Mucus at the back of the throat

[needzzzzs]

I've been having a tough time with this, despite the use of guaifenesin (Mucinex -- theoretically to thin the mucus) and saline nasal washes. I do NOT have a stuffy nose, but the feeling of having to swallow constantly/clear throat constantly is driving me and my husband crazy. I use the humidifier on my CPAP machine, and have the air in the house humidified as well. Last night the "snorking" noises I was making woke both of us up.

I do have GERD and take twice the normal amount of proton pump inhibitors (pantoprazole) to control it.

What else can I do to make this problem go away?

Thanks in advance for help!

Debbie

[Suetois]

My first thought was GERD. I have it too, and used to have a problem with mucus building up in the back of my throat, as well as coughing during the night. I think the mucus is your body's attempt to block the acid. In my case, starting CPAP treatment cured the problem. I think you should see your primary care doctor since you really can't tell whether your GERD treatment is effective--even with the double dose of medication. Maybe you need to be on one of the other meds. Also, it's possible that it's not GERD, but some sort of sinus drainage. Hopefully your doctor could identify the cause of the problem. Also, if you haven't had your esophagus scoped, you might want to talk about that. Long-term GERD is associated with esophageal changes that can become cancerous. Not good. Good luck!

[BlackSpinner]

You need to follow up more on the GERD. Go and see a specialist about it.
Head of bed should be higher
No acid causing foods in the evening
Check your AHI, if it is too high it could be causing the problem.

Also get checked for damage done to the larynx and oesophagus by the acid.

[needzzzzs]

I should also mention that this problem comes and goes -- it's not constant (or at least, I'm not always aware of it).

I think I *will* talk to my primary care provider about whether a change of meds is worth pursuing. I've had endoscopy several times to check for Barrett's esophagus (last time several years ago) and haven't had any evidence pointing in that direction last time, but of course, that doesn't mean things haven't changed.

I don't have sinus problems, and I did see an ENT doc before starting the CPAP therapy in December. He's the one who suggested the guiafenesin and saline irrigation.

Thanks for your thoughts on this matter.

Debbie

[Tired Linda]

Debbie, do you have allergies?

My daughter was snuffing and snorting all the time, said it felt like mucus in the back of her throat. She finally spoke to a doctor, who asked a bunch of questions and ran a few tests. It was suggested she try a gluten-free diet. Within a few days, the mucus was gone. And it stays that way, unless she gets into something she's not supposed to.

Linda

[needzzzzs]

I'm not aware of having allergies, but it's not impossible that I do. I have always had dark circles under my eyes. which is sometimes thought to be a sign of allergies.

I could certainly try my own gluten-free diet experiment to see if that helps. If it does, it would certainly be worth getting tested formally to know for sure.

Thanks, Linda!