Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Having Extreme Difficulty Swallowing Saliva. Causing Panic And Affecting Breathing. Have C.O.P.D. And Diabetics. Suggest?
Question: i am having extreme difficulty swallowing, but not food or drink. Rather, swallowing saliva is causing near panic and effecting my breathing. I have C.O.P.D. (emphys) and diabetis, hyperthyroidism and cold or flu symptoms. I feel as though I need to blow nose, but very hard to get out liquid sinus fluid. Also feel drip in back of throat.
Brief Answer:
mucolytics and topical nasal sprays would help
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
The ability to swallow both food and drink would imply that there is no physical obstruction preventing the passage of saliva.
It is possible that the combination with the viscous or thick mucus in the throat is making it difficult to swallow the saliva.
In this case you may want to consider the use of a mucolytic. This is medication that reduces the viscosity of secretions and therefore makes it easier for a person to get rid of them.
They are usually available over the counter , examples include acetylcysteine (mucomyst), bisolvan, guiafenesin (robistussin).
Drinking enough fluids would also help to reduce viscosity and help the secretions to come out easier.
In addition to one of these agents , a topical nasal spray would be helpful. This would reduce the post nasal drip.
The most commonly used topical nasal sprays are nasonex, flonase, rhinocort, beconase and nasocort AQ.
You may need a prescription to obtain one of these.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any additional questions
mucolytics and topical nasal sprays would help
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
The ability to swallow both food and drink would imply that there is no physical obstruction preventing the passage of saliva.
It is possible that the combination with the viscous or thick mucus in the throat is making it difficult to swallow the saliva.
In this case you may want to consider the use of a mucolytic. This is medication that reduces the viscosity of secretions and therefore makes it easier for a person to get rid of them.
They are usually available over the counter , examples include acetylcysteine (mucomyst), bisolvan, guiafenesin (robistussin).
Drinking enough fluids would also help to reduce viscosity and help the secretions to come out easier.
In addition to one of these agents , a topical nasal spray would be helpful. This would reduce the post nasal drip.
The most commonly used topical nasal sprays are nasonex, flonase, rhinocort, beconase and nasocort AQ.
You may need a prescription to obtain one of these.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any additional questions
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
