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Phlegm Stuck In Throat Feeling For The Last 7 Days.

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Posted on Wed, 12 Feb 2020
Question: Phlegm stuck in throat feeling for the last 7 days. It feels like a ball of phlegm behind my throat. I do have some dry cough and have to keep on clearing my throat. When I try to spit out the mucus it’s white in color.

I do have acid reflux but I am pretty sure it’s not due to that. I also had a bout of cold and fever 2 weeks ago but now I am fine.

I am really scared as it could be due to muscle weakness of my throat, should I go visit a ENT for the same?

I have tried nasal decongestant and mucus thinners, hot water, steam, nothing has worked. Sometimes feel like my nose is congested but I am not sure what’s causing this
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rajat Basak (0 minute later)
Phlegm stuck in throat feeling for the last 7 days. It feels like a ball of phlegm behind my throat. I do have some dry cough and have to keep on clearing my throat. When I try to spit out the mucus it’s white in color.

I do have acid reflux but I am pretty sure it’s not due to that. I also had a bout of cold and fever 2 weeks ago but now I am fine.

I am really scared as it could be due to muscle weakness of my throat, should I go visit a ENT for the same?

I have tried nasal decongestant and mucus thinners, hot water, steam, nothing has worked. Sometimes feel like my nose is congested but I am not sure what’s causing this
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Rajat Basak (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Hii. The most common reason is acid reflux from the stomach. It can be due

Detailed Answer:
Hii. The most common reason is acid reflux from the stomach. It can be due to other causes like postnasal drip due to allergic rhinitis, any lesion or mass in the voice box. The best way to diagnose is to get an endoscopy of the larynx and see if there is any lesion or mass in the larynx or not. It there is any mass then it should be treated accordingly. But if there is no mass then the most probable cause would be laryngopharyngeal reflux or acid reflux. In that case drink more water. Take less tea, coffee. Avoid spicy food smoking, alcohol. Sleep after two hours of dinner. Don't sleep within two hours of dinner. You can take some antacid daily. It will decrease the acid reflux and help you to relieve off obstruction. But it will take some time. So you need to consult an Ent surgeon and get an endoscopy of larynx done. Please review if you have any queries.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana
doctor
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Rajat Basak (0 minute later)
Brief Answer:
Hii. The most common reason is acid reflux from the stomach. It can be due

Detailed Answer:
Hii. The most common reason is acid reflux from the stomach. It can be due to other causes like postnasal drip due to allergic rhinitis, any lesion or mass in the voice box. The best way to diagnose is to get an endoscopy of the larynx and see if there is any lesion or mass in the larynx or not. It there is any mass then it should be treated accordingly. But if there is no mass then the most probable cause would be laryngopharyngeal reflux or acid reflux. In that case drink more water. Take less tea, coffee. Avoid spicy food smoking, alcohol. Sleep after two hours of dinner. Don't sleep within two hours of dinner. You can take some antacid daily. It will decrease the acid reflux and help you to relieve off obstruction. But it will take some time. So you need to consult an Ent surgeon and get an endoscopy of larynx done. Please review if you have any queries.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rajat Basak (12 minutes later)
1. Do you think this could be due to weakness of the throat?
2. Is this common to see people with similar complaints?
3. How long should I wait before I go see an ENT doctor?
4. I have had globus before due to reflux, this actually started after a bout of reflux which went on for one full day with me burping, do you think its due to that?
5. How long can this sensation last? I am worried as I have read somewhere that muscle weakness of the throat could cause this?
6. Can an ENT doctor see muscle weakness or signs of muscle weakness?
7. Can an ENT doctor see atrophy of the throat muscles?
8. Could this be still due to my cold which I had plus anxiety?
9. I do have lot of dry cough and some mild nasal congestion. Does any of my symptoms sound dangerous?
10. What medicines or home remedies can or should I try?

I presently dont have any swallowing issues.

