for past few years now, after certain meals, I have to clear my throat. when I cough it up, a LOT of phlegm comes up. then I cough a little more for 5 more minutes, and it's all gone.
sometimes nose feels stuffy too, but it doesn't run.
also, I don't have trouble breathing when this happens. only when I breathe in heavy or laugh, you can slightly head the crackling sound.
I can't pinpoint the cause of it. it's not a dairy thing, because it happens with nondairy items AKA a turkey sandwich (no cheese) from Panera. I do notice with big spicy meals it also happens. and big warm meals, but not always. other night I had ravioli, and no coughing of muscous after.
definitely difficult to figure this out. I rarely have heartburn, maybe 1-2x a month, or no even.
I haven't discussed this with a doctor yet. I was thinking of starting a food diary perhaps, to keep track of foods that cause this.
other info: I'm 23, female, and have never smoked cigs or weed.