Hard mucus disc from lungs? or sinuses?

[Chugginalong]

I have recently been diagnosed with emphysema even though I've never smoked.  I do have an autoimmune disease - Sjogren's Syndrome, which has caused some chronic bronchiectasis as well. A CT of the chest recently showed some nodules in the lungs.  Tests are being done to get to the root cause of the emphysema.  I also have some nodules on my thyroid.  (TSH is always normal, but I've had some labs with elevated thryoid antibodies in the past)

I don't really feel like any breathing difficulty I experience is coming from the lungs.  It feels more sinus or thyroid related.  I feel like I have a full throat, have a lot of swallowing difficulty, and at times a feeling of air deprivation in thyroid area.  I always thought it was due to the dryness that Sjogren's causes, but with all these new recent findings, I am not sure what to think.

My sinuses feel congested all the time too.

I am concerned about hard mucus discs that seem to come from the right side of my sinuses every 2-3 days.  It's usually 1 large flat one that is like a hardened bugar. (pea sized)  Sometimes it is tinged with dry blood.  I have difficulty coughing this up, but once it comes up, it makes breathing easier and seems like swallowing is better for a couple of days too. But then the cycle starts all over again and in 2-3 days, I am dealing with another one.  

I just don't know 100% if it's from my sinuses.  It's been this way for probably a year.  I have had numerous antibiotics recently for lung infections, and the meds haven't really helped alleviate this hardened disc problem.  

I am wondering if this is anything that can be related to the emphysema or thyroid.  Since I have an AI disease, I am constantly seeing doctors and specialists of one kind or another,  but have not mentioned this disc to them as yet.

Thank you for your time and opinion.

[Jenson83]

I regularly cough up a mucus disk, my respiratory nurse claims they are known as Mucus Plugs.  Mine are round and often 2-3mm thick and 15mm+ wide. most mornings I can clear these easily, but lately they are getting worse and the last 3 have almost blocked my airways, sending me into a panic attack.  I have Bronchiectasis and I am requesting further investigations into this issue as I am at my wits end! I have never smoked and I've had this condition for 16 years, I am only 36.

[Rshup]

Did you ever find out the cause of coughing up phlegm? I’ve been suffering from this for years and when I read your post it is exactly what I’m dealing with. I will consistently clear my throat daily until finally it will come up and almost choke me and I have to cough it out. It is usual extremely hard flat with a small round center. I call it plastic pieces because it feels like plastic. I’m being referred to a rheumatologist for joint pain and swelling in my lips and left eye. Not sure if it as related.

[allmymarbles]

The swallowing thing suggest post nasal drip. (I have this.) There are two things you can do to find out for sure. (1) Put your head back and drip saline in each nostril. This should thin any mucus and help expel it.  (2) Take 500 mg of B5 daily. This thins mucus. If the mucus is from your lungs it will thin that too. B5 also reduces inflammation. Neither treatment will do any harm and they may help identify the problem. You might also want to take 500 mg of vitamin C to reduce inflammation.

[ton_of_issues]

i just did a search on google for the very same thing you are questioning, a hard mucus disc that you are "coughing up".  i too have been experiencing this for the last year or so.  unlike you, i do not have any of the health issues that you have, but this terrible nuisance in my throat.  i feel as if i am constantly choking on mucus and it is always attached to these hard discs.  they are extremely hard to get out of my throat.  it does appear to be coming from the sinuses.  i have had no luck in finding a doctor who has any idea what i am talking about.  have you had any luck with a diagnosis or solution?  i would appreciate any feedback.  thanks.

[lynnkay]

I wish I had an answer for you. Truly I do. I too have COPD...emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Since you have the autoimmune disorder too, I would highly suggest mentioning this problem with a doctor. I had a lot of sinus problems over the years and still do. So, I do know what that is like. My throat at times fills up with mucus and I constantly have to clear my throat. And I can never get any of the mucus up. I use to get sinus drainage a lot. But since having been diagnosed with COPD for 3 years now, I know the mucus I am experiencing now is due to my lung disease.

Please talk to your doctor about this as I mentioned. I hope and pray you find the answer to this disc problem. God bless.

[Chugginalong]

Anyone????  Really hoping for some answers. Thank you