Phlegm, Coughing, Runny Nose

[Slashygirl]

I have had this condition for what seems like an eternity. I have had my tonsils out at around the age of 6. Lived with a father who smoked, and he himself seemed to have the same problem. Coughing up phlegm, tons of mucus. My mother had to wash so many handkerchiefs. We lived on a farm back then, and now I live on a farm as well, and have a husband who also smokes. It seems after I finish eating I often have lots of clear mucus that needs to get out. I can feel like it all situated in my nasal cavity, plus it needs to leave my throat as well. It doesn't matter what I eat or drink. I don't have any digestive problems. No heartburn.

It is just very embarrassing to have to excuse yourself from a family gathering, a party...to have to relieve yourself of all this damn mucus crap....off to the bathroom where I spend who knows how many minutes hacking away. Blowing my nose like forever...where is this crap coming from...it seems to never end. Usually it's clear, and when it isn't, it's from a cold.

I am just wondering if anyone else has it problem, and what they have done about it. Does this thing we have, have a bloody name.

Thanks....

[Slashygirl]

I so appreciate your advice. Thanks so much for your suggestions. Dairy and sugar...hmmm. Well, I do eat way to many things that have sugar in them, and who knows what products have dairy.

Again, many thanks and I will take your suggestions to heart.

[familyguy6000]

I used to have the same problem for years. But I finally went to a doctor that diagnosed MY problem.  I am lactose intolerant and anyone reading this post may be too. I didn't think that I was because I don't experience bloating or discomfort when I eat dairy, but I do get the mucus /phlegm in my throat and I was constantly coughing up stuff -worse at night.  Apparently as we age, many of us lose the enzyme that breaks this stuff down. Try this.  Go to the drug store - Buy some lactaid.  Take it anytime you eat something remotely dairy.  You'll find there is more dairy in foods than you realize.  OR take it whenever you feel the sensation in your throat. Also, it helps if you cut out cheese, ice cream, milk altogether.  I have switched to Lactaid Milk.  Also, for me, it helps if I cut down on all sugars - not just lactose. FULL DISCLOSURE: I am not a doctor do go see yours. Happy sleeping.

[Slashygirl]

Hello,

Thanks so much for commenting. I don't drink milk. But, I could be eating certain things that have dairy products in them. I am at least 30 pounds overweight.

Living in an environment with second hand smoke is not good. I agree. Unfortunately, I don't see him stopping any time soon.

[Caryopteris]

I used to have a problem until I stopped drinking milk.  You say you have no food allergies but did you ever stop drinking milk for a week or two?

Being around smoke is a disaster for the respiratory system.