HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Suggest Treatment For Chronic Cough, Excess Mucus And Lump In Throat

Posted on Thu, 26 Mar 2015

Question: This is a tough one! I have been bothered with chronic cough, excess mucus, off and on lump in throat. sour-metallic taste in mouth which causes additional coughing and excess mucus and watery eyes.. This has been an ongoing problem for seven years. I have had two EGD's, a sinus scan, 17 lung function tests, a barium swallow test, two to three chest X-rays, two complete evaluations by an ENT doctor who looked into throat with by passing camera through nose into throat and allergy tests. No current indication of GERD or asthma and all tests have been normal. I have no acid issues but I do take Dexilant daily and Gaviscon. I spamodcally cough when I talk on the phone and or sing at church or when eating. When eating I start coughing at the first bite and then it relents. I'm tired of this and it just seems as if all I do is make a new doctor visit circuit with the same results. I also use a sinus wash daily. Any thoughts on this mess?

Answered by Dr. Paparaja S (32 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
This could be due to chronic sinus infection.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to healthcare magic.
I had gone through your question.
I can understand your concern.
This could be due chronic sinus infection. The post nasal drip associated with sinus infection could be the cause for your cough, on and off lump in throat and metallic taste.
I recommend the following.
1) A high resolution CT SCAN of your nose and paranasal sinuses to confirm sinus pathology.
2) A course of antibiotics.
3) Steam inhalation to promote sinus drainage and improve sinus ventilation.
4) Since its chronic disease, you might require an endoscopic sinus surgery for better results. This will be decide based on CT scan results.
You will be fine.
Hope I have answered your question. If you have any questions, I am happy to help.
Wish you a good health and speedy recovery.
Regards,
Dr Paparaja S MBBS MS
Consultant ENT Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Paparaja S (7 hours later)

Thank you for your response.

However, I have had a CT scan of my sinuses and it was all clear. I have also been treated with Augmentin for a sinus infection yet the symptoms still remain.

I have been told that I might have "silent GERD...should I consider a PH test for GERD?

Also, should I consider having a "bronk" to determine if any under lying lung condition could be causing the symptoms?

Thank you

Answered by Dr. Paparaja S (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You can go for pH monitoring.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for the follow up.
Yes, you can go for esophageal pH monitoring. This currently gold standard for diagnosis ofgastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD).
Since you have already undergone lung function tests, x ray is done, I don't recommend any more tests for your lungs.

Wish you a good health.

Take care.

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad