HELP, I cough up Phlegm all day

[Bruno]

I have been to a couple of ENT and they seem to not really care about all the phlegm i cough up and put me on a nasal rinse. I am 70 in not great health they say i have CHF, copd and got a new heart valve and double bypass 3 yrs ago and never smoked. One person told me a MucoStop and maybe help with the cough. Its not bad at night but first thing i get out of bed it starts and also when eating have to cough up phlegm with food. Seems my morning coffee helps clear my throat. I have about reached my limits and dont know where to go and since there are a LOT of EXPERTS i am praying someone can push me in the right direction. Thanks for any suggestions on this....Bruno

 

[TheWizard]

I would deal with medical professionals in your situation...

 

[pb4uski]

I have a similar thing but not near as extreme as what you describe. Fairly frequent phelem, particularly in the morning.

In the past my PCP has put me on Benzonatate (prescription) and that seems to help some. I'm currently taking 200mg at morning and night.

 

[ShokWaveRider]

Heck .... Go see a doctor Already!!!!!!!!

 

[Mark1]

It sounds like the phlegm is related to your CHF. I guess I would seek professional medical advise, but tell them when you set up the appointment that your interested in treating your phlegm for quality of life reasons. I would probably threaten them with taking Guaifensin or Benzonatate (PB4uski suggestion), and when they freak out and say "No don't do that", then tell them "Then give me something for some relief!!!".

 

[Aerides]

Heck .... Go see a doctor Already!!!!!!!!

He says he's seen a couple of ENTs - Earn Nose and Throat Doctors...

OP I'd go to your cardiologist and ask for a referral to someone best equipped to handle your issue. It might be ENT related, or something further in your digestive system. Keep pushing docs for a diagnosis.

 

[Bruno]

He says he's seen a couple of ENTs - Earn Nose and Throat Doctors...

OP I'd go to your cardiologist and ask for a referral to someone best equipped to handle your issue. It might be ENT related, or something further in your digestive system. Keep pushing docs for a diagnosis.

YES been to 2 ENT and I have also a RX for Tessalon perles but dont seem to help. Mark1 should i not be taking that? I live on OK and we dont have the BEST around. My cardioligst is so good he dont even have to listen to my heart during visits but he makes sure do my pacemaker checks so he gets that payment. When they busted open my chest they cut a nerve that goes to my right vocal cord. 2 yr later they took out my gall bladder that was going to be easy pease and ended up being a gang greene and 9 inch scar. This has been the retirement i always wanted. I DO appriciate all the input and will check with DR Google to see if I can find a better ENT-Otolaryngologist in the area.

 

[W2R]

Until you can see a doctor, here are a couple of suggestions:

1) Try drinking a lot of water to help break up the phlegm.

2) Also you could try sleeping at a tilt (as in a recliner) instead of completely prone. For me this lessens the chance of awakening due to coughing violently and being unable to breathe easily.

Good luck! I have the same problem, although to a far lesser extent. So, I'm interested in this thread. So far, for me the problem is not bad enough to mention to my doctor. I still need to try some Mucinex one of these days.

 

[pacergal]

Perhaps a referral to an
- allergist(unknown allergies causing cough/rhinitis),
-pulmonologist(may be related to COPD/lung issue), or
-gastroenterologist(possible GERD, causing gastric reflex and cough)?

Are you on lisinopril or a medication in that drug family? Sometimes it causes coughing, usually a dry cough, though.

Things to try: (best to discuss with your PCP or their advice nurse)
sleep with your head elevated, use a cool mist humidifier, try Afrin nasal spray for a few nights (no more than 3-4), continue with the nasal rinses or saline nose drops/spray.

 

[Koolau]

YES been to 2 ENT and I have also a RX for Tessalon perles but dont seem to help. Mark1 should i not be taking that? I live on OK and we dont have the BEST around. My cardioligst is so good he dont even have to listen to my heart during visits but he makes sure do my pacemaker checks so he gets that payment. When they busted open my chest they cut a nerve that goes to my right vocal cord. 2 yr later they took out my gall bladder that was going to be easy pease and ended up being a gang greene and 9 inch scar. This has been the retirement i always wanted. I DO appriciate all the input and will check with DR Google to see if I can find a better ENT-Otolaryngologist in the area.

Where do you live to get such "good" health care, Bruno?? I want to move there.


Seriously, consider a "vacation" to Mayo or similar clinic.

 

[target2019]

What doesn't come up, must flow down.

So many problems, you'd want to keep looking for a specialist who can help you out.

 

[Amethyst]

I would see a Gastroenterologist to check for LPR (Google it - it means stomach acid coming up into your throat and sinuses, causing irritation, which in turn produces mucus and phlegm).

LPR is a very common condition as we age. Medication can help. So can diet and lifestyle changes, although most people don't like those

 

[old medic]

. It might be ENT related, or something further in your digestive system. Keep pushing docs for a diagnosis.

The problem with specialist, Is thats all they do. Finding a good general practitioner can be a PITA, but well worth the effort. Have you ever noticed the phlegm having a pink tinge to it? This would heavily lean towards the CHF and a Cardiologist. Do you get short of breath, and coughing up the phlegm makes it better could indicate its from COPD, and a pulmonologist. You mentioned food mixed in while eating, A gastroenterologist may check for strictures in the Esophagus. Good luck.

