trachea mucous is driving me crazy

[constance flemming]

It began in January, after a bout of indigestion (that cleared up after taking 2 Nexium and hasn't returned), with the sensation of a vibration in my chest.Then it got more intense and I developed a cough to try to clear it.About three weeks after the first sensation,I got a horrible cold/virus that affected my chest, nose and all.  The post nasal drip was intense.  Lost my sense of smell (which still hasn't returned full force) and had an abundance of mucous in my nose and chest.This cold lasted for a week or two, but the PND continued (continues) on. I felt "viral" for a couple of months--off and on.  But the worst of all was and is the feeling that I have loose mucous in my trachea.This feeling is there when I breathe in and out.It feels like a rattle but there is no sound.  I have been to a regular doctor who did a chest x-ray after about 3 months--perfectly normal.The ENT looked up my nostrils--all fine.Took two rounds of antibiotics,heavy prednisone, a number of antihistamines. Saw the pulmonologist twice now. He says I have "chronic cough" Dah.Did asthma testing, aced that blowing test. I am better in the sense that I have energy back and don't feel viral anymore,but I feel depressed and hate to breathe.  All doctors say my symptoms don't warrant a CT scan and the radiation exposure from that. I would like to know what it is, and more importantly, how to get rid of it.  Some days are much worse than others. The allergy thing has been mentioned but never had them before and have been in other countries and states and still have it. Wonder about food. Help please!

[jjittery]

A related discussion, trachea mucous was started.

[RRHOOP5469]

Way back when I first developed allergies I kept getting sinus infection, rhinitis, etc. My doctor sent me to an allergist and tested positive for mold, pollen, weed, animal dander, feathers (might be missing a couple). My allergist sent me to get x-rays of my sinus. He said x-rays (or CT scans) can show if there is still an infection going on in your sinus'. It can also show if there is any abnormality (as in size, etc) that would cause postnasal drip problems, etc. After 10 years of shots, I'm all good now, been off the shots for a few years.

It is possible to develop new allergies at any time of your life. I didn't develop allergies until I was in my early 20's.

I've posted before, if you get that tickle in your throat that gives you a coughing fit...try a Halls cough drop or a real strong one in your area. Works every time for me for the past 20 + years.

[Duchess47]

I know how you feel.  I get something similar every couple of months.  I have chronic cough, mucous, hoarseness.  I have seen ent. & pulmonologist.  i have been treated with a regimen of ,nasacort, steroid dose pack and allegra to just antibiotics to nothing but over the counter cough meds. for my own comfort.  I have no idea what is causing this except to say that when I over use my throat it happens. (as in laughing, singing, yelling or exertion)  Doctors say anything from Tracheitis to Acid reflux, to "I don't know why you keep getting this.".  Sooo frustrating and depressing.  Doctor says not allergy.  I don't have the typical sinus infection problem and sometimes I get a fever with this that only lasts a day or so.  I wish I had some answers for you and me.  Maybe someone else will see these posts and have some insight.

[constance flemming]

I have a follow-up question--if a CT scan shows chronic inflamation, then what? How can that diagnose whether it is an allregy, infection ..etc.?  I would think that if I had had an infection, the powerful antibiotics I took would have taken care of that.  The pulmonologist said that even if I found out I was allergic to something, it wouldn't necessarily mean that was the cause of the symptoms.  But I am still wondering if starting with the allergy testing may be the wisest choice.  The fact that some days are so much worse than others makes me wonder if it might be something I am eating (although I have given up dairy, wheat and sugars..)  Anyone else have a suggestion?

[National Jewish]

I do not agree with the doctors who advised against a CT of the sinuses.  This may be due to a chronic inflammation (allergic, nonallergic or infectious) of the sinuses.  A CT scan is the only way to rule out this possibility.  That would be the next best step to take.