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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rajat Basak (0 minute later)
1. Do you think this could be due to weakness of the throat?
2. Is this common to see people with similar complaints?
3. How long should I wait before I go see an ENT doctor?
4. I have had globus before due to reflux, this actually started after a bout of reflux which went on for one full day with me burping, do you think its due to that?
5. How long can this sensation last? I am worried as I have read somewhere that muscle weakness of the throat could cause this?
6. Can an ENT doctor see muscle weakness or signs of muscle weakness?
7. Can an ENT doctor see atrophy of the throat muscles?
8. Could this be still due to my cold which I had plus anxiety?
9. I do have lot of dry cough and some mild nasal congestion. Does any of my symptoms sound dangerous?
10. What medicines or home remedies can or should I try?

I presently dont have any swallowing issues.

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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rajat Basak (2 minutes later)
Also, I sometimes have dry mouth and had the dry mouth thing for almost 1 entire week, that went away and this phlegm in throat thing started.

Could all these be anxiety plus some cold/allergy?
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rajat Basak (0 minute later)
Also, I sometimes have dry mouth and had the dry mouth thing for almost 1 entire week, that went away and this phlegm in throat thing started.

Could all these be anxiety plus some cold/allergy?
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rajat Basak (22 minutes later)
I also sometimes feel like food is getting stuck in my throat and then i have to drink water to wash it down
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rajat Basak (0 minute later)
I also sometimes feel like food is getting stuck in my throat and then i have to drink water to wash it down
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rajat Basak (22 minutes later)
One more thing, i am swallowing a lot now a days, trying to get rid of the sensation
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rajat Basak (0 minute later)
One more thing, i am swallowing a lot now a days, trying to get rid of the sensation
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rajat Basak (13 hours later)
Also, I am noticing this after a meal I feel like my throat is getting dry or irritated.

is this a swallowing issue or more to do with my throat?
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rajat Basak (0 minute later)
Also, I am noticing this after a meal I feel like my throat is getting dry or irritated.

is this a swallowing issue or more to do with my throat?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Rajat Basak (7 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Hii. I think you are having ots of stress nowadays. It is normal and can be

Detailed Answer:
Hii. I think you are having ots of stress nowadays. It is normal and can be seen in many patients having similar complaints of something stuck in the throat. This is called globus pharyngeus. The most common cause is acid reflux of laryngopharyngeal reflux. It can be also due to postnasal drip due to allergic rhinitis. So the best way to diagnose by endoscopy of the larynx and nose and to see if there is any signs of acid reflux, any signs of allergic rhinitis, any mass or lesion. Do an ultrasound neck to see if there is any mass in the throat. Refer a Gastroenterology to assess your food pipe. You mag need a barium swallow and upper gi endoscopy to see the food passage. After all these tests you can decide what is the reason for your symptoms. Muscle weakness can be a cause but it is not the first one and the major cause. Better to rule out muscle weakness after all these tests. So review with an Ent surgeon and Gastroenterologist and do the above tests. Do thyroid function tests, diabetic profile. Relax and least stressfree life. Rule our one by one causes. Review if you have any queries.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
doctor
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Rajat Basak (0 minute later)
Brief Answer:
Hii. I think you are having ots of stress nowadays. It is normal and can be

Detailed Answer:
Hii. I think you are having ots of stress nowadays. It is normal and can be seen in many patients having similar complaints of something stuck in the throat. This is called globus pharyngeus. The most common cause is acid reflux of laryngopharyngeal reflux. It can be also due to postnasal drip due to allergic rhinitis. So the best way to diagnose by endoscopy of the larynx and nose and to see if there is any signs of acid reflux, any signs of allergic rhinitis, any mass or lesion. Do an ultrasound neck to see if there is any mass in the throat. Refer a Gastroenterology to assess your food pipe. You mag need a barium swallow and upper gi endoscopy to see the food passage. After all these tests you can decide what is the reason for your symptoms. Muscle weakness can be a cause but it is not the first one and the major cause. Better to rule out muscle weakness after all these tests. So review with an Ent surgeon and Gastroenterologist and do the above tests. Do thyroid function tests, diabetic profile. Relax and least stressfree life. Rule our one by one causes. Review if you have any queries.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rajat Basak (43 minutes later)
Can the ent see muscle weakness during the scope?

