2 years of throat clearing, thick mucus and post nasal drip sensation (allergy/reflux/nerve?)

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Hello,

Suffering for 2 years with sensation of thick mucus stuck at the back of the nose, which I'm often able to hock up out of my mouth (clear but very "snotty" and like thick glue when it's in a tissue).

Sometimes it gets in my throat and I often clear my throat all day long too. I guess this is post-nasal drip, but not watery or thin (like you apparently get from an allergy), it's very thick and feels awful like a lump or glob that won't move, until I hock it up, but within minutes it's back again...

Tried all reflux and allergy medications (double-dose PPIs, steroid sprays, allergy RAST tests, antihistamines, singulair, antihistamine sprays, nasal irrigation, gastrocopy, multiple nasal/throat endoscopes, sinus CT scans), and they can't identify the problem... All of my symptoms disappear completely, when I eat or lay down with my head to either side (which I find very odd! Equally, if I take pseudoephridrine (oral decongestant), my symptoms go too (but I know that's not a long term option).

Anyone ever dealt with anything similar or know what to suggest next?I've been thinking of self-treating with amitriptyline (10mg at night) and gabapentin (100mg 3x per day), to see if this is a hypersensitivity/nerve issue. I have absolutely no other symptoms and can't live much longer like this, it's completely ruined my life and things are just getting worse sad

Thanks for any help at all.

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  • Posted

    I am suffering from this from.. 4 years .. Doctors cant get rid of it.. Any medicine or tablet doesnt work at all.. I cant sleep at night because of the musk in the throat by even split it comes back again after in 5 minutes.. M doint college and tutions and cant concentrate on the class because or this stuff in throat.. I just cant go out of the class of every 5 min. Cant breathe clear at all its like living life like a hell. If any use of medicine n spray cant last for long time.. I also cant eat chocolates n sweets. Because of sweet it gets thicker more.. So i suggest stop to eat sugary n sweet things like chocolates n all.. Keep ur head up n try to avoid the pillow it will help to breathe..n gargle with salt water.. Plz suggest if there is a permenent treatment on this.. Thnk u
    • Posted

      I think you should do meditation because it heals the body and the soul both. 

      Also do nasal breathing exercise. Give it a time because it will definitely helps you in miraculous way. 

      1/2 hours in morning and evening too. 

      In scientific terms it helps to remove toxins in your body and hormonal balance will be good. 

      Thank you..!! 

  • Posted

    Hey, I just wanted to check in with you guys, I also have a same/similar problem. I also have some science/medical background, just wanted to know if any of you guys have ever smoked or been exposed to second hand smoke. If not, have you been exposed to any pollutants?
    • Posted

      I smoked cigs for 28 years. Have not smoked since about 2004

      I am very rarely exposed to second hand smoke since that time.....

    • Posted

      I have the same exact problem first noticed it when I was working for an itt company about five six years ago. I do think breathing chemicals and leaded solder smoke has something to do with it. They used me as a test subject for working/breathing insolve can you believe it?! Lol strapped me up with this hose and told me to go down to the insolve room and just stand around down in that non ventilated room! Course I did I was stupid it was my first job and stuff. Came back and told me to go stay longer that I wasn't down there long enough and to put my face close to the insolve liquid lol I wasn't that stupid though. Next day the company banned workers from using insolve to clean electronic boards... though the previous day they told me it was perfectly safe and that I had nothing to worry about... So I'm definitely thinking pollutants is what caused this as I've never smoked in my life nor breathed second hand smoke other than the occasional inhale of some nearby smoker oh and of course all that solder smoke for 2 years sad God that company was and still is horrid. Pyott Boone Electronics yes I'm talking about you!!!!

    • Posted

      Never smoked but parents did but that was 60 years ago. 
  • Edited

    Could you guys decribe your problems more clearly! Having mucus in throat is to general, where as most people suffering from mucus in throat are living quite normal lives ! 

    My question is if you have othere complaints, both bodily and emotional/mental! Do you have any pain, stinging? How is your sleep and breathing while sleeping?  The sensation or stufiness in nose, do you have it all day long, on both sides, when you sleep or don´t sleep? The smell and taste in mouth and mucus? coughing or hawking?

