What Causes Tickling Feeling In Throat, Cough And Sneezing?

Posted on Wed, 3 Jun 2015

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

Wed, 3 Jun 2015 Answered on

Sat, 20 Jun 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Very often I get a tickle in my throat which makes me cough, gag, and sometimes even sneeze. The biggest problem is the heavy thick mucous that accompanies it. It takes quite some time and many, many tissues before it goes away. I can't swallow it. Also, when I breath deeply, I feel a discomfort in my lungs.

Answered by Dr. Muhammad Ali Rauf (22 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
need some details to guide you betteer

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thank You for contacting HCM. My name is Dr Muhammad Ali Rauf & i will look into your problem.

I have gone through your query and would try to help you in the best possible way. I would be in a better position to guide you anything if you answer following questions please:

1. any history of fever? If yes then how much it was?
2. any history of cough? if yes then is it productive or non productive?
3. do you feel pain while swallowing?
4. are you on any medication other than the mentioned OTC drugs?
5. do you have diabetes, hypertension or any other illness?
6. is there any history of difficulty in breathing?
7. do you get these sensation all the time or at some particular time?

I will be looking forward for the answers to conclude the discussion in the best interest of yours.
Thank You

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Muhammad Ali Rauf (18 hours later)

1.No 2. No 3. No 4 Carvedilol, Estradiol, B-12, DHEA, aspirin, Claritin D, Vit. D, Stopped taking Lisinipril about 4 days ago because I thought it might be causing the problem, but have found no change in the cough. Recently, I have tried to avoid acidic foods and those with gluten. 5. No I take med for Irregular heartbeat and blood pressure although my rating is never above 145/70. 6.No 7. The tickling of throat and coughing happens about once an hour and takes lots of tissues and clearing of throat for about 20 minutes. The phlegm is too thick to swallow. This has been happening for about 3 months. I will be doing a cat scan soon. I am wondering if this could be a virus since my daughter experienced the same problems for about six months. The doctor did not find anything wrong with her throat. I am due for a cat-scan soon. I answered this yesterday but I am not sure you received my answer. Thank you for your help. XXXX

Answered by Dr. Muhammad Ali Rauf (56 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Please see description

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thank you for getting back with the answers. We would first proceed with symptomatic treatment. If it does not improve then we can switch to antibiotic therapy. I received your reply today. If i were your treating doctor then i would have advised following things:

- cetirizine one at night for 5 days.
- Take hot water in a cup, add 1 table spoon salt in it. Perform gargles (mouth wash) with it three times a day for at least 3 days. It will give soothing effect.
- Take boiling water in a pot, put your head over the steam and cover whole with a sheet. Take deep breaths in it.(Avoid getting closer else it might cause burn). Do this twice a day.

AVOID:
> Chilled water
> Drinks(alcohol)
> Spicy food

Hopefully condition will improve with these measures BUT incase condition does not improves then we can go on amoxicilin/clavulanic acid 625mg.

Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help if not then don't forget to close the discussion and rate it.
Wishing you good health !!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Muhammad Ali Rauf (4 hours later)

This sounds like wonderful advice. I was wondering why I had not been prescribed an antibiotic. Is cetirizine an over-the-counter drug? I don't suppose it is possible for you to prescribe a drug for me, but I will certainly try to follow-up on that.

I have really been wishing for something to sooth my throat, but all I had were cough drops. Thank you for your advice.

Answered by Dr. Muhammad Ali Rauf (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
yes cetirizine is OTC medicine

Detailed Answer:
Hello

You are most welcome. I'm available 24/7 for if you ever need assistance.

Yes, cetirizine is OTC medicine. We prefer to give OTC medicines as first line to ease the the patients. Gargles(mouth wash) will give soothing effect.

Thank You

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Muhammad Ali Rauf (12 hours later)

You have been very helpful to me. Thank you very much. My cat-scan revealed that I had no cancer for which I am very grateful, Hopefully, your advice will solve my problem.

Answered by Dr. Muhammad Ali Rauf (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You are welcome

Detailed Answer:
You are most welcome. I'll be available 24/7 for if you ever need assistance. Glad to hear that you CAT- Scan was normal. God willing, you will be fine soon. Don't forget to close the discussion & rate it.

Wishing you a good health!

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar