Chronic Throat Irritation

[syeren]

For the past 3 months I've been experiencing throat irritation. My throat is red and raw every day, though not dry. It doesn't hurt when I swallow, nor do I feel like I've got anything with substance stuck in my throat.

I've been known to have minor colds once a month for the past year, but for the past 2 months I've been cold-free. I've never had strep, pneumonia or any major respiratory infection. But I do get sick a lot. My immune system is crud for some reason!

I thought it could be allergies because last I checked I had hayfever, but now - according to my allergy test results - I am only allergic to house dust mites (might I add I live in a loft with very old woodwork).

Yesterday I started rinsing with salt water, but I cannot gargle. The irritation seems to have lessened a tad as a result of the last 2 washes.

I am a smoker. And I am sure this is the culprit. But can smoking cause non-stop irritation and redness? Can allergies to dust mites cause throat irritation as described?

Note: I've been diagnosed with Hepatic Flexure Syndrome as well as onset IBS.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! I've not had much luck in the MedHelp forums. I've posted several concerns but to no avail.

Thanks in advance!

[syeren]

Nothing? :(

[syeren]

Oh! And one morning I woke up and checked out my throat with a flashlight (as I usually do) and there was this thin string of yellow mucus right down the middle of my pharynx. I've only noticed it once, though. And not with a cold.

[syeren]

Also, my nose feels yucky and drippy (without actually drippage) and my eyes sometimes feel stuffy and itchy.