Mucus problems

[Margot49]

I have suffered from chronic dry mouth and throat for some time. Tests and biopsies done for Sjorgens, negative.
I cannot explain what I feel to the ENT doctors but it feels like I have something starting behind my left sinus and it goes down my throat and I am constantly hacking to clear my throat. A few months ago, I started hacking up a jelly type mucus, mostly clear.  Have had scopes done and they don't seem to be able to figure this out. Went to a pulmonary doctor who just prescribed an inhaler. Tried that and cannot use it as it aggravates the dry mouth and throat.  This is now 24/7 and interrupting my sleep as I am either trying to hack this up or my throat is so dry, I start coughing and have to try and drink water, which seldom helps.  Not sure if this is an ENT issue or a pulmonary issue.  Doctors don't seem to be able to tell me where it is coming from.  I just know, all these problems seem to be getting worse.

[GrannyMikeyd]

Another thing, have you had a sinus x-ray or Pulmonary Function tests? Has the mucous been cultured? ?just a few additional thoughts.

[GrannyMikeyd]

Get a sleep study. Use sudafed before bed and a mouth strap so you don't mouth breathe. If you have sleep apnea, make sure yopuir cpap has a heated humidifier year round. If you don't have sleep apnea use a humidifier. I sleep with a Hall's menthol cough drop in my mouth. It's not advised, you can choke. However, I have done it for years and it just slowly melts literally overnight. Also ypu can ask ypur dentist for periogel with moith trays that you use 2 or more times a day. It helps.
GrannyMikeyd

[Margot49]

Hi Jerry, :-)

I am talking major, chronic problems.  I use all the Biotene products that help for about 2 mins.  Yes, use nasal saline spray and nasal gel.  This mucus issue started a few months ago.  One Doc says it is from my nose.  One Doc says it is from my bronchi.  One Doc has no idea.  I love the doctors here.  
Have used a humidifier.  Been tested fir Sjorgens with blood work and two biopsies, negative.
Given an inhaler and nasal sprays but can't use them as they make the dry throat worse!  Always feel like phlegm or something stuck in my throat. Now, last couple of days, back to having nose bleeds on one side.
This is just constant 24/7 discomfort.  Made an appt a couple of months ago to go back to see an ENT doctor at Stanford, yes, over 2 months ago!  
Not holding out much hope.  
Thanks

[Jerry_NJ]

Have you tried Biotene (brand name) to relieve the dry mouth symptoms?  I have found it helpful and mine is only at night/morning due to constant nasal congestion (at night only, or whenever lying down).  

For the nasal congestion, I have moved mostly to saline (salt water) spray and get some help, I think, from the Breath Right (brand name) aid stuck on my nose when I go to bed.  

My problem is not like yours in the throat issues, other than dry mouth.  If I use Afrin (or store brand) nose spray my nose stays open all night, but that is a something I use no more than two nights in a row, followed by three or more nights with just saline spray.  I have used prescription nose sprays including steroid type to no real relief.

Is your problem all on one side?  Mine is gravity sensitive, and always settles in the side I am lying on. Sometimes the other side stays plugged, but the up side usually drains into the low side.  I have never had any real/noticeable mucus.  But I have never tried to hack anything up from my throat, seems my throat is clear, save the fact I suffer from mild obstructive sleep apnea.

Maybe your problem is too much good weather in California.  You need some high humidity and hot temperatures to clear you out : )

[Margot49]

Thank you for the response.  Have tried almost everything, seen a few doctors and had numerous tests done.  Now, having a hoarse throat and almost lose my voice.

[Paderla Anitha, DNB]

Hi, understand your predicament. As investigations did not reveal any abnormality, you can check to see if any allergens are causing this dryness. Maintain a diary a note down your symptoms, it can be anything from changes in weather to medications to food. Also, check to see if you snore while sleeping or if you have obstructive sleep apnea, this can cause dryness of the mouth and throat. And try steam inhalations and warm water gargles they may help. Regards.