Excess phlegm and consantly clearing throat

by Joan
(NYC)

I have so much excess phlegm in my throat that I am constantly clearing it (loudly). I'm embarrassed as well as the people I have to work with. I've tried everything (Mucinex, Zyrtec, my doctor even told me to try acid reducer). He even gave me a prescription for Flonase in case it was a post nasal drip). Nothing seems to help. I'm wondering if I suddenly could have come up with some kind of allergy to food. It seems to be worse right after I eat. Could this be a symptom of celiac disease?

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starstarstarstarstar 		Grains in general
by: Anonymous

I also have this issue, since about 10+ years ago. I did gluten sensitivity test many time and food sensitivity blood and muscle tests in general, too, but aside from household dust, no allergies were established.

BUT, the cough, sometimes so violent that I would vomit, persisted, along with the mucous that sometimes would choke me and I would need to leave the room while hacking, clearing my throat and nose.

I finally had the time to do the elimination diet bc. of the shutdown, and for me it turned out it is clearly GRAINS that are giving me problems. I just had a gluten free cracker from the health food store (7.99$ per tiny package), wanting to have some guacamole support:) and the mucous and cough started. My sinuses are tense as we speak.

I think with this thing, we need to be our own detectives. Food allergies are serious and lead to CIR (chronic inflammatory response = autoimmune disorders). Bless you all and stay well.
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starstarstarstarstar 		throat clearing
by: meg

Wish I had found this page years ago. I had pneumonia every winter from about age 20 (even hospitalized) and no doc could ever tell me why. I've been diagnosed with asthma, bronchiectasis and been told "some people are just like that." Then the constant throat clearing and coughing up phlegm started. This led to diagnosis of GERD and scripts for PPI and recommendations for bland food. All did nada. Then on the strength of an internet posting I decided to stop eating grains. Within 2 weeks a lifetime of sinus, lung, and coughing symptoms disappeared. Its been 5 years now and as long as stay gluten free the symptoms do not come back.
It never hurts to try diet changes - which cannot be said for trying medications.
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starstarstarstarstar 		excess phlegm
by: sham

Well I had same problem, its just started some two years ago but wasnt too much serious until recently. I was coughing, wheezing, and found it hard to breathe. So I went to hospital in an emergency state. I had everything checked, including my breathing problems, but all were ok.

I really didn't know what what was the problem. Usually I always have too much acid in my stomach, so I started to avoid spicy food and especially lemon. I felt I got little relieve. Then I thought maybe its food problem so then I started to avoid sugary foods to see what would happen. It went well.

I was so surprised, but I still had a little mucus again, so I thought to avoid wheat products and dairy, but I was left nothing to eat so I decided to keep dairy products.

To my surprise the whole problem was solved! It has been almost 3 months and am doing good.

It will depend on your body so I only take dairy, proteins, corns and vegetables. I also avoid cold food and drinks. You can try this method. First avoid cold foods and drinks, as well as sugar, and then wheat and dairy. Maybe you will be ok with one because it depends on your body,

Lastly, when you go to sleep and then wakeup, splash warm water on your face. I hope it will work for you. It takes like a week to feel relieved.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Thank You
by: Diane

Thank you all for your comments. I thought I was the only person in the world who had this problem of excess mucous creating a "can't stop cough" a few times a day. It would take me up to 5 min to cough it out. I've been to several doctors, chest xrays, allergy tests, camera up my nose and down my throat to be told it must be something I'm eating. This has been going on for the last 10 years or more. I've tried the nasal sprays, mucinex etc. I spent the last few months testing foods. I've gone gluten free plus no dairy or sugar and all symptoms are gone. Just one piece of candy or breading on a piece of fish or a piece of cheese and the phlem and cough are back. I'm so happy, I no longer have to worry about going to a wedding or a funeral afraid that I will have a coughing attack.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Excess phlegm and consantly clearing throat
by: DK

Hi all, I am 70 yrs old male. For the last ten years I started to cough after eating my meals and always had the urge to clear my throat. I have/had days when I had no cough but then it comes back. I have been eating wheat bread in all my meals. After reading comments on this site, I started to ask myself if Gluten is cause for my cough and phlegm. For last one year I have been taking homeopathy medicine. At times I feel some improvement but then there are days where I have a set back and I feel that my cough/phlegm is back. As of yesterday,5/26/2020 I started a gluten free diet.
Generally, how long does it take to see the improvment. Can anyone comment? This is great site. I wish that I had found this years ago.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Phlegm in throat
by: Kathy

I have had phlegm in my throat for years, people can find me in a store because they hear me clearing my throat. I have had tests, I even had a celiac test, I had ultrasounds, and I still have this. Upon reading this site, I think I could still be gluten intolerant and I am going to try it. With Corona Virus, I have been eating so much gluten, right now I cannot talk without clearing my throat. It's worth a try, and I'll save a lot of money on doctors and tests if this is what it is.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Carol Leather / The Gluten Free Chef website
by: Anne

Just a quick note... I contacted Carol Leather this morning and she was so sweet and helpful. I am very grateful for all the work that she has done/shared with us. It's been so nice to see that other people are dealing with the same issues I have (chronic cough, excess phlegm, and sinus problems). I've researched my issues for years and this is the first site that has made me feel better - I am not alone. Thank you, Carol!
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starstarstarstarstar 		Chronic Cough for Nine Years
by: Anne

Yes, I too have had the same awful issues many of you have. For the last nine years I have tried to figure out why I cough (and produce excess phlegm).

I have gone to my primary care doctor who sent me to many other doctors. I've done lung tests, sinus and chest scans, allergy testing, an endoscopy, saw an herbalist and an acupuncturist, speech therapist (they said I may have a cough tick), a pulmonary specialist - to no avail! Also, I was tested for sleep apnea - nope! No issues there.

I've tried a lot of reflux medications, Mucinex, inhalers, medications for depression (that were supposed to take an edge off the nerves), mouth strips, nose drops, hot water with honey and lemon. Again, NOTHING has worked.

Each day I have anywhere from one to five huge coughing fits that go for ~ 30-60 minutes. Bouts of hell clearing my throat and coughing.

I seem to cough after eating, in the morning when I walk, in my husband's car, after laughing, sometimes right when I go to bed at night, when I am sitting at my desk, while watching tv, etc.

I am so glad to find this post, reading that there are MANY other people who have a lot of the same things I do. Unfortunately, NOTHING has helped.

After reading this post I listened to a book called The Wheat Belly and I am going to try to cut out gluten (wheat, rye, barley mainly) and I bought a mattress wedge on Amazon that is 7" at the thickest part that goes under the mattress and that seems to help a little with the morning cough. My snoring has subsided too (which my husband is ecstatic about). Only on day three.

I am so sorry that you have these issues too! It's maddening that no one has been able to help.

One doctor said it's brought upon by stress. Hmmm... not sure what to do about that. We all experience different types of stress each day (work, traffic, money, etc).

Anyway, I'll keep trying various items and advise if I come up with a solution that may help you as well. 2020 is the year that I am going to figure this out.

Here's to good health in the New Year!
Anne
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starstarstarstarstar 		Thank you all
by: Photo LYZ

I have been like this with this phlegm in my throat for probably a good year if not more. It’s been worse. At times it’s been better and I have a diagnosis of Gerd as well so that could’ve attributed to some.

After I found this website the other day I went off of all gluten today is the first time and I don’t know how long, I can’t even think, I’ve been completely mucus free the coughing has stopped and I am completely thrilled!

Also, I am taking Pepcid -But I’m thinking being off of gluten completely is really doing the trick.
With this be a gluten sensitivity? Or possibly an allergy? If I had this kind of results with stopping gluten completely.
Thanks again and let me know what you all think.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Wow just wow
by: Photo_Ltz

I swear I thought I was crazy. I’ve had this phlegm thing for months now - back of my throat and lower and some days I’m just gagging up this thick clear Mucus. It was killing me thinking I’d have to go through life like this.

This page is a godsend.

I def can feel I ha e some kind of reflux going on. I’m on Pepcid- and though maybe it was silent reflux. But I’m giving up dairy and gluten and sugar caffeine. I did it before for my health - in keto and paleo
If this works I will be the happiest woman on earth.

Thank you for this page and I am glad I am not alone in this or crazy!
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starstarstarstarstar 		Narrowing of throat?
by: Hannah C.

Anyone have stridor (hearing sounds come from your windpipe) when they breathe? I have had it for a while, it is worse if I indulge in basically anything starchy. Anything high in sugar, too - it doesn't matter if I do or don't eat dairy. I am going to an ENT in a couple days because nothing my GP prescribed has helped me so far - prednisone, nasal sprays, and I refuse to take anti biotics for something of an unknown cause. I do have morning voice that lasts half the day, I'd like to know what's really going on.
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starstarstarstarstar 		No more phlegm in the morning
by: Stefanos

Hi all, male 34 yrs old here. For years I've had to clear phlegm from my throat first thing in the morning. My nasal passages were also constantly inflamed all year round without any sign of a cold or any other ailment. Doctors couldn't give me any answer about what was happening. Few months ago I went on a keto diet and I eliminated all wheat products from my diet. And guess what. My nasal passages are far less inflamed and I don't have any phlegm sitting on my throat when I wake up. Have tested for allergies several times before but nothing came up. I'm convinced it's the wheat because I went on vacation recently where I had some bread and when I woke up, the old devilish phlegm was back. Not on a keyo any more but I stay clear from anything related to wheat and I'm finally cured.
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starstarstarstarstar 		OMG my light just went on
by: NG

I have been a profound throat clearer for years (but only sometimes) to the point that my co-worker rudely confronted me the other day demanding, "WHY DO YOU CONSTANTLY CLEAR YOUR THROAT? I THINK IT'S JUST A NERVOUS HABIT!". Yeah that went over like a lead brick and I let her have it. But I only have this issue sometimes, usually just after I've eaten something. Today, I just had an afternoon snack of a rather large slice of fluffy wheat bread from Trader Joe's (with butter, but nothing else). My throat went nuts and my light went on. A friend told me just yesterday about his sudden gluten intolerance and how it was making him very sick, so the potential issue was fresh in my mind. I am going to keep a journal to see whether I've had gluten when I do have these episodes. Since I'm not a huge gluten consumer so if this is the culprit, it should be easy to fix (I'll report back).
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starstarstarstarstar 		symptom returned
by: Anonymous

I have gluten free for over a year. Going GF has totally cleared up my excess mucus problem, until a few weeks ago. I have suddenly started to clear my throat constantly again even tho I am scrupulous in maintaining my GF diet. Anyone else have this happen?
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starstarstarstarstar 		Excess mucus
by: Anonymous

I've been drowning in mucus. It's irritating my asthma,and Zyrtec, Flonase, inhalers, Mucinex,have been useless. I went to a health food store two days ago, and the knowledgeable owner told me to lay off dairy,cheeses, grains. I am dumbfounded by how much better I am!
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starstarstarstarstar 		No longer clearing my throat
by: Anonymous

Well I gave up grains.After about a week or so I noticed I wasn’t clearing my throat anymore. I remembered going to a doctor years ago to find out what was wrong with my throat and he told me it was an allergy. I thought he was crazy because it didn’t make sense to me.
To my surprise and delight it’s the grains! I’m so happy now plus the belly fat that was making me so unhappy started disappearing quickly. I’m a petite person so it would take me a month to drop 5 pounds cutting back on food. Now I’m experiencing belly fat loss quickly. Plus not clearing my embarrassing throat. I ate some fresh corn and oops made me cough again.
I’m so very happy I want to tell everyone!
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starstarstarstarstar 		Yes!!
by: Anonymous

I’ve had exactly the same experience.
Now I’ve stopped eating wheat and symptoms are gone!!
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starstarstarstarstar 		How to find out what is causing sinus issues
by: Anonymous

Become proactive in your health that is the key to getting well it is that simple. Taking medicine to comfort the body is fine, but not to mask the symptoms for eternity is not a good idea . The excess mucus scenario was making me crazy I got serious hired a alternative medicine doctor ..a naturopathic doctor I asked him to tell me why sinus excess mucus this was happening to me?
Plan of action was to keep a daily diary, start writing down everything I ate, touch or smell, I even recorded places I would go.
Write what I did and how I felt .
Stopped all dairy , gluten, sugar that was easy since I was a vegetarian that was gluten free.
Removed my indoor Shamrock plant put it on the deck for a few months . Went to two dentist had them check for a dental infections Considered dental cavitation expert but that was my last resort
Hired an industrial hygienist to
check for mold, radon etc..
Pets need to have the pet zone, and the bedroom should be the safe zone .We got an organic cotton bed, with organic cotton pillows, I have read that memory foam can causes sinus issues
A friend was sick for years with sinus issues coughing up mucus she stopped dairy , sugar and went away to college in Texas much warmer than where she lived before All allergies stopped .She was away from her families cats and that was big part of her issue was the cat dander. My sinus issue is cured I'm allergic to dairy and certain food additives.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Sinus issues doctor might not look at
by: Grace

The standard ENT approach has never helped me.I believe sinus issue is an allergy issue, because babies are not born with sinus issues. I wanted to understand why my sinus were swollen and irritated what was causing mucus Went to a top Naturopathic. I was a gluten and dairy free except I was still taking a lactose free kefir. At a party I ate a 2 pieces of cheese pizza . Dairy and gluten cross react. I was up all night coughing up tons of thick mucus. I swore I will never ever give in pizza I I also stopped the lactose free kefir and got on probiotics. The ND told us to make our bedroom the safe room we have hardwood floors in our house I vacuumed the entire house even the walls. we got an IQ AIR for the bedroom and my cat got her bed moved into the dining room by the heater which she loves All bedding washed in hot with borax detergent 1/2 vinegar. Cat was not to go into the bedroom. We had an industrial hygienist check the air for mold spores we had them we had them do a infra red thing that looks for moisture inside the wall we had an issue behind the wall in the shower. Had these expert mold workers fix the problem. I now have no more mucous or sinus infections , headaches or dry itchy eyes Cured. I think the investigative approach is the best it helps you find the cause.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Wheat bran is root cause for some people
by: Anonymous

Based on this posts , there are many possible contributions to clearing throat because of thick mucus draining back to the throat and causing you to gag. I have isolated mine to wheat bran. White bread is ok for me. Wheat bread is not. Same additives so addittives are not a problem for me.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Thank you everyone..
by: Anonymous

Wow... I have had this same problem my whole life. Searching for answers was not getting me anywhere. This is the first time I found anything about this. Thanks for all the coments. My phlegm is really bad when I first go out in the cold. I will study all I can about this celiac's disease. Thanks again everyone.
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starstarstarstarstar 		20 years coughing
by: Sue H

I am 62 and for 20 years now I have been constantly coughing and clearing throat. I've seen lung, ENT docs at 2 different hospitals 10 years apart. had scans and X ray. Taken meds for reflux and several other things. Docs kept saying it was post nasal drip. Had op for this by widening passage in my nose. It was horrendous and made no difference. Not one doc said it could be a food allergy and I have never considered it, but from today I am cutting out dairy for a month. If that doesn't improve I'll try wheat, and so on. This site and the sufferers on it have inspired me. Thank you all. Fingers X
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starstarstarstarstar 		Finally
by: Anonymous

I have had the same issues as most of you. I did stumble on to the fix but it could be one of a couple changes to my diet. For the last week and half I have removed sugar, breads, and milk from my diet. Probably the most challenging change was eliminating those ice coffee's which had whole milk and tons of sugar. Not only do I feel better I have seemed to cure the constant clearing of my throat. It drove me nuts having to clear constantly and I am sure drove my co-workers and family nuts. Glad I have found what has worked for me and hope it helps you out also. Good luck,
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starstarstarstarstar 		Just 24 hours
by: Anonymous

I found this site just 24 hours ago. I was gagging and spitting out phlegm. I was short of breath. Like so many here have stated doctors had prescribed nasal spray and the latest acid reflux medicine.

I have not eaten gluten in 24 hours and I feel almost normal.
Thanks to all the comments I can breathe.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Accidently fixed my problem
by: Lentil

I thought my throat clearing problem was from chemicals i had used from cleaning but it wasnt. 2 months ago i just decided to go without sugar, no more chocolate, lollies, cake, baked beans, juices, softdrink, hot chocolate, milo anything that was obviously sweet. And try to stick to whole foods. I still ate bread but not bread with a lot of sugar. Right from the start i stopped clearing my throat, but if i have anything sweet i start clearing my throat again. If you are pissing people off with the constant clearing, i would definately consider trying. Goodluck.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Sinus Changes on veganism
by: Anonymous

2 years ago I lost my sense of taste, overnight everything tasted salty.

I was diagnosed with a virus, given antibiotics and it cleared up.

During this time the doctor diagnosed that I had a deviated septum ( I think it means one nasal passage was smaller than the other ) up to this time I had always had one nostril that was blocked and I spat a lot.

I converted to a vegetarian with almost no dairy 6 months ago and the spitting/Phlegm is almost no existent and both of my nostrils are clear and the constant blocking disappeared.

This is only one of the benefits I have experienced since the change, lower blood pressure and cholesterol and weight loss being some of the others.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Try Gluten-Free: it might work for you too!
by: Anonymous

I too had excess phlegm, asthma, acute sinusitis, and foul digestive disorders. I took advair, nasonex, and antihistamines for 15 years. I decided to go gluten-free. It took several weeks, but it worked. So I turned to the doctor for testing for celiac and wheat allergy, but the blood test came up negative! I couldn't believe it - I was hoping to find out exactly what the disorder was. For the testing, I had to return to eating gluten, and the symptoms had all returned. I am back on the gluten-free diet again and have no symptoms whatsoever: and take no medications. Get the GF App to help you in the grocery store, and research restaurants that offer gluten sensitive menu's near you. Take charge of your health - but realize you may not get symptom free for several weeks.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Dairy
by: Grace

I've had an issue with excess mucus in my throatt, constantly having to clear my throat. Then I developed a persistent cough which just refused to go away. Made multiple trips to the doc, trying various things. One day I thought about the fact that I would have cheese every evening as a snack. Cut that out for two weeks, cough is gone as is the excess mucus. I'm thinking now that lactose or dairy in general is the culprit. This is a recent discovery so will keep watching now to see if I'm right
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starstarstarstarstar 		Throat clearing after eating certain breads but not all breads
by: Festus

I have discovered that some white bread, some breading used in deep fryers and even some ice cream cones use a food additive called ADA. It is used as a dough enhancer and a bleacher. Look for breads that are not bleached and you will eliminate the throat clearing and even arm rashes following the consumption of bread with this additive. It's likely you are allergic to this additive. It's not the gluten in the bread but rather this inexpensive food additive that many fast food chains use that is likely the culprit of the original person's post.
Festus
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starstarstarstarstar 		Not wheat or gluten, but other additives
by: Anonymous

I have finally realized after years of this problem that my horrible need to clear my throat happens after I eat light breads like sandwich bread, hamburger and hotdog buns. Homemade breads, tortillas, baked goods like cake and cookies do NOT cause this problem. So, I have reached the conclusion that it is not a wheat or gluten problem but rather an additive in light breads. Even store bought fresh breads, like Walmart Italian and French breads, do not cause me probs. Now, if I could only figure out what seems to be in all light, airy types of breads that is the culprit.

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starstarstarstarstar 		Can't breath!
by: Anonymous

Hi, I thought I was the only one! As long as I can remember, I have always had excess amount of phlegm in my throat. So much, that I couldn't cough it up.

This is a little too much information, but I have to clean my throat out several times per day with my finger. This has been going on since I was at least 13 years old and I'm now 50!

I have been to so many doctors and they have taken throat cultures, swabs, allergy testing, Flonase, etc...they have been dumbfounded and I am still without answers.

I have suffered asthma my entire life! It's only until recently when my asthma has been out of control and none of my medication is helping.

Makes me wonder if all of these years I have been allergic to something causing all of this. The funny thing is, I have had allergy testing done and I have allergies to dust mites, pollen and a slight sensitivity to gluten. My throats seems to close up more and more all of the time to where I can't breath! Any suggestions?!
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starstarstarstarstar 		I too have phlegm after ingesting gluten
by: Anonymous

Hi all. After reading through a # of comments, I can say that yes, wheat is one of the major causes of phlegm. While eating it, I had asthma so bad that at 51 I laboured to make it up the street and around the corner many times to catch my bus!

After getting diagnosed with dermatitis herpetiformis, a very itchy form of celiac that also affects the skin, I have gone totally gluten free for a while now. The only time my phlegm and asthma will come back now is if I have accidentally ingested gluten or wheat.

A word to those considering going off wheat: if you do, be prepared for possible major reactions if it is ingested after going wheat free for a while.

Do not be surprised if you develop flu like body aches, or asthma symptoms or major diaherrea or tummy issues. And be very aware, that wheat is in just about every kind of processed food out there. It shows up in sauces, soups, drinks, it is even in twizzlers!

If you go gluten free you must be aware of what you are putting in your body if you really want to remain that way...
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starstarstarstarstar 		Thick phlegm
by: Anonymous

I find all of the comments here very interesting. In my case and that of my sister and significant other was we all got this thickness of phlegm in our throats on the same day while visiting my family on the lake. No one else got it. After 4 months we still have it. If it was in the food would not all of us get it? I wonder if there is a mosquito that transmits it as there were many around there. I will try not eating gluten but I do no think that is the issue. If anyone has a similar problem I would greatly appreciate a response.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Constant Clearing of throat
by: Anonymous

I've been suffering from constant clearing of my throat for that last 4 months. It feels like I have a ball of phlegm stuck in my throat. No matter what I do, I can't get it to clear. I've been to pulmonary specialist, because at first it was accompanied by very bad bronchitis and closing of my throat. Ended up in the ER too. Pulmonary dr said I do not have a problem with my lung, and that maybe it's an ENT issue. I've not seen the ENT specialist yet, cause frankly I'm not too confident that they will find anything. I'm grateful for this site. I do notice that dairy does exacerbate the issue and maybe I have a food intolerance to wheat also. I plan on eliminating wheat and dairy for a few weeks to see if that clears it. Thank you for all your comments folks!
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starstarstarstarstar 		Phlemgh
by: Lexi duboi

The phlemgh only happens when I drink coffee.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Constant throat clearing
by: Anonymous

I've been gluten free now 3 days and hope this will be the solution to my constant phlegm stuck in throat
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starstarstarstarstar 		Clearing throat
by: Anonymous

Interesting to find this site~ clearing throat is not the usual symptom that people complain about with gluten sensitivity. Like some others who have posted, I cleared my throat my whole life--my WHOLE life (I'm 63). Son in law tried GF diet for skin issues (which helped a lot) so I decided to also, didn't have anything to lose. Want to tell you it completely went away, to my surprise. So although I cheat for something special, I have no desire to go back to being embarrassed at work, church, etc. My kids used to know I was out in the audience for performances, even in the dark-" I could hear you", they'd say. It's now gone unless I keep eating gluten more than a couple days in a row. GF foods are more readily available now even in restaurants with pizza, etc so it's really not too hard. Try it, could work for you too!
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starstarstarstarstar 		Curious as have constant phlem after eating flour products and dairy
by: Anonymous

I am going to ask my GP to test me for Celiac Disease on my next visit.

I came to this site to see if I was correct in my deduction of symptoms?

I have a nephew who has Celiac Disease and always wondered if I had the same problem?

As a child I remember having a shot in the right hip every Friday. Parents are gone & they never told me why I had the shots (dysfunctional family beyond imagination).
I remember being told I had kidney problems around 5 yrs old, maybe the shots were for that or who knows what? I also had Shingles at the age of 9 yrs old for 6 months and eczema during my entire childhood.

Anyway, now in late 60's and tired of coughing white phlegm every day after every meal, bloated to look like I'm pregnant (not a possibility - celibate, LOL). My skin is itchy, I have entire body pain form the softest fabric sheets - feels like sleeping on sandpaper that grates and presses into my skin!
I was taking pain killers every night to finally fall asleep for 5 hours. Again wondering if allergic to wheat/flour/dairy?

Guess it is time for me to focus on me and resolve this nuisance?

Gluten free is very expensive to buy, my reason for hesitation.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Constant phlegm
by: Anonymous

I have had the same issues for years and always blamed allergies. I have discovered that wheat and other grains would make it worse, along with some dairy. I had reduced the grains and dairy, starting using a neti-pot, and a product called Xlear which is a nasal sprain and had significant improvement. In addition, I would have a homemade tea of lemon, honey, and apple cider vinegar.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Gluten intolerance
by: Anonymous

My symptoms of excess phlegm and severe coughing affecting my airways and lungs have completely cleared up after totally removing gluten from my diet.

