thick sticky saliva/throat swelling

[jenquad]

I am 35 yr old female
history of gerd
symptoms:
1.lots of thick saliva after I eat/drink
2.sticky gelatin like mucus in back of throat constantly, it makes my throat is closing or swelling, I am allways am chooing gum trying to make more salivia so I can swallow
3.burping/presure in esophagus while eating
4. weight gain/upper stomach fullness/bloating feeling
5.tierd all the time
6. feeling of throat swellig and supper dry mouth after brushing my teeth?


I had an allergic reaction about 3 months ago and have been on a lot of antihistamines since, the dr's don't know why I'm feeling this way, I was wondering if you haveexperienced any of these symtoms before?

[12bhealthy]

You could have laryngopharangeal reflux; like gerd but reflux goes up higher into throat.  I have had same problems; doctors can't find what's wrong.  Now I am trying Protonix to see if that helps.  Antihistamines will make you tired, and dry you out.  Good luck!

[CalmBreeze]

I think what jenquad says above is correct.  I too have been having the same problem as you for 2 years now and I am now just finding out what the problem is and working on a solution for it.  I didn't have this problem until my allergy doctor put me on an antihistamine called Rescon.  It dried me up so bad and that is when the exact same problem started with me.  I quite taking the Rescon after about 2 months because I was so dry and it got to a point that I was having problems urinating. I have been to 6 doctors over the past 2 years.  Finally the 2nd Ear,Nose,Throat doctor I went to ran a scope down my nose to my voice box.  He said the area right above the voice box was inflammed and swollen and my mouth was really dried out.  All that thick mucus I had taken the antihistime to dry up was actually acid reflux not drainage.  I was so dried up that the acid reflux caused that area over the voice box to get imflammed and a little swollen.  I was already taking 1 Nexium daily for acid reflux because I have a hiatal hernia so I wasn't feeling any heartburn.  He put me on two nexium a day to try to control the acid so this area could heal.  It's been 5 months now and its not any better.  He recently sent me to a GI doctor to have the scope down the throat done.  After the scope the GI doctor sent me for the barium swallow and a esophageal motility test and a 24 hour pH probe study.  He sent me for these test because he couldn't understand how I could have any acid up there takng 2 nexium a day.  Well the barium swallow showed my hiatal hernia to be larger than I thought.  It showed that 50-75% of my stomach is above the diaphragm and the GE junction is also above the diaphragm.  The pH probe study showed that I was having acid reflux day and night and I had a DeMeester score of 40 with normal being less than 22. (I'm not quite sure what that means only that it has something to do with the amount of acid.)   The esophageal motility test showed the lower esophageal sphineter pressure was normal and relaxed just fine the te  s[jometer was veru ;pw mpr,a;/  The report says that my wet swallows are primary wave peristaltic (what ever that means) and that i I have an esophageal motor disorder.  The GI doctor has set me up with appt with a surgeon.  I guess the surgeon will explain more to me when I go to him on Oct 13th.   I probably was having the reflux before I took the antihistamine but I think when the doctor put me on the antihistamine for some sinus drainage that it dried me out so bad that it allowed the acids to irritate and inflame that area above the voice box and it is not able to heal now because of the acids coming up there.  After I was off the antihistimines for about 4 months and drinking lots of water to hydrate myself the acids coming up thinned out and I didn't have so much trouble with the (what I thought was) thick mucus.  But the inflammation and swelling above the voice box makes me feel like I have something hanging in the back of my throat that I can't cough up and it want go down and I am constanly clearing my throat and swallowing and this makes my throat dry and sore.  I am sorry I have dumped so much on you but I Really Do know how you feel.  I think taking any antishistamines will just make it worse.  If I had thought about it enough maybe I would have realized that I couldn't have had that much mucus and salava from regular drainage and be as dried out as I was.  Hope this has helped.  You might try getting on something for acid reflux like the other person said and maybe it will help you.  I do hope you don't have all the problems I have.  Let me know how things turn out.

[jenquad]

Thanks for all the great info,I do have a motility problem in my esophagus too and about 9 years ago I was diagnosed with achalasia it's where the nerves in your esophagus don't work right to push your food down and then the spinkter muscle won't open to let it down because it's contractiong too tight so I had a surgery called the "Nissen wrap "I think....anyways it didn't really work for me and I've just learned to live with it ,I try to eat standing most the time and not so much bread like foods. This whole problem with the thick saliva and sticky mucus just started the last few months and it has been since I have been on all these antihistamines,I'm slowly trying to get my self off of them and drink more water like you did as well. I'm thinking this post nasil drip stuff is maybe the acid reflux instead I don't know. I am taking protonix am and pm which is supposed to be stronger than nexium or prilosec. I just wish this whole thing would end with the sticky mucus and thick saliva I have to deal with it all day long. it really makes my throat feel like it's closing.  

[Dakotawinks]

Have you found anything else out about the thick saliva and sticky mucus? I have the same thing. I went to bed one night and the next day woke up with it and I've had it ever since. My doctor's won't do anymore than what they've done. I have had so many tests and ex-rays, meds, barrium swallow, larynoscopy, ct scans meds for acid reflux and NOTHING has helped one bit, so now my doctor has basically said "I'm done with you" he won't give me anymore meds....zilch. A year and a half later I know nothing more than I did the first week I got this stuff. It totally looks like I'll have to live with it the rest of my life and believe me I'm at my wits end. I'd love to know what this is and how to get rid of it. I kept thinking maybe a sinus blockage or some kind, but it does me no good to think now, as I dont have much of a doctor to support me and help me out...if you find something out please post. My doctor said 'I am the only person he has EVER seen with thick, sticky mucus in throat that will not go away" so I feel like an alien since I have come up with a new disease .........
Dakotawinks,

[jenquad]

The only thing that helps is chewing gum to help produce saliva and make it easier to swallow, I also have been taken Musinex,it is supposed to thin the mucus,it's helping but its still there, just not as thick. I don't know what to do and the DRs I've seen just say OK and move on to my other issues....I have mentioned it to my regular DR tha gastroenterologist ,and the ENT  they just say we'll just see after the next test....I have to deal with this all day everyday and its constantly on my mind, I don't know what to do either???? I'm trying to figure this out on my own too...same thing with me it just came one day about 4 months ago and I've had it ever since?

[coughting]

I had the thick mucus along with a cough.  Had for several years, about 8, I had every test imaginable and they final diagnosed with reflux cough.

I had the Nissen surgery on 10/9 and so far am doing great.  I only eat small meals, about 1 cup, at a time every 2 -3 hours.  Soft foods still.  I still cough some in the mornings but it is not the same type of cough.  I cough up thick mucus but it is not nearly as deep as before.  I understand that it takes about 4-8 weeks for the symptoms to go away.

Even if it never got any better than it is now, I would have the surgery again.  The key is a great surgeon.  He did it laproscoply and a loose wrap.  I was in the hopsital overnight and can truly say, no pain.

You might ask your gastro doctor to check for this.

[Dakotawinks]

I've been told that too, that I had GERD or LPR basically acid reflux. I took all the meds they gave me faithfully for at least 8 months and they did not help me at all. Believe me if I found anything that did help, I'd keep using it. I basically own stock now in Musinex, but it really hasn't helped me either. You still have hope, you've only had it for four months, maybe it is just some sort of stubborn sinus infection or something. Lets keep in touch, maybe we can figure it out together. There is strength in numbers.....
I would totally have surgery if I could get that checked out. I went to several ENT doctors and they were so horrible to me. I think the doctor's all communicate through the computer and therefore I'm on the ____ list for whatever reason. i quit going to one doctor as she told me "how would you like to have a disease like ovarian cancer, where your odds of survival were low? You shouldn't complain about what you have as it isn't life threatening" so I changed doctors after that, and ever since every doctor has treated me terrible. I have no solution for this and I don't feel like I can go to one of the doctor's that my insurance provides now. The doctor I "changed" to told me I should move to a state with an ocean, maybe that would help. that was as much help as he offered me. I want to call again and get another doctor but I'm really afraid of being blacked balled.Although I think I already am.
Sandy

[Toxed2loss]

Did you ever ask for a copy of your file? They often write the most insulting things there. I've even found significant inaccuracies.

[coughting]

Have you gone to a gastro dr.  I thought I had sinus but it turned out that it was acid reflux.  The meds did not help and after lots of testing opted for surgery.  So far so good.
Still have the thick mucus in the am but it is completely different than before surgery.
It is in my throat and not my esphogus now.  Don't give up, find a dr. that will listen to you and ask for the test for reflux.

Good luck.

