Excessive flem every day, driving me nuts

[paulsydney]

Hi all,
Im Paul 38 from sydney.I have been suffering in silence for a few years now but the last few months have been excessively bad and i need so help.
My facts
Im Ashmatic , had ashma whole life, but was worse when i was a kid
Allergic to dust/ cats / dogs  --
Have had a blocked nose my whole life and apprantely I have a nasal obstruction which requires surgery
Very sensitive lungs, is set off by deodorants, most sprays, even a toaster cooking
My Problem
every morning i wake up with excessive flem and feel relly yukky, sometimes i tir to spit it and but it doesnt come.

Question:
what can i do to fix my problem.

[David S. Wilson, MD, FCCP]

Paul it is important to know what medicines you are on and how much.  Asthma can be controlled with appropriate therapy.  You can ensure that you are on the appropriate therapy by reading the National practice guidelines.  You would find this on the National Heart Blood and Lung Institute website.  Also, there is a new procedure that was just approved by the FDA called Asthma Bronchial Thermoplasty.  This procedure is for severe Asthmatics that are on max doses of medicines to control their asthma symptoms.  You can look up the details on Asthmatx web site.  In addition, you can read about triggers and what to do about them on the NHBLI website as well.  Good luck.

[bsmsl]

I wanted to add a few thoughts.  

I may be time to see an allergist and be evaluated for immunotherapy (allergy shots).

Also, you have my sympathies with the spray and cooking triggers.  I am the same way.  Cinnamon is by far my worst odor trigger, but anything herby will trigger as well.  Bad because I am a savory cook.  I love cooking with LOTS of herbs.

Take care and feel better.

[bsmsl]

Hi Paul.  Generally morning phlegm is caused by acid reflux (GERD).  Many asthmatics have a form of asthma callerd laryngeal-pharayngeal reflux where they do not experience the typical symptoms associated with acid reflux.  Instead, the acid is refluxed higher and can be aspirated causing worsened asthma (or in some people this is the sole cause of their asthma like symptoms), sinus infections, laryngitis and a host of other uppre respiratory issues.  You should discus this possibility with your doctor to determine if you need treatment for GERD.  

Another thought would be your dust and pet allergy.  Do you have allergy proof bedding covers on your matress, boxsprings and pillows.  Those will go a long way to help reduce morning allergy symptoms.   Also, you should keep any pets out of your bedroom.  

Lastly, showering before bed will wash away any allergens you have picked up during the day.  That will keep you from sleeping with the collection of unwanted material that gets caught in hair and on skin all night and keep you from breathing them all night as well.

Feel better and keep us posted.