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What Causes The Need To Clear My Throat Constantly?
Question: I have had this need to clear my throat constantly sometimes I can bring up a small amount of white mucus. I have been to 10 different doctors from the Kaiset system. The last told me to live with it because there was nothing could be done. Gabepentin seems to help if I take it before the cough gets bad.
Brief Answer:
post nasal drip
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
This is a common problem unfortunately and it is usually due to the presence of the mucus at the back of the throat as a result of post nasal drip (of mucus)
In some persons may also cause a cough as well.
Post nasal drip can be due to allergies or an acute infection (such as the cough/cold)
If it has been occurring for a long period of time then allergies are more likely. Some persons do not know that they may have an allergies.
One patient of mine, when we did the allergy tests because of her post nasal drip, found out she was allergic to bananas
Allergies can be to food, drink, dust, pollen, animal dander, soaps, lotions etc
Treatment: (1) avoiding the allergen if it is known
(2)using an antihistamine , decongestant combination of medication which should be over the counter eg zyrtec d, allegra d, claritine d, benadryl d
(3) some persons may also need a nasal spray eg nasonex, flonase, rhinocort. One of these can be used, a prescription may be needed
If this is not effective, then other medications may be needed eg montelukast or ketotifen. These are used if the antihistamine is not effective
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
post nasal drip
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
This is a common problem unfortunately and it is usually due to the presence of the mucus at the back of the throat as a result of post nasal drip (of mucus)
In some persons may also cause a cough as well.
Post nasal drip can be due to allergies or an acute infection (such as the cough/cold)
If it has been occurring for a long period of time then allergies are more likely. Some persons do not know that they may have an allergies.
One patient of mine, when we did the allergy tests because of her post nasal drip, found out she was allergic to bananas
Allergies can be to food, drink, dust, pollen, animal dander, soaps, lotions etc
Treatment: (1) avoiding the allergen if it is known
(2)using an antihistamine , decongestant combination of medication which should be over the counter eg zyrtec d, allegra d, claritine d, benadryl d
(3) some persons may also need a nasal spray eg nasonex, flonase, rhinocort. One of these can be used, a prescription may be needed
If this is not effective, then other medications may be needed eg montelukast or ketotifen. These are used if the antihistamine is not effective
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
The first 7 doctors I saw thought that too, but eliminated after putting me on various and sundry antihistamines. Any other ideas. I have seen a pulminologist too. That's where I got the gabepentin
Brief Answer:
d
Detailed Answer:
HI
Since post nasal drip has been ruled out because of no response with antihistamines and other meds , other causes would need to be considered such as : (1)reflux ,
(2)side effect of medication
(3)food allergies or sensitivity to some foods, you may note if the clearing occurs with certain meals
(4) anatomical or structural problems with the throat- imaging of the nose and throat would determine if this is the case
(5) and the neurological possibilities would need to be considered.
Reflux may not be associated with the typical reflux symptoms (burning, bloating etc).
Medications such as ACE inhibitors (eg ramipril, enalapril, lisinopril)
There are some disorders or conditions affecting the CNS (central nervous system-brain and spinal cord), that can affect swallowing. One of the symptoms that can occur with this problem is repeated clearing of the throat.
Eg of neurological conditions include:(1) problems with the blood supply to certain areas - vascular
(2) trauma
(3)mass in the brain or spinal cord- may be benign
The next steps would be to consider reflux medication (alocid, nexiium, priolsec, prevacid) along with a food diary to check for causes.
Reflux meds take 5 to 7 to work.
A food diary can also be started
If these are negative then imaging may be needed
Please feel free to ask anything else
d
Detailed Answer:
HI
Since post nasal drip has been ruled out because of no response with antihistamines and other meds , other causes would need to be considered such as : (1)reflux ,
(2)side effect of medication
(3)food allergies or sensitivity to some foods, you may note if the clearing occurs with certain meals
(4) anatomical or structural problems with the throat- imaging of the nose and throat would determine if this is the case
(5) and the neurological possibilities would need to be considered.
Reflux may not be associated with the typical reflux symptoms (burning, bloating etc).
Medications such as ACE inhibitors (eg ramipril, enalapril, lisinopril)
There are some disorders or conditions affecting the CNS (central nervous system-brain and spinal cord), that can affect swallowing. One of the symptoms that can occur with this problem is repeated clearing of the throat.
Eg of neurological conditions include:(1) problems with the blood supply to certain areas - vascular
(2) trauma
(3)mass in the brain or spinal cord- may be benign
The next steps would be to consider reflux medication (alocid, nexiium, priolsec, prevacid) along with a food diary to check for causes.
Reflux meds take 5 to 7 to work.
A food diary can also be started
If these are negative then imaging may be needed
Please feel free to ask anything else
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
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