    I try to figure out some commen ground here!

    • Posted

      My symptoms are as such, definitely hacking and coughing but very little mucus actually comes up I feel like it wants to but god it's just so damn thick. Sometimes I cough so hard I almost vomit it's that stubborn and refuses to go down my throat it just sits there 24/7 happily irritating me lol

      To be fair i don't drink enough liquids always been a problem of mine. I've heard adding fresh lemon juice to water and drinking this throughout the day can help. I tried it but guess I didn't do it long enough cause I saw no difference. Sleep problems? Ehh I've always been a bit of an insomniac. I sleep at all hours I have no schedule and I know it's not healthy and I should change it.

      I have no sinus pressure or runny nose or stuffyness at all just really thick mucus at the back of my throat that refuses to go down like it's supposed to. No matter how much I swallow or drink water it's still there. Whenever I eat though I don't notice it lol guess the chunks of food going down gets rid of it but it doesn't take long before I notice it again

      I've also heard gargling salt water is supposed to help though I've never gargled much it's definitely an art! Lol I will say that this along with depression is not a good combo lol you're already miserable mentally then dealing with mucus from hell it gets to you! I try to ignore it as there doesn't seem to be a cure of any kind. I'm still trying to live with it but notice whenever I laugh it seems to finally bust up enough that I can cough out a but more than usual. I actually look forward to head/chest colds ya know the nasty ones that give you some awesome green mucus lol only then can I have up a freaking ton I'm talking a mouthful of mucus. Sad that only when I'm miserable will I be free of this peaky thick mucus it just won't let me win no matter what lol it's extremely evil I tell you

    • Posted

      Hey are you a physician?

      I have the same issues as the original poster. Been having it for 11 month now. I'm also in the process of trying to figure out if my symptoms are also due to exercise induced asthma. Weezing is also s symptom of post nasal drip but I think I have both issues and hsve to wait 10 months to get in for a stress/cardio test to figure out if it is exercise induced asthma. Right now for post nasal drip I'm taking a bunch of Oregano oil, seems to help a bit. Just go into a herbal store they are more helpful than doctors. Also in the process of seeing an EMT. I'm open for suggestions! Also rules out allergies and asthma

    • Posted

      Hi, I too have these symptoms. I do sleep well at night but oh man after coffee in the morning I cough and cough and spit that stuff up. I've noticed it seems worse after having processed sugars. Like in the cookies at night. But then I don't have just 1 or 2😕. And sugar in my coffee. I set up a humidifier and an air purifier for night time. It is better, but still have the symptoms. I'm gonna try not to eat sugar, and start drinking herbal teas, immunity tea, Echinacea, Detox, Stress relief, all teas you can buy. I'm trying to grow my own tea garden here in Rocky Ford.

    • Edited

      Cut ALL sugar, alcohol and carbs for a week, you’ll be a new person. If it works, make it your daily diet.
    • Posted

      I dont eat a lot of sugar. Carbs, yes. After my last post months ago. My symptoms have subsided a bit. I dont have wheezing anymore and can actually go to gym and finish an hour work out without wheezing, so that is great progress. I went for a cardio test, said its exercised induced and gave me Symbicort. I still deep down inside think its post nasal drip, so i use a saline rinse a couple times a day and seems to help as well. 
    • Edited

      Hi-after I caught a cold this winter, and  after 6 long months of persistent coughing and postnasal drip ...after countless exams with specialists: gastro enterologist, pulmologist, ERL, blood tests, asthma tests, allergy tests, bronchoscophy, xrays and scans, sinus exams ..NOTHING I was even referred to a cardiologist for electrocardiogram..I have been examed  in and out, and NOTHING ...Needless to say I was on antibiotics, prednisone, nose rinses with pulmacort, flonase and nothing made my cough and postnasal drip go away...It was believed to be reflux at first so I had to go on IPP drugs as well.

      Finally for lack of inspiration by my ERL I was told it was irritation and inflammation due to the cold that made me cough this winter. I had a hard time believing that. 

      I read everything online and then I came upon a couple of people who had found relief. 

      Now, I normally don't write reviews, but I was SO grateful to the 2 people who posted their comments on the same problem, that I feel I should return the favor. 

      One person said that 95% of post nasal drip is caused by a fungus and NO antibiotic would cure it. 

      Another person said he caught a fungus when he was in a different country.

      Both recommended a nasal spray with grapefruit seed extract, which is inexpensive and can be bought online. Apparently, grapefruit seed extract is the only thing which can eliminate the fungus.

      After 3 days of using it, I  have no more nasal drip, and I might cough 2-3 X a day, but NEVER like before. Apparently after a couple of weeks, all should be cleared up.

      I know that if I were to tell all these doctors that cost the system so much money, and the medication that they prescribed did NOTHING for me, and all that time I wasted to get better, they would never accept the truth of what really did the job for me. 

      I don't know if I'm allowed to mention the product..it's grapefruit seed nasal spray plus,  nutribiotic, and it costs next to nothing.

      I hope this can be of some help and relief to others

       

    • Posted

      Thank you soooooooooooooooooo much for sharing this!!!!! I just bought the spray online and get it next Friday. I will use it and hopefully can find you here to report back. 
    • Posted

      Ordering the nadal spray now too!! Thank you for the tip!
    • Posted

      Hi Naddy Rose, I have very dry nose but I have gluey mucus stuck in the nasopharynex(behind my soft palate, where my nose meets my throat). I believe it’s post nasal drip, the mucus just don’t come out of my nose as snot.

      Do you think the grapefruit seed nasal spray would work in my case since I have dry nostrils? Does it dry out your nasal passage? I never have runny nose...

    • Posted

      Hi is this an American product as I can’t seem to find it in the Uk anywhere ? 
    • Posted

      Hi raven0801, If I were you, I would try it. It does NOT dry the nasal passages, not in my case. 

      I have been so happy to get back to my 'normal' self...and it's the only think that worked for me.

       

    • Posted

      Yes, it's an American product but you can easily find it if you google amazon. uk.

    • Posted

      The plus one is harder to get hold of and longer delivery to the Uk does the none plus one do the same job ? 
    • Posted

      You can get the plus one on Amazon for about 15 quid with delivery but I'm not sure on the delivery time.

    • Posted

      This is interesting bc one of the things that seems to at least temporarily cut thru the mucus for me is grapefruit juice
    • Posted

      Because of blood pressure meds, I can't drink that. 

    • Posted

      Thank you 100 times for the valuable information, if this helps me too, I will be so grateful and share with the world. This is such an annoying situation, it goes down to my chest and I have hard time breathing. I already found on Amazon, and will order it now.
    • Posted

      I too have been experiencing tightness of chest when I breathe in and out.   Certain foods triggers my symptoms.  But I have been trying everything mention in these comment section.   Matter fact, I been combining some of the things people mention here.    My symptoms are still here but it is not as bad as when it initially began.  I can live with the symptoms but of course I rather eliminate the problem totally.
    • Posted

      Yes, it takes 5 days even for Plus in US, but I got the none Plus one at the WholeFood store, till the other one comes. I don't think it will hurt trying. You might find it at your local Vitamin stores or Pharmacies.

    • Posted

      Thanks for your advise!! I am from Argentina and I’ve just ordered one to tray it. Hope this could help all of us! 
    • Posted

      I really hope it will help and that you will respond to it as favorably as I have. For me, it's been a true blessing. If you only knew the specialists I had  consulted to come to grips with this! (And I found the answer posted online too)  So If it works for you, would be great! 

    • Posted

      I take metoprolol for my blood pressure, which is a beta blocker, which does not interact with grapefruit juice. Statins as a group do tend to interact with grapefruit (usually it increases the statin's effects,thus further lowering BP). Do you know what type BP meds you're on? Ask your dr. It may be that you CAN use this product after all.

    • Posted

      Guys who already got the grapefruit seed extract nasal spray, please share your experiences with it. I ordered one but it will take a while to get delivered(I’m in Toronto).

