Hi all, ive been having the same problem as everyone else for the last 4-5 days, and let me tell you can i know your pain... It doesnt really bother me much to constantly clear my throat during the day, but at night ugh.. when your trying to fall asleep, and laying down, you become 1000% more aware of that horrible sensation of something being stuck in your throat, and no matter how much you try you just cant seem to clear it. Well, i visited the doctor just yesterday (after having been up for 28 hours straight because of being unable to sleep) He prescribed me 3 medications.
MethylPREDNISolone tablets - This is an anti inflammatory medication that comes in a small pack with daily dosages of 6 pills on the first, day, 5 on the second, 4th on the third, etc etc, all the way down to the last pill on the last day. so far im about to take day number 2's pills, 5 pills, and already i notice a difference that my throat clearing isnt nearly as bad as before i took the first set of pills.
Avelox - This is for your sinuses, to help with any nasal drip in the back of your throat (which only adds to our horrible suffering) These are taken once a day. This is by no means a cheap medication though, ask your doctor if they have a voucher for free samples, because normally it costs 136.00USD just for about 10 pills.
And Xanax - generally to treat anxiety and such, which im sure we all feel when we have this problem we suffer from. But, this is also to help us sleep better at night, as it makes you -extremely- drowsy, for me it takes about an hour or two to kick in. Its been very very helpful for me, otherwise id have died from sleep deprivation and physical exhaustion by now.
I think for me, what happened was on the verrry first day this all started, i must have had a built up of mucus in my throat, and tried to clear it too harshly, which caused inflammation at the very bottom of my throat. The tissue there ended up swelling, making it feel like i still had mucus of phlegm stuck there. So ofcourse naturally you try to clear your throat more... Right? well, this makes it swell even more, to the point where your constantly aware of it. Atleast for me, this has been the case. So its a vicious little circle, you clear your throat, throat swells, making you want to clear your throat even more, which makes it swell even more. Things ive learned also, is to stay away from milk, milk thickens the phlegm in your throat which only contributes to our problem, sugar does the same. Avoid eating or drinking anything within the last 4-5 hours of the evening before you head to bed.
-hope this helps some people
-Elaina
MethylPREDNISolone tablets - This is an anti inflammatory medication that comes in a small pack with daily dosages of 6 pills on the first, day, 5 on the second, 4th on the third, etc etc, all the way down to the last pill on the last day. so far im about to take day number 2's pills, 5 pills, and already i notice a difference that my throat clearing isnt nearly as bad as before i took the first set of pills.
Avelox - This is for your sinuses, to help with any nasal drip in the back of your throat (which only adds to our horrible suffering) These are taken once a day. This is by no means a cheap medication though, ask your doctor if they have a voucher for free samples, because normally it costs 136.00USD just for about 10 pills.
And Xanax - generally to treat anxiety and such, which im sure we all feel when we have this problem we suffer from. But, this is also to help us sleep better at night, as it makes you -extremely- drowsy, for me it takes about an hour or two to kick in. Its been very very helpful for me, otherwise id have died from sleep deprivation and physical exhaustion by now.
I think for me, what happened was on the verrry first day this all started, i must have had a built up of mucus in my throat, and tried to clear it too harshly, which caused inflammation at the very bottom of my throat. The tissue there ended up swelling, making it feel like i still had mucus of phlegm stuck there. So ofcourse naturally you try to clear your throat more... Right? well, this makes it swell even more, to the point where your constantly aware of it. Atleast for me, this has been the case. So its a vicious little circle, you clear your throat, throat swells, making you want to clear your throat even more, which makes it swell even more. Things ive learned also, is to stay away from milk, milk thickens the phlegm in your throat which only contributes to our problem, sugar does the same. Avoid eating or drinking anything within the last 4-5 hours of the evening before you head to bed.
-hope this helps some people
-Elaina
Just a request everyone please come back to let the rest of us know how your doing.
I saw the next Doctor in the saga today and he's going down the reflux road again with a new anti-biotic, I'll give it a good try, I'm not to have anything to drink after 9pm, I've Sjogrens syndrome so no water isnt going to be easy.
I too have for years and years and years.....had to clear my throat all day everyday. It is embarrassing. My kids and husband tell me that is how they find me in a store....walk around and listen for the clearing throat. I have been to an ENT, Neurologist, General PHysician.....allergy testing, barium swallows, hearing tests, ct's and mri's....get the pic? It seems the back of the throat is aggitated from a constant small nasal drip (which is why nothing is there to cough up) , it is just irritated constantly and very slightly swollen causing the "sensatation" that something is there which is what makes us want to clear our throat. Nexium did nothing, Muccinex did nothing. I am currently researching food additive sensitivities and it appears there may be a link. MSG and other "ite" and "ate" preservatives seen to compound the results. MSG can immediately begin to close throat, cause violent coughing spasms for about 20 minutes, and clearing of throat in excess for hours. Baking Powder does the same thing. I am now trying to be more careful of what I eat....the research I have done already is tending to indicate that this constant throat agitation may very well be a mild sensitivity to preservatives that I get in everyday foods that is keeping my throat slightly swollen and sinus ever so slightly drainage. (When I get MSG, drainage amounts increase and pour down throat, so I know drainage is related to food additive.) It is just so hard to eliminate all preservatives with "ate" and "ite" that I have not been able to clearly determine result.
It seems a little better, but perhaps I am so used to clearing my throat that it bothers me less(or I simply dont notice how often) that I tend to be less focused. My kids are grown and not home now to constantly remind me. Just the husband. ;-) My suggestion, toy with eliminating "ites" and "ates" and especially MSG for a long time period and see if you start to get minor clearing.....Maybe I should try for a solid month and watch everything I eat....can report back then.....PS....even lettuce at restaurants is sprayed with preservative so be careful, and prepared soups at restaurants (larger chains) start with a soup base(a powdered mix with preservatives) that is distributed to franchises and then made "fresh" at restaurant. Hope this helps someone for something to try.
It seems a little better, but perhaps I am so used to clearing my throat that it bothers me less(or I simply dont notice how often) that I tend to be less focused. My kids are grown and not home now to constantly remind me. Just the husband. ;-) My suggestion, toy with eliminating "ites" and "ates" and especially MSG for a long time period and see if you start to get minor clearing.....Maybe I should try for a solid month and watch everything I eat....can report back then.....PS....even lettuce at restaurants is sprayed with preservative so be careful, and prepared soups at restaurants (larger chains) start with a soup base(a powdered mix with preservatives) that is distributed to franchises and then made "fresh" at restaurant. Hope this helps someone for something to try.
Who else do you know with this dis-order. I think we are suseptable at times. And come across someone who is particularly infectious and get it from even a sneeze, though an individual may not become infectious. Or may then at a different time become so.
Similar problem with my husband...going on 6 years now. After visiting ENT and Gastroenterologist and Allergy specialist, he's been given fluticasone spray (usually for asthma), BUT he sprays, and SWALLOWS it instead of inhaling it. It worked. The GE did take a tissue sample of his esophagus and found a high number of eosinophils and said he has eosinophilic esophagitis, hence the treatment. Ask your doctor about it, since it is prescription only. Took about two-three weeks to work, so be patient. Previously he was put on Singulair and Astelin, a nasal spray, but he couldn't stand the nasal spray, so he stopped it. Don't know if that would've worked or not. Those are prescription anti-histamines. Good luck to all.
Well last monday I saw the new ENT again and the GERD treatments are of no avail. He's sending me to an infectious diseases Doc. They did a culture and found nothing, no flora no fauna yet I'm giving this thing to others. I'll post again.
Even though this is an old post, this is an ongoing problem for many people it appears. I used to constantly have to clear my throat. I saw an ENT specialist and he told me that while it didn't look like a cold, post-nasal drip, sinus problems or anything like that, my throat was a bit red and irritated. He pointed out that a lot could be going on in the tissue layers in your throat - he could only see the surface layers. Overall, he suggested my problem to be caused by acid reflux. I used to really enjoy eating and being young, I'd eat a lot. I decided to cut back, especially at breakfast time and before bed and within a matter of a couple of days, I was relieved of all problems. It was wonderful. It lasted for a few months until just before Halloween when I started eating a bit more. Since then, I haven't had the self control to get rid of the symptoms again, but I want to. Don't worry, my obsession with food isn't terrible - I'm 28 years old, 6'3" and 175 lbs, so I'm not overweight, I just like to eat. :-)
Maybe this will help someone know that if they just stop pigging out, they could possibly relieve their problem.
