Phlegm that won’t go away

[Linn222]

I’m 21 (I don’t smoke and if I ever did it was occasionally when I went out and I don’t have asthma ) Over the past two weeks, gradually I could feel phlegm get stuck in my throat and I keep making myself cough to get it out, but it won’t come out!  

It’s the worst at night. I feel like it builds up so much that I’m afraid to go to sleep in case I choke, during the day I still feel it and cough to try get it out and when I take a breath it wheezes from the phlegm, it’s a complete annoyance which is making my throat sore because I keep clearing it. I can’t even sleep anymore with It, I’m worried in case it’s serious or would it be ? I just want to be able to breathe properly again

[wparks38]

I would suggest you get tested for GERD. Gastric Reflux. The acid from you stomach leaks into you throat causing irritation and  phlegm.

[barbbenet]

Though it may not feel like it, it’s likely sinus drainage.  Nothing has beaten honey for me.  It should be local or area honey.  Mine came from a city about 150 miles away.  His nurse practitioner surprised my doctor by solving my problem with honey (1 rounded tablespoon).  It sometimes didn’t return for a day or even more.  I missed my granddaughter’s h. s. graduation because I thought it sounded silly.

I also discovered the congestion returns or increases when I drink milk, not necessarily in foods.

The humidifier can help if a dry throat or nose is part of the problem.  It can indeed get very scary.

[specialmom]

Hi there barbbenet.  That's interesting about honey!  I've heard that before about a cough.  So, you just take a spoonful?  And yes, milk for some is a catalyst to a log of phlegm.  I find milk allergies to be more common than people think and a range of symptoms from it.  Anway, thanks for this really helpful message  Hope to see you around the forums!

[barbbenet]

specialmom—I forgot to suggest when it’s below your throat in your pharynx, and it’s difficult to breathe, you should use an inhaler.  You may need to explain you’re afraid of choking to get a prescription.from your doctor.  I use one about twice a month.

[jerry3571]

Can you try and experiment for me please? Don't do if on blood thinning drugs but can you drink 2 to 3 glasses of Pineapple Juice a day. My Mum has MND and this works a treat. This phelgm is an issue in this condition :)

[specialmom]

Oh, that's annoying. That's happened to me as well!  Do you have allergies or anything?  Let me ask you the tough question of other symptoms like low grade fever or dry cough?  The covid-19 virus is out there!  I have what you describe a lot like on the tail end of a cold.  Drives me crazy!  Two things that I've read really help is lots of hydration.  Drink extra water as it thins your bodies secretions.  Also, you can take OTC Mucinex which thins them as well.  Helps keep the gunk moving. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319636#symptoms  Dry air can cause it if you are all of a sudden in side a bit more.  ??  And a humidifier can help.  Psuedophedrine, another OTC product (but usually behind the pharmacist's counter) is known to dry up the mucus too.  So, you could try that.  I find it a bit activating so take it during the day.  Now, if you have anything else coming on like shortness of breath, dizziness, confusion, etc. then you should get checked out.  Shortness of breath also has to do with oxygen in our blood that we need.  Do you live near a covid outbreak area?

[Linn222]

No I have no allergies. No , no other symptoms suggesting I have covid 19 as I was already on the phone to my gp about this, I don’t think I do as I wasn’t in contact with anyone but ofcourse I still fear if I do just incase, does it take the medicine a few days to work? I have been taking it two days and still the same ... it’s really annoying my breathe is whizzy and I can’t sleep at night with it

[JacqueLeop]

I have the same problem.  I've been allergy tested, and all tests came back negative.  But, the allergist also explained to me that they cannot and do not test for allergies to various chemicals, many of which are present in wine, and other things we drink or eat.  Eating organic food is a start, and I have had to cut out drinking wine. Also, I agree with the other posts that suggest that dairy products such as milk, cream, cheese, sour cream, etc. also cause an increase in phlegm.  First, I'd cut out alcohol for a couple of weeks to see what happens.  If that doesn't solve the problem or make things better, then try the dairy.  Or reverse order. Google what to eat or drink and what not to to decrease inflammation.  Those are good articles...