      I really wish we all get some relief.

    • Posted

      I am going to use it anyway. It doesn't sound like it will being on it long to help. 

    • Edited

      Hi, I'm the original author of this thread. I don't want to burst any bubbles but please don't expect a naturally-formed nasal spray to be a magic blessing in resolving our symptoms...

      I did some research into this Nutribiotic spray, and it contains much of the same ingredients as many others. XLEAR is one I used previously that also has xylitol and grape seed extract, and unfortunately this caused me more issues than good... It made me feel more phlegmy in my throat (likely because of post nasal drip), but more worriedly it cause me to gradually have really bad headaches. At one point I was referred for MRI on my brain because of it!!!! It took me about a month to figure out the spray caused the headaches, and that's only because I ran out of it......

      Not intending to ruins hopes people have, but just sharing my experiences of using such nasal sprays.

      Derek

    • Posted

      I can believe, though, that many of us who had a months long cold before this started somehow grew a fungus in our noses from all that wet for so long, so I am trying that spray. 
    • Edited

      Hi Derek I do agree. Even though I ordered it just to give it a go, I still never counted on any magic spray or medication that can just make the symptoms go away. I now think there’s no such cure for the post nasal drip sensation, as many of us have done tons of tests and tried many medications with no help. It’s possible some remedies can give you a little bit relief but however each individual is different, some may benefit while some may not. It’s like a way complicated stubborn disease although it’s not cancer. Maybe the only way is to live with it and I know this is not encouraging...I’m feeling so tired and defeated and just hoping it can at least give me some break, that’s all I’m asking for now, I can’t suffer like 24/7 for 365 days...

      So it’s been years since you first posted this...is yours getting any better at all? Or maybe you’re having it like on and off?

    • Posted

      Hi Raven! I understand your suffering. I could only say that you must be strong. For me I’ ve been suffering this for almost two years 24/7 but there was some weeks or monthes that everything was better. And maybe we all  have to be strong until researchers find a cure in the future. The good part of this is that we are not alone. If you need something you can write me. 
    • Posted

      I ordered from Amazon, the NutriBiotic Nasal Spray with Grapefruit Seed Extract Plus, that will arrive Friday. But in the local store I found the regular one, NutriBiotic Nasal Spray with Grapefruit Seed Extract, not the Plus, from WholeFoods store. I didn't want to wait for 5 day, and tried that and I already feel it is working, I feel lighter, less mucus, therefore it doesn't go down to my chest. But can't speak up so early till it is completely gone. I tried so many things that, scared to speak up early. But I would try everything till I resolve this issue. I would say it is worth trying even none Plus one for start till you get the Plus.

    • Posted

      Thank you Lurcecita...I was even thinking that the beginning is always the worse, but if we let our body get used to it, the sensation will subside somehow. I feel sometimes when you desperately want to fight it, it becomes unbeatable as a reflex...so maybe we should all just f**k it.

      However it’s nice to try stuffs that might help and share with everyone, since doctors can’t do anything besides following the benchmark and tell you “everything looks fine”.

    • Posted

      I’m glad you find some help with it already. Mine will arrive tomorrow. Does it dry out your nose at all? This is my biggest concern for all nasal sprays.
    • Posted

      I was dry at night, but during the day it is ok. This is what I did. I cleared my mucus by sniffing in some water in the morning, then used the spray. Currently, it is not dry, it is actually making your mucus less sticky and easy to remove if it comes down your throat. But comparably, less then two days ago. I don't want to speak too soon, but seems like it is working.

    • Posted

      Hi raven0801, yes I understand fully and wish you all the best with any remedy you try.

      It has been a long time since I posted the initial message. I have actually updated my situation/post multiple updates throughout here, but you'll have to dig through everything carefully as there are literally hundreds and hundreds of responses...