Maybe this will help someone know that if they just stop pigging out, they could possibly relieve their problem.
Here is an update! I do believe I am isolating many culprits. First and foremost, MSG and Baking Powder produce severe coughing bouts lasting approx 20 min. Here is the big test results though- I went to Trader Joes to find as many foods as I could that would not have preservatives..."ates" and " ites". I found lots and tested lots. Most noticeable was switching to organic milk. I no longer cough/clear throat when using milk with other preservative free foods. I now use organic milk, butter, cream and it is all good! I can tell when I use regular butter as I will start clearing throat with even a teaspoon! I am finding breads in the fresh bakery section that only add Thiamine monitrate (B1) and I seem to be okay but make sure that ALL condiments, meats etc. are preservative free. Easier said than done! You can just about forget eating out. Watch out, even deli meats fresh at the counter have preservatives! 95% of your frozen and shelf foods have preservatives! Do a test yourself- Eat a bowl of oatmeal(real oatmeal-slow cook) with organic milk and see if you cough, then eat a bowl next day with regular milk. Try a plain hamburger (no bun, preservative free condiments etc then try one as you normally have it. You get the pic! Try the MSG test and baking powder test. I still have small amounts of drainage in AM when I first wake up which causes some clearing, but it clears up and I seem to be cough free during day if I am careful. Sometimes, you forget and just eat (or eat out) and accept that you will cough. Soup boullion has msg and preservatives, there is one brand that doesnt have it (comes in green(chicken) and red(beef) boxes. (not sitting where I can tell you name brand). Makes a huge difference! Cough with regular boullion, I can enjoy soups and sauces without MSG and preservatives when I use my stuff. It is forcing me to cook more and to use only fresh foods. Trader Joe's/Harris Teeter's do have fairly decent selection of food without preservatives. YOu really have to read every ingredient list and you will be completely surprised! Give it a test, you have nothing to lose, cost you nothing compared to doctors and if it is helping me after 20 + years of clearing/coughing and NO doctor results, then I am sure it will help others willing to go the distance and eliminate the source of throat irratation. Good Luck to anyone that attempts to eliminate "ates" and "ites", MSG, Baking Powder, etc. It brings new meaning to meal planning! (Lots of cookies, cakes etc. have baking powder and there is a substitute you can mix up....look it up online!) Hope this helps!!!!
Hmm...seems to me that A WHOLE lot of people has this same problem. I'll be 21 in a few days...to be frank, i too have the same EXACT problem...it's relieving, much...to know that there are many others like me, but discouraging that no doctor [in any of our cases] can diagnose any of us with a SPECIFIC thing, none of which...really solves our problem, at least. I've had this problem for almost 3 years now. I noticed it FIRST to be a small clearing of my throat, to the point that people would ask why i am doing it. In response, I had none. I didn't think anything of it until i noticed that this cough, and clearing of my throat has prolonged...
Yeah, family and friends would mimic me, asking why i keep doing that...some told me it was all in my head...BUT I FOR FACT, know that it isn't something that ive always head...BUT, definately something that has seemed to sneak [literally] up on me. I've noticed in my condition, temperature has it's effects on my cough, and the feeling of this what i wanna call congestion. Because MY chest always feels so tight and congested...[i had chest x-rays] and the doctor said my chest was clear. So, im thinking it's my throat. When i get really hot, or feel really muggy...it seems to actually WORSEN my condition. The heat seems to put me in some sort of discomfort, and i repeatedly begin to HACK and clear my throat and extremely hard. HACK, HACK...HAWK [like im trying to draw a flem from out my breathing ways] and then following with a little cough [REPEATEDLY] EVERYDAY for 3 flippin years! some days it's so bad that i get a headache from constantly clearing my throat, others my throat becomes raw and more irritated from doing so. Some days i just keep punching myself in the chest hoping that will push things out, in which case [never works, but its the thought of trying that counts, right?] Some days it feels as though its a congestion in my chest [dead point in the CENTER of my chest, over the heart] where others, it seems to be the lower part of my throat right below the adams apple. Now, if you push slightly down [light pressure on your adams apple] and try clearing of ur throat...sort of feels as though, there is ALOT of drainage and that the passage isn't fully clear. [sounds almost as though you're trying to start a car that doesn't want to start] Recently a few months ago, going to the doctor. He didnt really look at my throat this time around, he told me it could be acid reflux or again [my allergies] IVE ALWAYS HAD ALLERGIES, I HAVE NOT ALWAYS HAD THIS PROBLEM?!?!?! I cant stress that enough. ITS SOMETHING THAT JUST HAPPENED out of the blue and has had prolonged effects. It's frustrating and noone understands which frustrates me more.
I dont know though, when i try to save the embarrassment of constantly coughing, im [silently coughing] and clearing my throat under my breath which is uncomfortable. Some days i notice, that if im in a group of people, i can take my mind completely off it and it doesnt seem to affect me as much. I do think temperature can be a factor for how intensely this congestion can become...when im too warm to the point i feel like i got TOO MUCH CLOTHES on, i get uncomfortable...that feel when your mom used to make u wear them thick turtle necks that felt like they were choking u...[THAT UNCOMFORTABLE] and my cough seems to be more worse under those conditions. Even if the cough isnt a day to day HACKING of my throat, it's ALWAYS a small cough or clearing of the throat. Some days the flem, or saliva or whatever seems to be thicker than others, where other times it can more thin...the thicker it is, the more congested and the discomfort is unbearable. Sometimes the only peace i have from this cough, is when im sleeping.
So through reading many of your passages...
and through my research on other sites about this... These are all things doctors see to be a POSSIBLY of our DISCOMFORT...
Sinutitus [excessive drainage from the nose caused by allergies of the sinus, which causes a dripping to the back of your throat. The repeated dripping would cause the throat to react [kind of like a defense mechanism] by a clearing of the throat or a cough]
That's how i feel on A REGULAR when it isnt as BAD, that's actually on a good day [which is still frustrated, because who wants to always be coughing, especially when u rarely ever get sick???] The clearing and cough, is when the flem feels thin. [discomfort]
But on the bad days [more bad than good] it's a completely different feeling. It's a CONGESTED feeling of the chest, tightness in my chest and throat...as though my breathing way isnt very clear. Some times it can get as bad as a weezing, HAWKING or HACKING and spitting. Wretchous and LOUD coughs...headaches from coughing so much and some times a high heart rate [heart racing]
Which sounds alot like, what doctors are also trying to diaognose it to be an Acid reflux which causing heartburn, congestion...etc etc. Haven't really taken anything for those. But i have started taking mucinex for chest congestion and quiet coughing [supposed to thin and break flehgm] Doesn't seem to be working tho.
So i dont know what it can be, but I DEFINATELY NEED AND WOULD LOVE ANSWERS...if not JUST RID OF THIS HORRIDNESS...as im sure you guys can vouch for feeling the same.
so yea, just wanted to write exactly HOW THIS COUGH HAS AFFECTED ME, AND THE EFFECT AND DIFFERENT LEVELS it can vary under different circumstances...
Can any of you relate completely to what i wrote??? Please write back.
Yeah, family and friends would mimic me, asking why i keep doing that...some told me it was all in my head...BUT I FOR FACT, know that it isn't something that ive always head...BUT, definately something that has seemed to sneak [literally] up on me. I've noticed in my condition, temperature has it's effects on my cough, and the feeling of this what i wanna call congestion. Because MY chest always feels so tight and congested...[i had chest x-rays] and the doctor said my chest was clear. So, im thinking it's my throat. When i get really hot, or feel really muggy...it seems to actually WORSEN my condition. The heat seems to put me in some sort of discomfort, and i repeatedly begin to HACK and clear my throat and extremely hard. HACK, HACK...HAWK [like im trying to draw a flem from out my breathing ways] and then following with a little cough [REPEATEDLY] EVERYDAY for 3 flippin years! some days it's so bad that i get a headache from constantly clearing my throat, others my throat becomes raw and more irritated from doing so. Some days i just keep punching myself in the chest hoping that will push things out, in which case [never works, but its the thought of trying that counts, right?] Some days it feels as though its a congestion in my chest [dead point in the CENTER of my chest, over the heart] where others, it seems to be the lower part of my throat right below the adams apple. Now, if you push slightly down [light pressure on your adams apple] and try clearing of ur throat...sort of feels as though, there is ALOT of drainage and that the passage isn't fully clear. [sounds almost as though you're trying to start a car that doesn't want to start] Recently a few months ago, going to the doctor. He didnt really look at my throat this time around, he told me it could be acid reflux or again [my allergies] IVE ALWAYS HAD ALLERGIES, I HAVE NOT ALWAYS HAD THIS PROBLEM?!?!?! I cant stress that enough. ITS SOMETHING THAT JUST HAPPENED out of the blue and has had prolonged effects. It's frustrating and noone understands which frustrates me more.
