Taking Mucinex For Stringy Mucus In Throat. What Could Be The Reason For Constant Mucus Attacks?

Posted on Fri, 8 Nov 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 8 Nov 2013 Answered on

Sat, 30 Nov 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : yes, i have major mucus attacks constantly today from 1200 noon till now i hack and clear my throat for it is filled with saliva and mucus. how do i get it to stop. i have seen 6 drs. now saying sinistus and took an xray but i cannot eat or sleep and have lost 40 lbs. due to plegmn in the back of throat and nose. it is to the point i cant live with it and the drs just say swallow it and take mucinex. they have no idea what it feels like. it is stringy glue like mucus stuck in my throat deep down and back of throat and feels like pockets filled with watery mucus

Answered by Dr. Prahlad Duggal (6 hours later)

Brief Answer: Possibilities- Sinusitis, GERD, LPR Detailed Answer: Hi, I share your concern that this is a disturbing problem. Based on your description, I have few possibilities that can explain your symptoms: 1. The first possibility can be sinusitis. 2. The other ones can be GERD and Laryngopharyngeal reflux. X-ray gives an idea about the sinus disease, but CT scan PNS gives a better and clearer picture inside the sinuses. Other two differential diagnosis can be ruled out by your attending ENT doctor with the help of endoscopy. I would start you on nasal decongestants with mucolytics with steam inhalation as I plan to diagnose the condition. You should discuss about CT scan, endoscopy and the nasal decongestant when you get to see the doctor. Hope this helps. I will be glad to assist you further if required. Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Prahlad Duggal (13 hours later)

can i ask another follow up queston? i dont want to be charged 15.00 again. i do not like my credit card on file. anyway, the ent dr called my ct scan of sinius was fine. i am still purging since 12 noon yesterday a watery mucus from my throat, back of my throat and in my chest. it goes on for hours. any more suggestions. i take all the nasal decongestants like atrovent nasonex, steriod one (not at the same time) nothing helps but maybe astelin and tastes terrible. i do the sinus flush all the time, saline solution, but i still have this thick mucus all thru my throat. when i drink water or eat just a second later all this clear liquid comes up out of my throat. if you can reply without charging me pls do. i also have a steam inhaler helps some and also symbicor i try evert day and a flutterer thing that bring mucus up. pls help me. the ent drs are not helping so do you think stay with the pulmonary dr??

Answered by Dr. Prahlad Duggal (8 hours later)

Brief Answer: Take PPI for 3 weeks Detailed Answer: Hi, as your CT scan is fine and all the nasal sprays are not helping except azelastine (it tastes bitter), there is an entity known as vasomotor rhinitis where there is rhinorrhea without excessive sneezing. Azelastine spray does help in this but surgical option of vidian neurectomy can also be discussed with your ENT. But before that, please take proton pump inhibitors (PPI) for 3 weeks after consulting your doctor and that may solve your problem. Wish you luck.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E