Today it was much better and now I feel quite close to normal. Yes I do have have gerd. So since I feel normal does that mean we can rule out muscle weakness?
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rajat Basak (0 minute later)
Can the ent see muscle weakness during the scope?

Today it was much better and now I feel quite close to normal. Yes I do have have gerd. So since I feel normal does that mean we can rule out muscle weakness?
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rajat Basak (4 minutes later)
Also, if both the tests come back as normal then we can rule out muscle weakness right and this could be due to anxiety and globus?

Can globus cause persistent feeling of something stuck in tour throat and do people usually come in with similar complaints?

I also have dry mouth and dry cough so could all this be due to anxiety?

Should I wait for a week or just get myself checked?
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rajat Basak (0 minute later)
Also, if both the tests come back as normal then we can rule out muscle weakness right and this could be due to anxiety and globus?

Can globus cause persistent feeling of something stuck in tour throat and do people usually come in with similar complaints?

I also have dry mouth and dry cough so could all this be due to anxiety?

Should I wait for a week or just get myself checked?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Rajat Basak (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Hii. The muscle weakness can be seen by endoscopy of the larynx. It will al

Detailed Answer:
Hii. The muscle weakness can be seen by endoscopy of the larynx. It will also see if your muscles are thickend from inside which can cause similar symptoms. Dry mouth and dry cough can also be a feature of acid reflux. You can get an endoscopy whenever you can fix an appointment. Earlier you start the treatment better you will be. Please review if you have any queries.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana
doctor
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Rajat Basak (0 minute later)
Brief Answer:
Hii. The muscle weakness can be seen by endoscopy of the larynx. It will al

Detailed Answer:
Hii. The muscle weakness can be seen by endoscopy of the larynx. It will also see if your muscles are thickend from inside which can cause similar symptoms. Dry mouth and dry cough can also be a feature of acid reflux. You can get an endoscopy whenever you can fix an appointment. Earlier you start the treatment better you will be. Please review if you have any queries.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rajat Basak (21 minutes later)
Can dysphagia come and go? My last meal had no issues whatsoever with the swallow part, but I still have the sensation of something stuck to my throat. Before the throat issue I have a very bad case of gerd where in I was burping for 2 days continuous.

Could this be an issue plus anxiety?
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rajat Basak (0 minute later)
Can dysphagia come and go? My last meal had no issues whatsoever with the swallow part, but I still have the sensation of something stuck to my throat. Before the throat issue I have a very bad case of gerd where in I was burping for 2 days continuous.

Could this be an issue plus anxiety?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Rajat Basak (6 hours later)
Brief Answer:
All these are symptoms of laryngopharyngeal reflux or acid reflux.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

All these are symptoms of laryngopharyngeal reflux or acid reflux.

Dysphagia of acid reflux usually goes and comes. It can fluctuate.

Anxiety and stress increase dysphagia due to acid reflux.

So, please lead a relaxing life. Avoid stress as this increase the acid reflux. Drink more water. Sleep at least after 2 hours of dinner. Avoid smoking, alcohol (if at all do). Take less spicy food.

You can practice some relaxing exercises.

Regards




Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Rajat Basak (0 minute later)
Brief Answer:
All these are symptoms of laryngopharyngeal reflux or acid reflux.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

All these are symptoms of laryngopharyngeal reflux or acid reflux.

Dysphagia of acid reflux usually goes and comes. It can fluctuate.

Anxiety and stress increase dysphagia due to acid reflux.

So, please lead a relaxing life. Avoid stress as this increase the acid reflux. Drink more water. Sleep at least after 2 hours of dinner. Avoid smoking, alcohol (if at all do). Take less spicy food.

You can practice some relaxing exercises.

Regards




Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rajat Basak (10 minutes later)
Is this a common symptom ? What can I do for my dry coughing, I am coughing a lot. My throat also feels dry
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rajat Basak (0 minute later)
Is this a common symptom ? What can I do for my dry coughing, I am coughing a lot. My throat also feels dry
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Rajat Basak (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
This is a very common symptom.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

This is a very common symptom.

