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What Causes Abdominal Bloating, Heartburn And Acid Reflux While On Mucinex ?
Question: HI there, I am a professional voice actor. I have recently noticed that I have a persistent lack of clarity to my speaking voice, that sounds like I am clogged with saliva or phlegm. I have checked with my allergist and have cleared up most of the nasal swelling. Don't know if I can completely get rid of post-nasal drip, so I use Mucinex 12 2x. I tend to drink lots of hot or warm decaf teas or water at this time of year. Also noticed that I tend to have gassiness and bloating, but not heartburn or indigestion. How can I rule out LPR?
Brief Answer:
how long have you been suffering...
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I went through the details provided. It would have been good if you had mentioned duration of those symptoms.
Though LPR can present similarly, most people ideally have chronic symptoms lasting for months / years. I wouldn't name LPR as the first possibility with short duration symptoms. But we can reasonably rule out LPR only through endoscopic examination or by esophageal pH monitoring. The tests are performed by a gastroenterologist.
That being said, with back ground history of post nasal drip and nasal congestion, laryngopharyngitis, in my opinion is the most likely cause responsible for voice issue. It will settle down as we treat post nasal drip. Mucinex, an expectorant is not my first choice treatment of post nasal drip. I prefer to treat it with antihistamines, steam inhalation and netipot. You may discuss with your treating doctor. Besides these, if voice issue is affecting you professionally, nebulisation with steroid can be tried.
Hope this helps. let me know if you need clarifications.
Regards
how long have you been suffering...
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I went through the details provided. It would have been good if you had mentioned duration of those symptoms.
Though LPR can present similarly, most people ideally have chronic symptoms lasting for months / years. I wouldn't name LPR as the first possibility with short duration symptoms. But we can reasonably rule out LPR only through endoscopic examination or by esophageal pH monitoring. The tests are performed by a gastroenterologist.
That being said, with back ground history of post nasal drip and nasal congestion, laryngopharyngitis, in my opinion is the most likely cause responsible for voice issue. It will settle down as we treat post nasal drip. Mucinex, an expectorant is not my first choice treatment of post nasal drip. I prefer to treat it with antihistamines, steam inhalation and netipot. You may discuss with your treating doctor. Besides these, if voice issue is affecting you professionally, nebulisation with steroid can be tried.
Hope this helps. let me know if you need clarifications.
Regards
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
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