Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
192055 tn?1263555537

Constant phlegm in throat

For about a year now, it feels like I have phlegm/mucus stuck in my throat and can't completely clear my throat. Also when I cough, its a lil wet and there is phlegm.

When I started to have the problem, I went to the doc and he said it just may be sinuses and sent me on my way... but never went away.

I went to the doc while I was in Basic Training in SC... then went to GA for 4 months... back to FL for a few months (where i use to live) and now I am in NC.... never went away so I don't think it has anything to do with sinuses...?
88 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
372606 tn?1198895628
I had Whooping cough (Pertussis) last December (2006) which left me with a ****-load of problems. Every morning for the past year since I recovered from the Pertussis, I wake up and I'm full of phlegm which makes it hard to breath. I cough/ choke on it and my gag reflex (which has increased since I was sick) kicks in and I throw up phlegm. Throughout the day I have phlegm at the back of my throat and all the way down my airways (which is very uncomfortable btw) and it occasionally comes up on its on or I have to cough it up or I will choke/gag/ and throw it up. People look at me, and I'm not sure that I have a choice in the matter anymore, since it will come up either way (even if I turn white first from holding it in and trying to be polite and not hack it up). I also have trouble digesting foods sometimes. The phlegm gets worse with temperature extremes too.

I have been tossed around from doctor to doctor, using up all my sick and vacation time from work with an hour appointment here and there. I've seen my primary, a gastroenterologist, allergist, ear/nose/throat doctor, an endrocinologist, and now a pulminologist. They all seem to think it's related to my asthma (which I have had forever)/ and the Pertussis which left me injured internally. The pulminologist has given me a steroidal enhaler (Advair) at the max dosage to take bi-daily for the next month or two. It's been a couple of weeks and I don't see any improvement. Does anybody know what this problem might be? Has anyone had a similar experience to this? I really need help because I want to knick this problem in the butt.......It is miserable being 26, so young and living with this.
Helpful - 0
2 Comments
I have similiar issues like you it is depressing. Little no sleep
I have similiar issues like you it is depressing. Little no sleep
Avatar universal
Theres not a cure.Theres not even a name for it.Its caused from pollutents in the air.It can be reduced by moving to a place less polluted.this is not opion it is fact.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
FWK
Hi guys,

I have same problem phlegm in my throat for over 7 months, I cough to clear it out, MY GP said it is from stress since it is white/clear phlegm.
On saturday I got yellow mucus from one nosstril and gP gave me steroid nasal spray, not sure it is working, the thing is the smell taste and with tegh original phlegm is awful and my throat is irritated.

I hate my life now, I thought it is sexual and got tested for everything....twice, i will go back to my GP if this doesn't go in another week.

Take care,
See ya
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
OMG - I am just overjoyed yet overwhelmed to have just now discovered how so many people are suffering the same symptoms I am having - I thought I was alone - and here we are.  I - too - have undergone most of what is listed above re specialists etc...and NOTHING has helped.  What my struggle is right now - is that I feel the back of my throat "filling up" with phlem...and I know that - as much as I do not want to go through with it - I have to find a bathroom and bend over the sink and the gagging starts automatically and I throw up chunks of clear phlem ...this "ritual" can anywhere between 20 minutes to an hour...  /  Haven't heard my "natural" voice in a long time - it's now always coarse...and after such an episode - I feel drained and weak.  It is now preventing me from going out on outings with friends as I am worried I am going to start gaggin for 30 minutes and they have to hear it! ...not a good feeling.  I am going to try at this time - one sufggestion I just read here - which is to try and stop dairy products - and see what happens - if nothing - will move on to the other suggestions.  I quit smoking in April 2006...one month later - developed Chronic Asthma which is regulated - as best as possible - with Symbicort - and then the phlem problem began...it has gone away for a few months - but returns every time.  Wishing all best of luck and hopefully will find a cure for this accumulation of phlem behind our throats  ~ Me
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
I also relate to these problems. Diagnosed with  Asthma/Allergies/Reflux/phlegm for years. Had Pertussis over 2 years ago. All of you read up on Pertussis. Also Symbicort and the same asthma med family can cause voice loss, cough, and increased phlegm (check drug pamphlet).  Stopped Symbicort and any asthma med in that family and doing MUCH better.
Avatar universal
I've had bad breath most of my life. My throat always feels clogged up with phlegm - I'm always aware of it and I know that it's that that's causing the bad breath because if I swallow it down my bad breath will briefly go away. It always floats back up though and my breath smells, again!!! It's ruining my life because I've just ended up avoiding talking to people, or if I do I try to stay as far away as possible. I cough up these balls of phlegm every other day - especially in the morning and after showering - which stink. The doctor is useless - everytime I go he says it's stomach problems, mouth problems, but he wont believe it's coming from my throat. I've had enough!!!! I just want it to go away so I can get on with my life! I'm gonna try cutting out dairy products but I doubt that will work!
Helpful - 1
2 Comments
I have the same problem and found that NeilMed Sinus Rinse (use every day) takes away the bad taste, but still have the phlem.
Hi, have you solved your problem? Thanks
Avatar universal
I've been going through similar things, it starts as a thick nasal drip, I snort and snort loudly(as it won't move with a sniffle it just percolates) then when it does drop out of my nose it feels like it's caught in the roof of my mouth, then I hack (it will only clear with. Y mouth open!  I did have gerd so the drainage that did run down the back of my throat got stuck in my throat where the acid reflux cause swelling and inflammation and damage!  Prettynsoon without clearing the throat I start to feel like my neck is puffing!  Sonhacking at different pitches and speed clears different parts.  I've done a regimen of salt water gargles, netipot nasal rinses(excellent) ibuprofen for swelling' scrip for omeprazole for acid reflux and occasionally decongestant!  Sometimes helps! But one reflux flareup and it's one step forward 10 steps back!  Avoid the reflux if that's your root cause" my two cents
Helpful - 2
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Respiratory Disorders Community

Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Find out what causes asthma, and how to take control of your symptoms.
Healing home remedies for common ailments
Tricks to help you quit for good.
Is your area one of the dirtiest-air cities in the nation?
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.