[Dakotawinks]

What is the test you are talking about? I have been 3 times and they did do a larynoscopy on me where they put the tube through your nose and down your throat?? I had that done and they gave me meds then that didn't work at all, and that is all they are willing to do. I don't know what else to do. I've paid out literally 1000's to find out and I still no nothing.....please give me more info.
Thanks,
Sandy

[RRR50]

I've had similar symptoms, starting with the thick sticky mucous in the morning particularly, which took about an hour of coughing and spitting up before it would settle down.  I,too, thought it was sinus related, but after seeing an allergist, found I had no allergies.
An ENT doctor did the endoscopy in his office and declared it was GERD.  The routines they advise are not always helpful, and avoiding so many foods is not practical either.  
After a flu-like episode in the summer, my doctor put me on stomach meds to curb the acid, but then I broke out in a rash.  She believes it was unrelated, but it was a coincidence.  I stopped taking the stomach meds, and the flu seemed to clear up the mucous for a while.
I have a friend who is a dermatologist, and I asked her about the rash - she told me to take a product called Reactin. Strangely, it seems to help with the mucous problem, when taken in conjunction with a stomach acid remedy at bedtime.
I also have what seems to be a spasm in the esophagus or diaphram region, which makes me cough.  This condition has been present for years, but happens only intermittently.  I believe it may be a result of my pregnancies, perhaps pushing my stomach up into the diaphram region.  No one has said I have a hernia but I wonder is there is something like that going on too.
You have to be a detective and bring suggestions to your doctor.  Unfortunately, they are too busy (or just too incompetent) to diagnose and won't send you to the proper specialist.  But from reading the letters on the net, I can tell you that you are not alone.  There are many out there like you.  
Your unfortunate experience with your doctor reminds me of the time I took my teen-aged daughter to a neurologist because she had severe migraines that lasted three weeks.  She was a good student and had a part time job, but needed help.  He told her she was lucky she didn't live in China, because if she stayed away, somebody else would just take her job away from her.  Some help.
Your doctor was right about one thing - it isn't likely a life-threatening illness.  So try not to fret and get over-anxious about your symptoms.
Just persevere and keep doing research.  You will find the right person to help you eventually.

God Bless.
Marilyn

[Toxed2loss]

I know this was a long time ago, but in case you might still need answers, check out "acute toxicant induced intermittant achalasia." From what I've found its the acetylcholinesterase/cholinesterase metabolic cycle inhibition that triggers it. OP insecticides and glyphosate (roundup) are 2 of the most prevelent acetylecholine cycle inhibitors. OP insecticides, like Raid House & Garden, etc, the stuff they're spraying for mosquitos, and the insectides the put in all synthetic fragrances... Nix the toxic substances, it clears up. It returns when you get around toxins again.

[Dakotawinks]

Thank you for understanding. I just feel like I'm batteling this all on my own. I could go on about other things I have been told by these doctors, but it would take way too long. I just feel like I work hard 40 hours a week, and part of that money goes into my insurance, and for that very reason alone they should want to help me, but instead I've been treated like the red headed step child and I really don't understand it.
I have to ask this.....what is reactin? is is over the counter? Can I go out and buy it to give it a try? Please let me know......
Thanks,
Sandy

[coughting]

In March of this year I had a terrible cough that lasted about 2 1/2 months.  I went to my regular MD and my blood pressure was up.  He thought it was caused by my coughing so hard and not sleeping.  I told him that I couldn't live this way and he called my GI doc and they talked.  My GI doc did the same test as yours, plus swallow test etc. etc.
Put me on 3 inhibitors a day and it still didn't help.  My cough was much better by then, it comes and goes.  This lasted through the first of August and I finally told him that I really couldn't live this way.  The PH test showed that I coughed after I had reflux.  He was worried that the Nissen couldn't be reversed because one of the test, swallow test wasn't great.  He was afraid if that ever got worse I would be in real trouble.   I had a great surgeon that I had used for chrons operation and we finally decided to talk to him.  he assured me that the tests showed it was reflux and that he could fix that.  He also told me that the Nissen could be reversed.  He said I should have a loose wrap and that he was good at doing the loose wrap.  He did the Nissen on 10/9 and I was at home on 10/10 and back at work on 10/15.  I had read so many horror stories about should and back pain before my operation and was prepared.  The surgeon put me on soft foods, nothing thicker than mashed potatoes when I went home.  I have learned to use the blender.  I had some homemade hamburger veggie soup that I blended and it was great.  The menu is getting really boring but will stay on it and follow his advise.  I should see him again sometime next week and hopefully can graduate to other things.  The thing that I have found that causes me any pain is if I eat too much, more than a cup at a time, my back aches cannot really say it hurts but can see that may be why so many have pain.  I just eat real often - every 2-3 hours but no more than a cup.  Hope this helps someone.