 

[Bruno]

THANK YOU ALL for your input. I am on CPAP and increase the humidifier last night. Its mostly clear with No pink tinge to phlegm so have to think more COPD problem. I walk some and will cause me to also cough up some. Thanks Amethyst will check with Dr google on LPR for sure. For sure the one vocal cord always being open causes problems when eating. They did a procedure to insert a silicon block to close the vocal cord but did NOT really work.

 

[The Cosmic Avenger]

Well, CHF usually causes fluid to build up in the lungs, and many patients with CHF are given diuretics for this reason. That's something to discuss with a cardiologist, although if you're not having trouble catching your breath or prone to pneumonia, and the fluid is just annoying, they might not want to put you on a diuretic.

 

[Bruno]

Well, CHF usually causes fluid to build up in the lungs, and many patients with CHF are given diuretics for this reason. That's something to discuss with a cardiologist, although if you're not having trouble catching your breath or prone to pneumonia, and the fluid is just annoying, they might not want to put you on a diuretic.

Thanks, Yes I have had to have the fluid drained around my right lung twice a couple years ago. I also take 2X diuretics M-W-F. I am a little short of breath walking but not much trouble with swelling on ankles. Seems my price of getting old.

 

[calmloki]

hmm. 73 and COPD and CHF here. Tall, skinny, pectus excavatum, mitral valve prolapse, AFIB, yada yada yada. Thick clinging phlegm, worst in the morning. After a course of antibiotics that cleared some lung/inflammation problems the pulmonologist put me on Prednisone, which helped my mood a bunch, as well as my unhappy shoulder. May have helped my breathing as well, but mainly it picked me up and made me more eager to do stuff like walking or projects. Still run out of air real fast, but better. I've also started taking "Lung Cleanse" a "natural lung detox". Has ginger, green tea extract, licorice - maybe that's doing something.

Suspect we may be paying the price for not getting hit by a bus in our 50's...
Like prostrate cancer - live long enough you are almost sure to get it..

 

[donheff]

I was saved from a similar problem with an old maid's remedy. of all things. I had irritating phlegm or something in my throat all the time. I was constantly clearing my throat and driving DW and friends nuts. I saw GPs and ENTs to no avail. Most of them though it was postnasal drip from allergies but none of the pills or inhalants did much. The ENT showed me how my vocal cords were getting degraded and cautioned me that I really need to stop clearing my throat. Thanks a lot - as if you can just ignore an irritating bolus of crap in your throat.

Finally, in some obscure corner of the interwebs, I discovered references to Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar 'With the Mother.' When I googled that I discovered a vast cult of fans. It would allegedly cure virtually anything but, to the point, lots of the saved had my problem. What the hell, why not. Within days, my problem was solved. No more phlegm, no more throat clearing. That was about 15 years ago.

The formula is simple, take a tablespoon or so daily. Most people mix it with water or juice. I just take a sip from the bottle, hold it in my mouth behind my teeth until I can bring a glass of water up and then slam it down. According to all the reports, it is essential that you use vinegar with "the mother," which is some sort of cloudy residue from the yeast that turned the juice to vinegar. I also discovered just this year that you should refrigerate the stuff after opening. For years, I left it out on the counter like any old vinegar, but it gradually gets stale tasting. I didn't pay much attention since all I ever did was slam a tablespoon down. No salad dressings or marinades. When I read that it should be refrigerated (and low and behold, it is right on the bottle) I discovered that it retains a much nicer fruity taste. The effectiveness was unaffected by my lack of refrigeration. I have stopped taking it briefly while on vacation or when I run out and everything is fine for a while but eventually the phlegm returns.

This stuff really is a miracle cure, or has a powerful placebo effect, I don't much care. It works for me. Try it, you will like it. And you readers without phlegm problems should google it too. It solves all sorts of obscure stuff, maybe it's the universal placebo.

 

[EastWest Gal]

"They say you have CHF, COPD..." The way you phrased that suggests that you haven't had definitive studies regarding the COPD. Have you ever seen a pulmonologist or had pulmonary function studies done? If you haven't, I'd be starting there. Other things, such as gastroesophageal reflux can cause a chronic cough, but it would likely affect you at night. As a physician I can think of other things to explore based on a medical history and more pointed questions. You need a primary care physician or a specialist that can take the time to figure it out. Consider looking into a pulmonologist affiliated with a training program. They often take more time and reconsider everything.

Too many of us physicians take too little time with their patients and don't review medical histories enough.

While trying to figure out how to respond to you, I found this interesting article:

https://www.nih.gov/news-events/new...on-smokers-get-copd-some-heavy-smokers-do-not

Regarding the apple cider vinegar trial, it won't hurt anything except teeth; straight vinegar on a regular basis is not especially good for the teeth, which is why diluting it is recommended.

 

[donheff]

Regarding the apple cider vinegar trial, it won't hurt anything except teeth; straight vinegar on a regular basis is not especially good for the teeth, which is why diluting it is recommended.

Aha, I can't pass up the opportunity for a free medical consultation. I am aware that I can't leave vinegar in contact with my teeth because the acid can damage enamel. But I also assumed that holding a tablespoon in my mouth for a second, then slamming it down with a glass of water and rinsing my mouth out would be sufficient to avoid damage. I worried that I would be more likely to damage my teeth by drinking diluted solution and failing to rinse, like most of us do with sodas. Do you think, rinsing is sufficient or is dilution essential?

 

[RetiredHappy]

You need to set up an appointment with a pulmonologist and gastroenterologist. ENT is not the correct specialist for long term phlegm issue.

I have/had a similar problem with dry cough. My throat gets itchy at a right spot all of a sudden several times a day and night. I have bouts of these for a year or two at a time and then it goes away for 5 to 10 years and it would come back. When it is back, whenever I lie my side to sleep, my throat itches right away. I have seen ENT, gastroenterologist, allergist and immunologist and pulmonologist. All of these people see me whenever I get my dry cough bouts.

Anyway, in my case, while I don't have GERD (acid reflux), I have bile reflux at night because of a non-functioning gallbladder. Protonix had been worthless when I took it for about 3-4 years, and more recently again when the cough came back. For years, I told the doctors that Pepcid works better and they insisted that it is not as effective as Protonix. Finally this year (my cough came back in May and I may have almost nailed it this time), I discussed with my gastroenterologist about Pepcid being more effective and he concurred that Pepcid works better for bile reflux.

Because my cough is most likely a result of underlying bile reflux issue, I avoid oily food after noon time and finish my dinner no later than 5pm.

When I cough came back in May, I have since been put on steroids (Methylprednisolone), a drug to relax my lungs, another another one for the throat, and these drugs didn't fix anything. In the end, I bought Delsym (for dry cough) and I have since gone through 4.5 large bottles. These gave me temporary relief and helped my irritated cough recover. Right now I no longer take cough syrup and take 1 Pepcid (max strength) per day before my dinner. My cough is 95% gone.

 

[pacergal]

The Braggs apple cider vinegar with "the mother" has probiotic properties. It works well on GERD/acid reflex, which may cause throat irritation/cough.
I also use it in tea when I have cold.

 

[Bruno]

Thanks Donheff glad to here another person with my problem. Went and got the Braggs vinegar and like you took a sip from bottle chased it with water and was NOT as bad as I was thinking. Been 5 minutes and no phlegm ...

I was saved from a similar problem with an old maid's remedy. of all things. I had irritating phlegm or something in my throat all the time. I was constantly clearing my throat and driving DW and friends nuts. I saw GPs and ENTs to no avail. Most of them though it was postnasal drip from allergies but none of the pills or inhalants did much. The ENT showed me how my vocal cords were getting degraded and cautioned me that I really need to stop clearing my throat. Thanks a lot - as if you can just ignore an irritating bolus of crap in your throat.

Finally, in some obscure corner of the interwebs, I discovered references to Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar 'With the Mother.' When I googled that I discovered a vast cult of fans. It would allegedly cure virtually anything but, to the point, lots of the saved had my problem. What the hell, why not. Within days, my problem was solved. No more phlegm, no more throat clearing. That was about 15 years ago.

The formula is simple, take a tablespoon or so daily. Most people mix it with water or juice. I just take a sip from the bottle, hold it in my mouth behind my teeth until I can bring a glass of water up and then slam it down. According to all the reports, it is essential that you use vinegar with "the mother," which is some sort of cloudy residue from the yeast that turned the juice to vinegar. I also discovered just this year that you should refrigerate the stuff after opening. For years, I left it out on the counter like any old vinegar, but it gradually gets stale tasting. I didn't pay much attention since all I ever did was slam a tablespoon down. No salad dressings or marinades. When I read that it should be refrigerated (and low and behold, it is right on the bottle) I discovered that it retains a much nicer fruity taste. The effectiveness was unaffected by my lack of refrigeration. I have stopped taking it briefly while on vacation or when I run out and everything is fine for a while but eventually the phlegm returns.

This stuff really is a miracle cure, or has a powerful placebo effect, I don't much care. It works for me. Try it, you will like it. And you readers without phlegm problems should google it too. It solves all sorts of obscure stuff, maybe it's the universal placebo.

 

[Jenna]

I have been to a couple of ENT and they seem to not really care about all the phlegm i cough up and put me on a nasal rinse. I am 70 in not great health they say i have CHF, copd and got a new heart valve and double bypass 3 yrs ago and never smoked. One person told me a MucoStop and maybe help with the cough. Its not bad at night but first thing i get out of bed it starts and also when eating have to cough up phlegm with food. Seems my morning coffee helps clear my throat. I have about reached my limits and dont know where to go and since there are a LOT of EXPERTS i am praying someone can push me in the right direction. Thanks for any suggestions on this....Bruno

When I cut out seed oils (soybeen, canola, sesame, etc) the phlegm thing stopped. I now use only butter and ghee. And occasionally olive oil.

 

[HGTVFanatic]

Heck .... Go see a doctor Already!!!!!!!!

Did you not read the first line??