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Taking Antibiotic For Phlegm. Feeling Uncomfortable In Throat With Muscle Tiredness. What's Going On?
Question: I've been producing phlegm or mucus since 3 months. It doesn't seem to stop..i went to see a GP and gave me antibiotic but didn't work it was 2 months ago.. It seems to obstruct my airway sometimes. I get urge to expectorate every now and then, really uncomfortable..sometimes my neck muscles get tired due to excessive expectorating but don't see much phlegm or mucus.. Can u tell me what might be wrong with me im really anxious? What could be done to stop it? I have stopped smoking too..
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1.The most common causes for frequent throat clearing are acid reflux, allergy or a post nasal drip (PND). Dryness of the throat and lymphoid hypertrophy in the throat may be responsible. The phlegm or mucus is a sign of irritation of the delicate lining of the oral cavity, upper gut and airway.
2. LPR or Laryngo Pharyngeal Reflux is a condition where the effects of the acid reflux are seen only in the throat as in your case. The typical chest and abdominal symptoms seen in GERD (Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease) are absent.
3. The first step is to confirm any physical findings of by a Video Laryngoscopy and a nasal endoscopy. If you can share the video or images here, I will be able to give you an accurate diagnosis.
4. Even in a normal individual, acid reflux takes place a few times a day. When this reflux occurs more than 15-20 times a day, GERD symptoms predominate. For the patients in between, the symptoms are variable. Another important concept is that digestive enzymes are also present in the reflux. Along with the acid, these cause a low grade inflammation in the throat.
5. A post nasal drip due to allergy may also worsen acid reflux. Acid reflux then worsens the post nasal drip. This sets up a vicious cycle which must be broken by medication. Your medication will include anti-allergic medication, mucolytics, steam inhalation, medicated gargles and anti-reflux medication.
6. It is good to hear that you have stopped smoking. Exposure to tobacco products causes and worsens these symptoms.
I must emphasize that at your age this may be troublesome, but is not a serious issue. This is common and responds to medical treatment.
I hope I have answered your query. If you have any follow up queries, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Thank you for your query.
1.The most common causes for frequent throat clearing are acid reflux, allergy or a post nasal drip (PND). Dryness of the throat and lymphoid hypertrophy in the throat may be responsible. The phlegm or mucus is a sign of irritation of the delicate lining of the oral cavity, upper gut and airway.
2. LPR or Laryngo Pharyngeal Reflux is a condition where the effects of the acid reflux are seen only in the throat as in your case. The typical chest and abdominal symptoms seen in GERD (Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease) are absent.
3. The first step is to confirm any physical findings of by a Video Laryngoscopy and a nasal endoscopy. If you can share the video or images here, I will be able to give you an accurate diagnosis.
4. Even in a normal individual, acid reflux takes place a few times a day. When this reflux occurs more than 15-20 times a day, GERD symptoms predominate. For the patients in between, the symptoms are variable. Another important concept is that digestive enzymes are also present in the reflux. Along with the acid, these cause a low grade inflammation in the throat.
5. A post nasal drip due to allergy may also worsen acid reflux. Acid reflux then worsens the post nasal drip. This sets up a vicious cycle which must be broken by medication. Your medication will include anti-allergic medication, mucolytics, steam inhalation, medicated gargles and anti-reflux medication.
6. It is good to hear that you have stopped smoking. Exposure to tobacco products causes and worsens these symptoms.
I must emphasize that at your age this may be troublesome, but is not a serious issue. This is common and responds to medical treatment.
I hope I have answered your query. If you have any follow up queries, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Note: For further information on diet changes to reduce allergy symptoms or to boost your immunity, Ask here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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