY don't any of these doctors "get it??"  I'm so frustrated and depressed from this.  This happens the worse at night!  It's to the point now, where I'm AFRAID TO EAT, AFRAID OF THE NIGHT, AFRAID TO SLEEP!  I'm an anxious wreck!  I went to ER last Sat. at 1:00 AM, didn't get seen until 4:30 AM.  Of course, attack was over by then, and doctor treated me like I was just an "anxious" nut!  but yet gave me a sheet on "Bronchospasms".  This is pure hell living like this!!!  I'm scared to have an endoscopy.  They said I have a "Schotsky's" ring in my esophogus which is a narrowing near the stomach, which may be causing food not to enter stomach so readily.  That was results from my esophogram, but yet the esophogram written report said the "Schotsky's" ring was NON-OBSTRUCTIVE.  I also found out from a blood test I have H. Pylori, a stomach infection.  You have to take about 14 heavy-duty pills for that for 10 days, and they don't think (me neither) that I can handle all that now.  I'm wondering if this H. Pylori is causing these symptoms????

I read on the net that GERD can cause ASTHMA.  I Never had asthma in my life!!! but now seems I do!  When I got no answers from pulmonary specialist, I had a severe attack in middle of night, called the next day and DEMANDED he give me something!  I got a nebulizer, and now have to give myself nebulizer treatments to open up my lungs when I get these attacks of mucous blocking my airways!  I'm scared to eat now, and won't DARE eat after 6 PM, but NOW I seem to get woken up with these attacks at 4 AM!  I take 2 GERD pills, omeprazole 20 mg, 2x day, and no help!  WE NEED A LIVE CHAT SUPPORT GROUP FOR THIS!  I'M DESPERATE!  ANYONE KNOW HOW TO START A LIVE CHAT GROUP FOR THIS SO WE CAN ALL SHARE?  


This discussion is related to Excessive coughing/mucus after eating.

[lehulei]

Well, I can say one thing about asthma diagnoses, many times, they are wrong, and if they diagnose you and you really have it, you can tell ALL OF THE TIME that someone has it, not just when you are having an attack. Also, I am almost certain, from experience that H. Pylori and you getting antibiotics was just a precautionary measure, some people are born or develop a certain amount of the bacteria in their stomach, and H pylori is the bacteria that causes ulcers.
They could have treated you for that and seen if that was a problem with irritation of the stomach and throat.
Your body's reactive response when dealing with mucous membrane tissue is to produce more mucous; that is why people who have allergies have runny noses, same with the GI tract.

In turn what could have happened is that you stomach is irritated, or your esophagus, and is overproducing mucous to coat the lining inside you and protect you, while you are saying it is inconvenient, your body probably protected you from having an ulcer.

A little phlegm is nothing to get so agitated over, I have actual asthma, asthma attack asthma, a hiatal hernia, GERD and a healed ulcer, and I have had it since I was born, and suffer from mucous after I eat.

What helps me with asthma symptoms accompanied by mucous, which as you probably know ***** beyond belief, is always drinking hot tea while I eat. Not hot burn you tea, but normal warm tea, and pepperminty or citrus flavors seem to soothe. It is great for digestion and will help break up phlegm in the lungs.

Look on the bright side, you do not have an ulcer and you are not having regular asthma attacks, and you are not seriously ill or in a country where medical services are available.

The most important thing to remember is that it is no one's fault that you are sick and it is not the doctor's fault that you are still sick, try not to hold so much resentment. We just have a little excess mucous. =)

Hope this helped

[sachmo181]

Hi all, I have the same (mucus after eating) problem. I got it about 1 year, halfway through my time in Taiwan. But I GOT IT TO STOP FOR A LONG WHILE!. Initially I got it from god knows what (I was traveling around Asia, eating and drinking whatever I found. I also lived in a pretty humid and polluted city). I assumed it was pollution, as I had it for about a month or so. Note that I got it after a cold...Also note that about 8 months prior, when I first landed there, I had a problem where I would get mucus in the morning after I took the motorscooter to work (pollution from the road)...but that went away with some simple anti-mucus medication... that was a hypo-allergic reaction as the doctor described (where the body reacts to a large pollutant introduction after a sickness by become hyper-active and producing a lot of mucus to the introduction of pollutants)

But It got pretty bad (with the humidity?), to the point that I started throwing up after meals. I went to the ER when I almost couldn't breath anymore, and I was diagnosed with bronchitis. What is likely is that the bronchitis brought our common problem to the tipping point (or it was the problem). I took some relatively simple anti-mucus and anti-histamine pills and whatever stuff they gave me, and it started helping. But then I went to China and it was still there. There I took some OTC anti-nasal pills from a Chinese drug store (yeah, great idea I know) but it worked... and over time...it went away. all away.

But now its back. It came back after I got sick in the winter, and got worse after another cold. Now its like before, and I am debating what to do. I do feel that it is possible to stop it though. I'll keep you guys posted

From this I can only gather that it is your body's allergic reaction to something. I know some people mentioned taking antihistamines and still seeing no effect, so I'm not sure. Anti-mucus seemed to work really well too.

