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Suggest Remedies For Constant Phlegm In The Throat
Question: How can I get rid of constant flem in throte. Have tried antihistamine with Avamys as prescribed by doctor to no evail. Feels like hay fever every day. I normally don't suffer from this ailment. I have no alergy's that I'm aware of.
Brief Answer:
Some information
Detailed Answer:
Hello Mr. XXXX,
I am sorry to hear that you are having trouble.
Do I understand right that you have thick mucus in your throat and also have nasal and sinus symptoms? Because if it is only a problem in the throat and not in the nose/sinuses, then the problem might be from acid reflux and you can try the acid reducer ranitidine (Zantac) 150 mg 1 - 2 x/day to see if it makes it better.
If the problem seems to be coming from drainage down your throat from the sinuses, I'd suggest continuing the Zyrtec and Avamys, but sometimes people need to double the dosage of the fluticasone spray (Avamys) if there is a lot of nasal stuffiness/swelling.
A few other things you can try:
Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant that might help. In the U.S., where I live, this medicine is controlled because people buy it in large quantities to "cook" into illegal drugs. So we have to ask the pharmacist for it directly, but here it is sold without prescription. I do not know the policies around it in Australia.
One thing about pseudo ephedrine is that taken too late in the day, it can keep some people awake. Also, ask the pharmacist/chemist if it is ok with any other medications that you may take.
Another thing that you can try is guaifenesin. This is an old medication that helps thin secretions so they can pass easily. For it to work well, you have to drink a lot of water. It is a very safe drug.
Finally, consider saline rinses. You can either make your own and pour it into your sinuses via a nettipot, or use premade salt water sprays. This may help thin the secretions and can wash out things in your nose and sinuses that may be adding to the thick phlegm you have been having.
With saline sprays and rinses, don't use them within some time (maybe an hour) before or after the steroid nose spray or it will cause it to wash away.
Of course if you smoke cigarettes, it is time to quit.
I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information or clarification.
Some information
Detailed Answer:
Hello Mr. XXXX,
I am sorry to hear that you are having trouble.
Do I understand right that you have thick mucus in your throat and also have nasal and sinus symptoms? Because if it is only a problem in the throat and not in the nose/sinuses, then the problem might be from acid reflux and you can try the acid reducer ranitidine (Zantac) 150 mg 1 - 2 x/day to see if it makes it better.
If the problem seems to be coming from drainage down your throat from the sinuses, I'd suggest continuing the Zyrtec and Avamys, but sometimes people need to double the dosage of the fluticasone spray (Avamys) if there is a lot of nasal stuffiness/swelling.
A few other things you can try:
Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant that might help. In the U.S., where I live, this medicine is controlled because people buy it in large quantities to "cook" into illegal drugs. So we have to ask the pharmacist for it directly, but here it is sold without prescription. I do not know the policies around it in Australia.
One thing about pseudo ephedrine is that taken too late in the day, it can keep some people awake. Also, ask the pharmacist/chemist if it is ok with any other medications that you may take.
Another thing that you can try is guaifenesin. This is an old medication that helps thin secretions so they can pass easily. For it to work well, you have to drink a lot of water. It is a very safe drug.
Finally, consider saline rinses. You can either make your own and pour it into your sinuses via a nettipot, or use premade salt water sprays. This may help thin the secretions and can wash out things in your nose and sinuses that may be adding to the thick phlegm you have been having.
With saline sprays and rinses, don't use them within some time (maybe an hour) before or after the steroid nose spray or it will cause it to wash away.
Of course if you smoke cigarettes, it is time to quit.
I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information or clarification.
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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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