If you can't get your dr to do anything change doctors.  I had to push my doctor to get the procedure done because he really didn't think that it was reflux causing my cough.  Since I did not have heart burn.

Take charge and tell him or her that you cannot live this way.  As with me, it may take months of tests and trying things before the dr finally says to go ahead.

[scaredspeaker]

I just stumbled upon this forum and feel your pain!  I constantly have mucus in the back of my throat and am always trying to swallow it. This, along with chronic sticky saliva which makes me not want to talk to people because I feel like I am spitting on them or that they can see it in my mouth. It is horrible and I have suffered with this for years and years.  I often wonder if I would be a different person today if I felt that I could talk to people more. I actually avoid conversation. I have had surgery for deviated septum, no change. Have been to allergists and have done allergy shots, no go. I have taken all kinds of allergy meds, I do sinus rinses, I am with pets or away from pets, whatever, nothing different. I apparently have GERD, so I have taken nexium and I sleep on a wedge pillow. Still not gone. SOme days seem to be better than others, but nothing is repeatable.  I drink what I think is a lot of water. I try to always eat something when I am talking to people, to cover it, but as soon as I am done, the sticky mouth is back. I even have tried not using toothpaste and am using soap now.   If only something would help!!!

[elbeatmaker]

Hi.  - I understand what you are talking about.  I have dealt with this.  It drives me crazy.  I am constantly spiting and I think it is so gross.  Doctors now days keep giving people the run-around and I wish a real doctor would let out the truth as to what can be taken to better the situation.  I know wake up so tired and I am not able to sleep due to the Acid. I now have mild sleep anpnea.  If there are any real doctors email me to ***@****

[Rkulakowsk]

I know exactly what you all are talking about!  I have had all the exact same symptoms.(Thick saliva in my throat, swelling sensation that feels like you're going to suffocate, gas in my throat). The only relief I got was when I burped.
I am also a Diabetic, Type 1 and WAS using an inhaler(not anymore) that may have contributed to my challenges. I also think diet has a big influence. Diary products have always been problematic and white-refined sugars. Dairy actually worsened my asthma symptoms as well. So, I minimize them now.
I have been to ENT Dr's, family physicians etc....and they all say GERD, Acid Reflux.. They prescribed Nexium and other antacids. Nothing worked. I didn't think that it was a LACK of NEXIUM in my system that was causing my problems.
Today I have found much relief in a product that is all natural and much cheaper than the drugs the Dr's prescribed me.  It is call Aloe Concentrate by Herbalife.  I get mine at Diet777.com and I swear by it.  I drink about 2 of the bottles a month and it has had dramatic results for me.  I hope this helps someone.
Here's the site:  
http://www.diet777.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=0006

[Ngoc]

This is a traditional way to getting rid thick saliva or mucus..Drink lemonade ..Put more lemon than sugar..It should be sour..The sour taste thins the thick saliva or mucus. This will help solve all your problem. Good luck and God bless.

[Rorosh]

The best thing to do is 'YOGA NEETI'. I had this problem since 7 years but that sticky cough never loosened or even reduced, even drs avoid you as they have no answers for it or for gerd, it just happens and keeps happening but the acid does not relax. I even got my tonsills removed but it did not served the purpose
The thing is you got to live with it but there is a chance of 50 to 60 per cent reduction without any medicines or gargles. Excercise 30 mins every morning then wash your nostrils with saline water with 'YOGA NEETI POT'. This has helped me and others having similar problems.
you  can search on google on how to perform this, it is very simple and the best known solution for sticky cough and inflammed throat.My swollen epiglottis got half healed since I am using it.
Its been a year since I am using this and even my gerd symptoms are reduced as i am less irritated now with the throat stress coming down and no bad tastes or breath to go with.
Try this it is the best known remedy for sticky cough i have known, you also dont need any patience for this as you do it you will find instant relief and remain fresh.
And remeber there is  no instant solution for this problem you got to live with this your whole life and keep fighting and probably a day of clear and smooth throat might come. There also are some other home gargles which is useful in getting the throart taste better and soothing but next time..
GOOD LUCK

[Rorosh]

You can also have a fresh pineapple juice or cut pineapple 30 mins before food tthis  also helps in loosening of the mucus.
And do it after gargles for affects to stay longer.
Good Luck

[chandan85]

hi... i do have same problem currently goin on thick saliva in my mouth.....after i eat something and my throat swells :(  ...
pls anybody  tel....lwhat about removing salivary gland which causes the problem ????..