      Ultimately, I am still suffering 24*7 apart from when laying down and asleep. I used warm salt water nasal douching with a tiny bit of ACV everyday, it helps for an hour or 2. I use oral decongestants on weekends when/if I want to have fun with friends and forget about things. I found relief with NAC 600mg capsules once per day, after taking for about 5 days, it was amazing. BUT, I developed prostate and lower abdomen pains from it, very weird, so I had to stop. Finally, Gelomyrtol 300mg capsules work too sometimes, like a eucalyptus oil to break up mucus. Both of the latter pills are completely natural, I would definitely recommend anyone try them (separately) t least.

      Thanks,

      Derek

    • Posted

      Hi dereckjp 

      With your nasal flushing do you use just salt or but nielmed sinus rinse sachets ? 

      What oral decongestant do you use ? And why can’t this be taken all the time ? The nac capsules is it worth me trying them how big was the relief ?  Sounds like you have tried most things I’m at at my wits end with this now I’ve had it for 5 years.

    • Posted

      Hi derekjp

      In your comment you mentioned “grape seed extract” ...

      There is NO grape seed extract in the nutribiotic nasal spray 

      Grapefruit seed in totally different 

      I have no personal gain in praising this product except to say it freed me after 6 long months of persistent coughing and postnasal drip with NO side effects compared to the antibiotics and drugs I had been prescribed by various doctors 

      It may not work for everyone but the advantages make it  are worth trying.

    • Posted

      Naddy -- I looked up Nutribiotic nasal sprays on Amazon and iHerb. There is the "basic one" which contains grape seed extract, and then there is a "plus" one which also contains grape seed extract. The plus one also contains some added ingredients such as peppermint.

      Not sure what other product you're referring to....

    • Posted

      Posting again since my other comment needs moderated since I think I mentioned too many brands...

      Naddy -- both Nutribiotic sprays contain grapefruit see EXTRACT. It's clearly labelled on the on ingredients in small print. Basic and plus bottle...

      As I said before (clearly), I'm not putting anyone off buying it and I have no idea if you're attempting to sell a particular product or not, all I'm explaining is my own experience with these supposedly natural nasal sprays. They caused me more harm than good, and there are surprisingly a lot of them available, all different brands, all containing a mixture of very similar ingredients.

      Nevertheless, wishing anyone good luck who decides to give it a go, definitely no harm on trying for a couple of weeks.

    • Posted

      Hi Derek I googled the XLEAR before but have not yet bought it. I checked the ingredients it is pretty similar to the nitribiotic spray. Sorry to hear that it didn’t work for you. Does it DRY OUT your nose at all? I have very dry nasal passages so I’m afraid of anything that makes it even drier which may cause the mucus to be more gluey.
    • Posted

      Thank you Naddy Rose, mine came today, i ordered both but the none plus one is going to take a little longer. I only put 3 sprays up each nostril this morning and within an hour i could feel the difference.

      Not counting my chickens or getting to excited just yet but so far so good.

      I was wondering if anybody new if you can use this long term ?

       

    • Posted

      Raven,

      Nazal spray worked for me. I barely have mucus, but still continue to use till I get rid of it completely. I have huge improvement.

      I have to say thay I have been taking 11 strain probiotic at a high dose, 4 scoop powder and also oragano oil, 8 drops a day. Sometimes I also use sailine water to crear the mucus before using the Nasal spray. Once I feel back to myself, I will let you know.

      I think you should try this, better than any medication. At the beginning I felt dryness towards the morning when I wake up, but latter it gets better. I have been using both sprays, regular one and plus one. Both work.

    • Posted

      Good  to hear  perry37168 ! 

      in my case, after 2 weeks I completely eliminated coughing and have only a slight trace of nasal drip but only  occasionally.  I firmly believe that it's not a profitable product for Pharma so it has remained in the shadows like  a lot of natural products that should be offered to patients. 

