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What Causes Cough, Dry Powdery Feeling In Throat And Thick Yellow Mucus?

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Posted on Tue, 24 Mar 2015
Question: I have had a bad cough, dry powdery feeling in throat, feeling of productive cough at times (thick yellow mucus), have been to clinic and doc. Oxygen level reads normal.

Afraid because I have been choking on solid foods at tiimes.

My doc thinks is could be from my hiatal hernia..wants me to see pulmonary and ENT??
doctor
Answered by Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Sinusitis, LPR/GERD, lower respiratory tract infection...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for posting the query.

The symptoms described by you could be related to the following conditions:
1. Sinusitis
2. Lower respiratory tract infection
3. Laryngo-pharyngeal reflux (LPR) secondary to acid reflux disease (GERD)

Sinusitis (the inflammation of the sinuses) is characterized by nasal block, throat discomfort, post nasal discharge and the cough. The post nasal discharge irritates the throat and induces cough.

People with lower respiratory tract infection will also present with similar set of symptoms. Cough with expectoration, breathing difficulty and throat discomfort (secondary to cough).

LPR is a condition wherein there is reflux of acid from the stomach into the throat causing burning and inflammation of the throat. The inflammation thus produced causes irritation in the throat and the sense of choking. Also, excess mucus is produced in the throat to reduce the inflammation.

Hence, I would agree with your doctor to consult an ENT as well as a pulmonologist for a complete evaluation and management.

Hope I have answered your query; I will be available for the follow-up queries.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & neck Surgeon
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (6 hours later)
Thank you . Last night was a bad night.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (18 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Steam inhalation and mucolytic will benefit

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for writing back

I sincerely apologize for the delay in answering the query.

I feel, you should try taking a mucolytic such as ambroxol or bromhexine, available under various brand names. Do steam inhalation 2-3 times a day and drink plenty of warm water.

Also, avoid coffee, chilled food and beverages, fizzy drinks and smoking (if any).

Hope with the above measures you will feel better.

Wish you good health.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon
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. Shanthi.E
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty

Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 2540 Questions

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What Causes Cough, Dry Powdery Feeling In Throat And Thick Yellow Mucus?

Brief Answer: Sinusitis, LPR/GERD, lower respiratory tract infection... Detailed Answer: Hi Thanks for posting the query. The symptoms described by you could be related to the following conditions: 1. Sinusitis 2. Lower respiratory tract infection 3. Laryngo-pharyngeal reflux (LPR) secondary to acid reflux disease (GERD) Sinusitis (the inflammation of the sinuses) is characterized by nasal block, throat discomfort, post nasal discharge and the cough. The post nasal discharge irritates the throat and induces cough. People with lower respiratory tract infection will also present with similar set of symptoms. Cough with expectoration, breathing difficulty and throat discomfort (secondary to cough). LPR is a condition wherein there is reflux of acid from the stomach into the throat causing burning and inflammation of the throat. The inflammation thus produced causes irritation in the throat and the sense of choking. Also, excess mucus is produced in the throat to reduce the inflammation. Hence, I would agree with your doctor to consult an ENT as well as a pulmonologist for a complete evaluation and management. Hope I have answered your query; I will be available for the follow-up queries. Regards Dr. Naveen Kumar N. ENT and Head & neck Surgeon