Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
How Can Persistent Phlegm Be Treated?
Question: I have a persistent phlegm condition in my throat that causes me to have to clear my throat a lot. It gets more irritated with certain foods, particularly dairy, nuts and anything at all acidic or greasy. There is no blood. I've had some issues with acid re-flux. I've never taken any medication for it, like Pepsid AC. I am fit, not overweight and eat very healthy.
Brief Answer:
Postnasal drip of mucus
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Mucus at the back of the throat is usually due to postnasal drip. Postnasal drip can result in persistent dry cough or sore throat in some persons.
When a person has a chronic cough due to postnasal drip it is called upper airway cough syndrome.
The cause of post nasal drip is either allergic or infectious in most cases.
Infectious means that the person may have a new cold/cough which would cause increased mucus production
In allergies- the cause can be varied- foods or drinks, animal dander, pollen, smells, dust etc
Dairy increases the thickness of mucus.
The acid reflux can also cause clearing and irritation of the throat
Treatment of postnasal drip involves-(1)avoiding any aggravating factors such as any food or environment that you notice worsens the problem
(2)antihistamine decongestant combination if needed. This can take 2 to 3 weeks to start working in some cases eg Benadryl d, Claritine D, Allegra D, Zyrtec D
If avoidance and the antihistamine/decongestant combination is not enough to help with the post nasal drip then additional medication can be used if it is bothersome eg nasal sprays or montelukast
Acid reflux would respond to diet changes and medication if needed like the Pepcid mentioned.
Other meds-Nexium, Prilosec, Prevacid, Zantac
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Michelle Gibson James, General & Family Physician
Postnasal drip of mucus
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Mucus at the back of the throat is usually due to postnasal drip. Postnasal drip can result in persistent dry cough or sore throat in some persons.
When a person has a chronic cough due to postnasal drip it is called upper airway cough syndrome.
The cause of post nasal drip is either allergic or infectious in most cases.
Infectious means that the person may have a new cold/cough which would cause increased mucus production
In allergies- the cause can be varied- foods or drinks, animal dander, pollen, smells, dust etc
Dairy increases the thickness of mucus.
The acid reflux can also cause clearing and irritation of the throat
Treatment of postnasal drip involves-(1)avoiding any aggravating factors such as any food or environment that you notice worsens the problem
(2)antihistamine decongestant combination if needed. This can take 2 to 3 weeks to start working in some cases eg Benadryl d, Claritine D, Allegra D, Zyrtec D
If avoidance and the antihistamine/decongestant combination is not enough to help with the post nasal drip then additional medication can be used if it is bothersome eg nasal sprays or montelukast
Acid reflux would respond to diet changes and medication if needed like the Pepcid mentioned.
Other meds-Nexium, Prilosec, Prevacid, Zantac
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Michelle Gibson James, General & Family Physician
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thanks for your very thorough answer! Just another thought (since I get 1 or 2 - lol), do I need to have any worry about throat cancer causing the irritation? I have never smoked, but I know that doesn't necessarily mean I'm immune.
Brief Answer:
Usually have additional symptoms
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
It is true that throat cancer can occur in persons who do not smoke but it is far less common.
It is also a far less common reason for your symptoms
Throat cancer can also cause- blood, weight loss (all cancers tend to cause unexplained weight loss), persistent sore throat
Based on the history given, it is not likely at all.
If you are still unsure, then you can see an ENT specialist for assessment.
Hope I have answered your query.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Michelle Gibson James, General & Family Physician
Usually have additional symptoms
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
It is true that throat cancer can occur in persons who do not smoke but it is far less common.
It is also a far less common reason for your symptoms
Throat cancer can also cause- blood, weight loss (all cancers tend to cause unexplained weight loss), persistent sore throat
Based on the history given, it is not likely at all.
If you are still unsure, then you can see an ENT specialist for assessment.
Hope I have answered your query.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Michelle Gibson James, General & Family Physician
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
People also viewed