       

    • Posted

      Do u know if it’s safe to use long term ? As I have noticed when I stop using it symptoms start to creep back 
    • Posted

      I did but in my case I don’t see much difference...still have gluey mucus stuck at my nasopharynx. Maybe that’s because dry nose is the cause of my problem.
    • Posted

      I’m glad it helped Jasmin. However, I don’t feel much difference so far...gluey mucus is still stuck at my nasopharynx. Like I said maybe dryness of nose is causing my issue. For those who find it works, I guess you don’t have dry nose as I do, but instead you may either have excessive mucus or runny nose, so the spray kind of reduces the amount of secretion. But for me, I don’t seem to have a huge amount of mucus, it’s the thickness of the mucus makes it hard to go down. This product didn’t seem to add any moist to my nasal passages sad
    • Posted

      Hmmm, in my case it was thick and sticky, but that spray thins, and I only have mucus in the mornings. Not as much, but I do have dry mouth in the mornings. I have glass of water that I sip in at nights.
    • Posted

      I have to say that, I sometime overdosed myself with the Nasal Spray and Throat spray to kill fungus as soon as possible. Hoping I won't have to use the spray anymore after some time. Crossing my fingers for good results.

    • Posted

      Mine is thick and sticky too, and I also have dry throat and dry mouth in the morning, which makes the mucus more sticky.

      How do you tell if it’s fungus? Do you have to get a test or anything?

    • Posted

      Hi Naddy,

      Sorry to bother you with this again, but I wanted to get some more information from you. I have been using that Nasal Spray you suggested for 3 weeks now, it did make my mucus less, but not going away. Some days I have more some days I almost have nothing. I also saw some black spots in my mucus when I spit it out. Have you had anything like that? 

      Did you do anything besides the spray? How often you used the spray, I use it more than advised dosage. Did you keep some kind of diet? Did you cough? Was your chest congested?

      I am trying to see if anything in your process is different than mine.

      Regards

       

    • Posted

      I also have all different colors in my mucus , it’s green , white and brown always been the same. Doctor told me that the antibodies that automatically thin the mucus down are broken and that’s why it’s sticks in the back of my throat 
    • Posted

      Anyone else order this and use it with horrible effects? I have tried it on 3 separate occasions and when I do it triggers a complete attack. The mucus just runs and runs and runs. Like 10 times worse than normal. I cannot stop hacking it up and spitting out. So strange. So again, still no answers. 

      Mine gets really bad about an hour after I wake up. As soon as I sit down in my car, BAM!, I am clearing my throat and hacking the entire 30 min drive to work. When I stand up it gets better. WTH is this!? Been to ENT, Allergist, and Gastro with NO solution or change. I am exhausted! 

    • Posted

      Hi Derek,

      I've just recently been experiencing very similar symptoms that came on unexpectedly. I've been to see an ENT who was clueless and didn't seem to want to help. I had started to take the NAC at the direction of a naturopathic doctor but had to stop so I could try a PPI medication to rule out reflux. It's not reflux. I did notice that when I took the NAC that if I took too much it bothered my stomach. I see you were taking 900mg can I suggest you try a 500mg capsule and be sure to take it with a meal twice a day this may alleviate some of the symptoms you were having with that. Just a suggestion not sure of it will make any difference. I will be going back on the NAC once the PPI medication is finished. My naturopathic doctor also suggested stinging nettle tea (I havent tried this yet, I'm a little frightened by the name) A few other things I've tried that seem to help are: Avamys nasal spray, gargling with warm salt water, Ricola lozengers, throat massage (you can do this yourself), fresh chopped organic ginger in a cup of boiled water with honey, black licorice tea, 1000mg Vit C daily, and breathing in steam. I still have the mucus but these things help some of the symptoms. What I find odd is that there are days I have no mucus and everything feels normal and then days like today where it's very bad.I will keep researching and keep everyone here informed of anything that helps.

      Tina

    • Posted

      OMG!!, thank you sooooooo much for sharing this!, I bought the spray (I couldn't find it on Amazon canada so I bought it through some other websites. I tried it and I felt an immidiate relief, and the mucus from my post nasal drip was reduced at least 80% that day! I had this for almost a year and half and I was desperate to find a cure! This is my third day of using and I start to have boogies in my nose (which is good, because during this year I don't have any and I think they all ran to the back..) This is saving my life! Thank you so much, and I am very very much appreciated!

    • Posted

      Yes, it did the same for me. It irritates and triggers my drip

    • Posted

      Hi,

      I am going to try this. Hope it helps...and if it does, Thank You!

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