[sachmo181]

Its not a small problem though, Lehulei. It can mess up your life pretty bad.

[Aro2220]

After reading the other excessive coughing/mucus after eating thread which directed here, I just wanted to add my voice.

I have a similar problem. After I eat I start producing an excess of mucus in my throat/sinuses. Mostly throat. I don't choke or anything but it's uncomfortable if I don't clear it.

I doubt this is acid reflux. Why would acid produce excess mucus? Also, why would acid reflux not have any symptoms of heart burn or sore throat, or anything of that nature? The only time I ever get heartburn is if I eat a LOT of certain tomato sauces (pizza nova, for example...but not my homemade pasta sauce...)

The thing is, I don't think it's a food allergy, either. It happens after any food not just certain foods. This started serveral years ago and I can't recall any meal where I didn't get a bit of mucus after.

Without knowing a thing my guess is that it's either an odd immune response or some kind of long-term bacterial infection that reacts to sugars in your throat. When it has food the bacteria can reproduce quickly. But I'm not a doctor.

I used to smoke, but I don't anymore. There has been no change in flem (phlegm) production. When I wake up in the morning I usually have to blow my nose and stuff like that. I may have a bit of a post-nasal drip, but I've never been diagnosed with it and it's usually not that big of a problem.

It sounds to me like some people have this more severely than others but it also sounds like doctors don't really know what this is considering the number of acid-reflux misdiagnosis' that have been mentioned here already.

I am convinced that the basic problem is that my throat or something in my throat reacts to food (probably various sugars -- so pretty much any food) and produces flem (phlegm). Why? I still need an answer for that.

I think the next thing to do is to understand how flem (phlegm) is produced in the throat. That might shred more light on the process.

Also, the flem (phlegm) for me is rarely any other colour than clear which suggests it's not infected. It's just possible I have a very efficient strain of bacteria in my throat that can reproduce quickly in the presence of food. My best solution is to drink lots of water right after eating to get rid of any traces of food left in my throat.

[researched]

When people have acid relux some people build large amounts of mucus to line the throat, others not so much mucus, the ones that get the mucus stops them from the burning feeling and prevents alces.  It is the body's own way of protecting it and some body's over protect.

Other mucus problems can be due to dairy reactions.  Not the normal dairy problems that people talk about but there is one where people can not digest protein in dairy, that is soy liquids as well.  It is fairly common now in young children because they have the most obvious problem, however, it has been around as long as anyone is alive and we still carry this today, we are able to cope with it a little better than a new born child.  The other dairy problem which only relates to cows milk products which produces lots of mucus all the time is a reation to grass, most people will only show up with milk products but sometimes you can tell when you freshly cut grass and you pick up all the clippings, or sit on freshly cut grass.  The reason it shows up in dairy products is cows don't actually digest grass properly so if you are going to get a reation to this it will show up when your diet has dairy in it, it doesn't take much to keep the problem going.  Best thing to do is have a test where they mark your arm and check you for things you can not eat.  However, this will not show up the protein problem in dairy or soy, as it is not a food or item they test against.  One way of telling is that in your blood test it shows high levels of protein this could be a sign.  Best idea is to stop dairy or soy for about 6 months and see how it goes, but you have to stop everything or it will not get better, not even eat founds with a little dairy in it.  By the way soy flour in breads and other products are OK.

[T_S]

Actually - This is a recently understood thing - and missed by Ear/nose/throat docs because it's metabolic endocrinology.

A good place to start would be any books by Schwarzbein - good layman's terms explanations.  Consistent Mucus after eating is an insulin response.  Recent metabolic research has linked mucus production mechanisms to to blood insulin levels.  Ironically acid reflux and GERD are also metabolically related to elevated insulin levels.  Again most doctors don't get this because they are not that great at metabolic endocrinology, most of the research is recent, and because acid reflux does irritate the throat, they do not look for a common metabolic cause, they just treat the acid reflux and get stumped when that doesn't clear up the mucus.  They also know Dairy thickens mucus so they will blame dairy.  Trouble shooters parroting textbooks that don't understand the root cause yet.

I'll bet you also get post nasal drip or mucus in your throat when you wake up in the morning....  (say 50/50 odds)

So here's the experiment - eat a big meal - you get mucus, maybe acid reflux or heart burn.  That could be from spiked insulin levels.  

Eat a high carb meal.  Or consume allot of sugar (like a few bottles of soda or a few candy bars) I'll bet the same result.  Post nasal drip, mucus, etc.

Eat a moderate sized meal with a protein and a fat, and keep you carb intake between 15 and 30 grams during the meal. NO SUGAR.  Drink Water, not soda or coffee.

If you don't get phlegm after that balanced meal with reduced carbs to lower insulin response.. Congrats, you have your cure.  You are also probably insulin resistant, have excess belly fat, and fall asleep after high carb meals and suffer from acid reflux.  It all goes together.  I good endocrinologist familiar with diabetes may be able to help diagnose insulin resistance.  However is reducing your carbohydrate intake cures the post meal mucus production, acid reflux, and even tiredness.. Then you don't need to spend money on doctors.