I dont know though, when i try to save the embarrassment of constantly coughing, im [silently coughing] and clearing my throat under my breath which is uncomfortable. Some days i notice, that if im in a group of people, i can take my mind completely off it and it doesnt seem to affect me as much. I do think temperature can be a factor for how intensely this congestion can become...when im too warm to the point i feel like i got TOO MUCH CLOTHES on, i get uncomfortable...that feel when your mom used to make u wear them thick turtle necks that felt like they were choking u...[THAT UNCOMFORTABLE] and my cough seems to be more worse under those conditions. Even if the cough isnt a day to day HACKING of my throat, it's ALWAYS a small cough or clearing of the throat. Some days the flem, or saliva or whatever seems to be thicker than others, where other times it can more thin...the thicker it is, the more congested and the discomfort is unbearable. Sometimes the only peace i have from this cough, is when im sleeping.
So through reading many of your passages...
and through my research on other sites about this... These are all things doctors see to be a POSSIBLY of our DISCOMFORT...
Sinutitus [excessive drainage from the nose caused by allergies of the sinus, which causes a dripping to the back of your throat. The repeated dripping would cause the throat to react [kind of like a defense mechanism] by a clearing of the throat or a cough]
That's how i feel on A REGULAR when it isnt as BAD, that's actually on a good day [which is still frustrated, because who wants to always be coughing, especially when u rarely ever get sick???] The clearing and cough, is when the flem feels thin. [discomfort]
But on the bad days [more bad than good] it's a completely different feeling. It's a CONGESTED feeling of the chest, tightness in my chest and throat...as though my breathing way isnt very clear. Some times it can get as bad as a weezing, HAWKING or HACKING and spitting. Wretchous and LOUD coughs...headaches from coughing so much and some times a high heart rate [heart racing]
Which sounds alot like, what doctors are also trying to diaognose it to be an Acid reflux which causing heartburn, congestion...etc etc. Haven't really taken anything for those. But i have started taking mucinex for chest congestion and quiet coughing [supposed to thin and break flehgm] Doesn't seem to be working tho.
So i dont know what it can be, but I DEFINATELY NEED AND WOULD LOVE ANSWERS...if not JUST RID OF THIS HORRIDNESS...as im sure you guys can vouch for feeling the same.
so yea, just wanted to write exactly HOW THIS COUGH HAS AFFECTED ME, AND THE EFFECT AND DIFFERENT LEVELS it can vary under different circumstances...
Can any of you relate completely to what i wrote??? Please write back.
I have a solution to constant throat clearing. It is definitely caused by fear, stress, and anxiety. Your answer to this and a countless number of other medical issues is at this website...
God Bless!
**edited by moderator**
God Bless!
**edited by moderator**
I have the same clearing of the throat, about every 3 minutes, even though i feel like i need to do it all the time! It sucks. I am sure it is annoying to the people around me. I will look inot some flowniase from the post above, but i hope htis thread keeps going until someone has an answer.
Oh and I already have my tonsils out, got them out when I was a kid. This problem develoiped about 2 years ago growwing gradually in frequency. My boss had it and NOW ME so i wonder if it is something contagious.... hmm.
Oh and I already have my tonsils out, got them out when I was a kid. This problem develoiped about 2 years ago growwing gradually in frequency. My boss had it and NOW ME so i wonder if it is something contagious.... hmm.
Im seeing an infectious diseases doc. Hope he can help me find something out. Everyone hang in there, and lets keep working on the medical system.
To whomever wrote this. I believe your trying to help however I dont think you've read the postings here. We came to this site to look for help and without seeing any of us you've said that at least some of us have mental problems. Read what I wrote earlier. It's not what you think at all. You cause anxiety.
It makes me very angry that someone would come on and post a link about a drug that may help. I am so sick and tired of people sending spam etc about some cure all drug. This is not a simple issue. It is complex and we need to find answers not contribute to the deep pockets of the Pharmaceutical companies and the people that sell for them!