Contant Phlegm and Clearing in the Throat.

[Xelement]

For a very long time, I have been clearing my throat. It has been an annoying irritation I have been living with for years over 25 as I am 43. I was diagnosed with Asthma when I was much younger and have been taking a variety of inhalers such as Albuterol, Nasonex, Advair and other varieties of medications. I have noticed the past several winters here (I live in Atlanta) the throat clearing and irritation have gotten worse. I managed to make it through with the medication but it is a pain in the rear.

This past year, I have noticed the throat clearing had substantially increased. I was working in an office with cold AC so I can attribute some of the cause to that. The clearing does produce phlegm, but never a cough. It's just pain annoyance and inconvenience. However, ever since the end of Oct, I have noticed that the clearing and throat irritation are much worse, especially the throat irritation as I can live with the clearing as I have been for years. I have had to increase my usage of some of the inhalers in this as well. What I am experiencing now is a constant irritated throat, followed by episodes of throat clearing with some shortness of breath which the inhalers do bring good relief. I always feel as if there is a lump in the throat, but it seems to have been this way for years.

I was reading about how post-nasal drip could be a culprit however my passages are usually clear. I have started taking Benadryl each night to see if it will help.So far I can't detect if it does.

I have read about how this could possibly be GERD. I started taking Prilosec every morning for about 3 weeks and haven't really noticed any significant improvement. I have also tried laying off some dairy products as well, perhaps it will help ward off some of these symptoms.

What I seem to be experiencing lately is a constant throat irritation combined with a burning/hot sensation in my throat. I have been drinking more water.

I have made an appointment with my Primary Care (Internal Medicine) Dec 29. I am a bit worried about this as this is the worst it has gotten in my life and hopefully it's not symptomatic of a more serious problem.I was wondering if anyone here has similar throat symptoms (Hot and Irritated) as I do and what was the diagnosis. Any input would be greatly appreciated.


This discussion is related to Phlegm build up in throat (Sinuses Clear).

[Pepperval]

I have the same annoyance and I have done an elimination diet and deduced from it that I am allergic to gluten and dairy. Fortunately for me my symptoms are not gastric I guess! Staying away from the foods containing the above allergens cures 90% of my symptoms. I have found no one with my exact problem. Are you out there?

[Dorothy1313]

I have been having this annoyance for a few years now.  Particularly after eating or drinking.  You mentioned dairy as a culprit.  I agree this does contribute more to the need for throat clearing.  Even a sip of a milkshake will get me started. How about any wheat or starch products?  I think there may be another direct reaction after consuming any bread, tortillas, potatoes, etc..  Has anyone else noticed this?