If you are coughing for more than 2 weeks do a chest x-ray. Do a throat swab and send for culture and sensitivity. Consult a chest physician.

If you are also having breathing difficulty do a pulmonary function test. You need to start an antibiotic for 2 weeks after discussing it with the Chest physician. Drink more fluids. Taking bromhexine syrup may also be helpful.

Regards


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Rajat Basak (0 minute later)
Brief Answer:
This is a very common symptom.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

This is a very common symptom.

If you are coughing for more than 2 weeks do a chest x-ray. Do a throat swab and send for culture and sensitivity. Consult a chest physician.

If you are also having breathing difficulty do a pulmonary function test. You need to start an antibiotic for 2 weeks after discussing it with the Chest physician. Drink more fluids. Taking bromhexine syrup may also be helpful.

Regards


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rajat Basak (8 hours later)
Also one more thing, I have some dry feeling in the upper part of the nose and feels like it’s congested but I am able to breathe pretty well using both nostrils.

Also dry feeling in mouth and tongue and throat and lots of dry cough.

Do you think it’s due to GERD or cold as I had cold 2 weeks ago and it’s flu and allergy season here.

I am trying to drink lot of water but the dry throat and dry mouth does not go away plus the dry cough is the biggest issue for me.

I am planning to go see an ENT doctor for the same. My doctor said to wait for 1 more week to see if it goes away but itself.

Could this be due to Sjogren’s Syndrome
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rajat Basak (0 minute later)
Also one more thing, I have some dry feeling in the upper part of the nose and feels like it’s congested but I am able to breathe pretty well using both nostrils.

Also dry feeling in mouth and tongue and throat and lots of dry cough.

Do you think it’s due to GERD or cold as I had cold 2 weeks ago and it’s flu and allergy season here.

I am trying to drink lot of water but the dry throat and dry mouth does not go away plus the dry cough is the biggest issue for me.

I am planning to go see an ENT doctor for the same. My doctor said to wait for 1 more week to see if it goes away but itself.

Could this be due to Sjogren’s Syndrome
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Rajat Basak (24 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Hii. You are having allergic rhinitis as you are having congestion with dry

Detailed Answer:
Hii. You are having allergic rhinitis as you are having congestion with dryness. Better to have some saline spray with steam inhalation. Dry mouth and dry throat with cough can also be a feature of acid reflux. Dry mouth is a feature of sjogrens syndrome but why are you suspecting this. Are you having dry eyes? Do you have a family history? Do you have dry skin, salty sweat? Then you can consult a physcian to rule out sjogrens. Drink more water. Add some vitamin c in the diet. Take more lemons, citrus fruits to decrease the dryness.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana
doctor
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Rajat Basak (0 minute later)
Brief Answer:
Hii. You are having allergic rhinitis as you are having congestion with dry

Detailed Answer:
Hii. You are having allergic rhinitis as you are having congestion with dryness. Better to have some saline spray with steam inhalation. Dry mouth and dry throat with cough can also be a feature of acid reflux. Dry mouth is a feature of sjogrens syndrome but why are you suspecting this. Are you having dry eyes? Do you have a family history? Do you have dry skin, salty sweat? Then you can consult a physcian to rule out sjogrens. Drink more water. Add some vitamin c in the diet. Take more lemons, citrus fruits to decrease the dryness.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana
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Dr. Dr. Rajat Basak

ENT Specialist

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Phlegm Stuck In Throat Feeling For The Last 7 Days.

Phlegm stuck in throat feeling for the last 7 days. It feels like a ball of phlegm behind my throat. I do have some dry cough and have to keep on clearing my throat. When I try to spit out the mucus it’s white in color. I do have acid reflux but I am pretty sure it’s not due to that. I also had a bout of cold and fever 2 weeks ago but now I am fine. I am really scared as it could be due to muscle weakness of my throat, should I go visit a ENT for the same? I have tried nasal decongestant and mucus thinners, hot water, steam, nothing has worked. Sometimes feel like my nose is congested but I am not sure what’s causing this