Thanks
Chandan

[worshipgirl71]

I also have the thick saliva just like everyone else and it feels like I am going to choke and my air is going to be cut off it also makes my eyes water I usually take my inhaler or my nebulizer because I think it is asthma from what I have been told the cough that comes also sounds like what you guys are describing.  I just recently thought that I was having an allergic reaction because I felt like my throat was swelling and closing.  I went to the ER where they gave me shots of antihistamines and breathing treatments for asthma. I thought I had an allergic reaction to shellfish. They thought that I was also possibly having an anxiety episode as well. They prescribed antihistamines every six hours and gave me an epipen.  The next day I went to the ENT where he put a scope down my throat to look at the back of my throat he found swelling caused by severe reflux.  He also, ordered an allergy test that showed that I had no food allergies.  Just last week I went to the GI doc and he ordered the upper scope where they found a 2cm hiatal hernia.  It makes me feel better to at least know that this hernia has been causing all of these symptoms and the acid reflux so at least now I am not crazy or having a panic attack every night.  The doc has told me to eat small meals regularly and to not eat 4 hours before I lay down.  I also am on prilosec.  I am still having problems with the saliva and I think it is asthma.  I am going to be tested next week for asthma and airborne allergies.

[jrchristen]

Any new information anyone? I just found all these posts from several years ago and I have the same sticky thick saliva, burping up food, and throat swelling problems...I've seen all the Dr's and they have no answer and no remedy! This is so frustrating! Please...any info or help is appreciated (email me at ***@****) Thanks

[BrotherMycroft]

I too have issues with thick saliva. On the advice of a few people I tried Apple Cider Vinegar. It helped both my thick saliva and some of my GERD symptoms. I usually make sure that I have an ounce or so before bed.  Unfortunately, it tastes horrible!

Not sure if this info will help anyone else, but I thought I'd post it as a suggestion.

[c4ndybear]

Is anyone out here still experiencing these issues?  

I am similar, 27 y/o female
- history of GERD
- thick sticky saliva or mucus in back of throat, especially after eating.
- After eating, lots of burping and bloating in esophagus/upper chest.  
- Sometimes chest pain, from the ribs at times radiating up into the shoulders as a kind of shoulder/neck/back ache.  Also sometimes a sharper pain in the upper chest.
- feeling like I have to constantly clear my throat, but not exactly COUGH, just making a throat clearing noise that has everyone within 10 feet of me look at me because they think I am trying to get their attention!
- post-nasal drip symptoms, including fluid behind ear that never seems to drain


I've been on Prilosec OTC for almost a month and though it seems like the acid reflux is now under control (i.e.: I haven't woken up at night with the searing heartburn) but the symptoms persist.  My throat doesn't seem swollen from what a regular doc can see, and it seems hard as heck to get in to see an Ear Nose and Throat specialist from where I live.   Had a barium swallow test and chest x-ray this morning, and though the results haven't yet come back, the doctor initially said things look "good, no obstructions or narrowing" that she could see right then and there.

This is so frustrating.  I feel like I am constantly complaining and no one has any answers.  I've been on and off decongestants but they never truly seem to help... Just taking Tylenol Arthritis as advised by my doctor to keep the inflammation down and help the chest or shoulder pains but it doesn't seem to do a great job at either.  This is just NOT LIKE ME!  I want my life back!

Like everyone else, anxiety seems to be an issue... I am not NORMALLY a stressed out person, but feeling like your throat is closing up or like you can't breathe properly can trigger a panic attack EASILY.  My doctor gave me low doses of lorazepram in case I have an anxiety attack related to this issue, but that only helps for a few hours.  

Did you all just learn to live with this??? or are there answers out there to be found?  This has been happening for over a month, and reading that this has plagued some of you for years makes me nervous!  How do you cope??

[yeldraw]

I am presently going through the misery of sticky saliva and burning lips and throat mucus. Don't know if it's GERD but I did have a nasty attack of it last Xmas and had trouble swallowing for 3 days.  The Dr has no answer. There is a book which throws some light on the subject and may be worth reading. I am half way through it and tempted to try some of the "cures".  Book is called No More Heartburn by Sherry A Rogers M.D.  Check it out.  

[ivinwong]

Please get a gastroscopy done to check the esophagus and stomach. This is no small matter and there are not enough awareness about this matter.

Please read my blog: http://ivin-mycancerjourney.blogspot.com/