One trick than can help - a recent study showed that Almond butter reduced the Glycemic index of a meal.  While Glycemic index is not directly responsible for elevated insulin response, a low glycemic index diet will do wonders for symptoms of insulin resistance.  Also keep in mind Caffeine will mess with you metabolism and can effect the symptoms as well.

[T_S]

A second note on Dairy - most dairy is high in sugar - namely Lactose - read the label.  Sugar will spike your insulin while the dairy itself thickens the mucus that was already there.  The insulin spike increases mucus production...  And yep, you got allot of thick mucus.  The statistics don't lie, but doctors know that mucus does it so they don't worry about the underlying biochemistry of mucus production.  But Be nice, the research on it is very esoteric and recent.

[salubrium]

I read a Question and comments here a couple of years ago and I remember one commenter made a comment like "Mucous Makers of American United" or something to that effect. I searched for that today because I've been without issues for almost a year now. I used to have this problem. I used to spend my whole 30 minutes drive to work hacking and coughing to clear my nose / mouth out and it never felt like it was gone. I used to be talking to people and occasionally a big green glob would finally fall into my mouth... it was horrible and disgusting.

Additionally, I felt like I had a metallic taste on my tongue and slowly more symptoms started to appear. Low energy, brain fog, feeling like a lump stuck under my left ribs and then my muscles began hurting to the point where I felt like I could no longer work all day.

I had heliobacter tests and the favourites of doctors everwhere was "Nexium". They prescribe the stuff like it's going out of style. The nexium didn't fix the problem but it DID give me energy. Heliobacter tests showed nothing.

Anyway, the problems that I ended up with on top of my mucous stuff was severe muscles spasms in the first hour or so of sleeping, feelings of arthritis, extremely tight back, neck and shoulder muscles, red eyes, grinding teeth while sleeping, brain fog, constant mouth ulcers.

I've only changed two things. Drastically reduced my gluten intake, no pasta except gluten free pasta, avoid bread etc. I personally can take a little of gluten without issues.. a sandwich once or twice a week and I am fine but more than that and my mucous problems return. The other major thing I did was start taking magnesium supplements. It's extremely important to get Magnesium Citrate and for me, I need about 100-200mg's daily of it. The one I have found perfect for me is an Australian brand (I'm Australian) called "Herbs of Gold - Muscle Rescusitation" which also has Vitamin B6, which helps Magnesium absorption. I can now drink orange juice, milk and eat meals without gagging.

Ingredients
Each 6g serve contains:
Magnesium (as citrate)...................................................................120mg
Magnesium (as amino acid chelate)...............................................200mg
TOTAL ELEMENTAL MAGNESIUM....................320mg
Glutamine........................................................................................500mg
Potassium (as citrate).......................................................................60mg
Taurine............................................................................................500mg
Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid)...............................................................200mg
Levocarnitine (Carnitine)...................................................................25mg
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine hydrochloride).................................................25mg
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)........................................................................5mg
Vitamin B3 (Nicotinamide)..................................................................20mg
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid from Calcium pantothenate 60mg)......54mg
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine hydrochloride)..............................................50mg
equiv. Pyridoxine.....................................41.15mg
Folic acid.......................................................................................150mcg
Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin).....................................................200mcg
Zinc (as amino acid chelate)...............................................................5mg
Manganese (amino acid chelate)........................................................5mg
Selenium (as selenomethionine).....................................................25mcg
Chromium (as nicotinate)................................................................50mcg
Chromium (as chromic chloride).....................................................50mcg
TOTAL ELEMENTAL CHROMIUM.....................100mcg


Hope this helps someone

[salubrium]

My point about the Nexium giving me energy was that about 6 months ago, I friend was taking Nexium and when I went to read the actual chemical in Nexium, it was Esomeprazole Magnesium, which is likely why it had helped with my energy levels.

My mucuous symptoms were severe, feeling like I was choking, ended up despising eating because it acerbated the problem, not sleeping properly, not being able to get to sleep etc etc..

How I found out? I wrote every single symptom I had down. I then googled the whole lot of them together. Everything I got came up as showing I had Fybromyalgia. I then started reading about Fibromyalgia and what treatments were available for Fibromyalgia sufferers. I repeatedly came across Magnesium from different sources. So I searched for which Magnesium is best and I went and bought some about 2 hours later...within 3 days, I went from feeling like I was 70years old (I was 30) to being 25 again, the difference was that huge for me.

http://www.healthy-living.org/html/fibromyalgia.html

I don't suggest it's going to help everyone but I certainly think getting rid of dairy and gluten to begin with and replacing them with a good Calcium / Magnesium / Vitamin B combination supplement and give it a try for 30 days. It's not going to hurt you and it costs very little to try.

[Jannaam]

I also had the problem of mucus after eating and have found that it is because
of a food-allergie.( eggs, diary and so on ).
When I avoid alletrgic foods I have no mucus problem.

When I have an attac ( musus and coughing  that could last for hours )
I take half a teaspoon of Baking Soda in a glas of water and have immediate relief.