After being tested for coeliac disease and coming up negative many times over the years I discounted gluten as the cause and continued to suffer.

After reading the book the autoimmune solution I began to understand that it could be an intolerance to gluten. After removing gluten from my diet 100%, I am now free of these symptoms

It took a good five weeks to begin to improve. I feel let down by the medical profession for repeatedly telling me that gluten was not an issue for me. So just wanted to stress that you don't need to be a diagnosed coeliac to experience these types of symptoms from gluten, something I only recently came to understand.

I am now 1 year on feeling so much better and would not even entertain the idea of eating gluten. Fortunately I now have an enlightened doctor who has seen the change in my health. I thought I would write about my experience, as it would be worth it even if it only helped one person find answers.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Do I have Celiac disease
by: Gail

Your comments left a lot of research for me to do. I too have this throat irritation and by the end of the day clearing my throat and coughing all day leaves me exhausted!

I have been to so many doctors, had so many tests and doing another endoscopy next week, and still no relief. Now your comments leave me food for thought.

I have no problem at night or when I wake up in the am. It all starts after I eat breakfast. Stopped all dairy for the last 4 months but today I am going to stop eating food with flour. Maybe I do have celiac's disease!

All your comments were very interesting as I now know there are more people like me. Yes, it is very embarrassing when you go out to eat and all you do is clear your throat.

Going to research celiac and see what I come up with. You are all quite correct. All I have been given by doctors is more and more medication and nothing helps! Sick of all this.

Thank you everyone. Will keep on reading your comments, they are more helpful than all the doctors out there. Oh, by the way, I too now have asthma! Maybe I do, maybe I don't, but certainly going to give all your comments a try.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Relief from excess mucus
by: Anonymous

I too have suffered with excess phlegm for years.

In the sinuses and particularly in the throat , where it seemed there was a permanent "gob" of phlegm stuck there and constant coughing. It was so severe it was really affecting my quality of life. Even resulted in having to have lungs cleared out by a lung specialist.

Was constantly seeking a solution, and read a book called the Autoimmune Solution one day and it was as if it was describing me. Decided that day to remove gluten from my diet 100% adherence.

It took 5 weeks, then one day I realised that I had little to no phlegm which continued every day until completely gone.

An unexpected bonus was brain fog had lifted and energy levels significantly improved. In short I felt great, something I had not felt in years.

It is not my intention to plug this book, merely to say that the knowledge gained was for me, totally life changing. Now I know how great it's possible to feel I am never ever tempted to stray, I never want to feel like that again. Many of the people who ask these questions on forums sound just like I once was.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Confirm - constant coughing / throat phlegm -- from wheat / gluten intolerance
by: Anonymous

See the youtube WHEAT MURDER by the author of WHEAT BELLY. It will change your life. See also toxi dot com website.

Wheat allergy is probable cause of clear phlegm in throat / constant coughing after eating.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Gluten Related
by: Anonymous

I spent years waking up and having to cough up a gritty, brown ball of mucus sitting in my throat. Since going GF, I don't have the problem anymore - for me, it was definitely related.
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starstarstarstarstar 		PLEASE READ.
by: Me2016

Wow, I am amazed. Everyone on here seems to think that their problem is one thing related. Food you eat.

I have had the same problem for many years. Constant congestion phelgm in the back of my throat and above in my sinuses. I know and I can understand most of you. It's suffering.

NOW.... How did I resolve my problem?

Well after years of this Hell. When I went back home I went to ear, nose and throat specialist and you all will be surprised to hear what I will say.

He said to me that my nose shells (nose holes you breath through) are really narrow and that could be causing me this issue. So he suggested me surgery to widen my nose shells.

I had surgery and he told me not to drink any soft drinks, or anything that is fizzy. It took me few months to start feeling improvements. He gave me home work to learn breathing through my nose instead through my mouth.

I recovered slowly and my disease disappeared slowly. I still get phlegm but now I can cough it out and its nowhere close to what I had before in amount of phlegm or mucous.

Sometimes it can be that you are sensitive, or have an allergy to dust or dust mites. I have that. I think what was causing my problem is having pets (cats), so cat hairs and dust together, plus dairy, would just add to the problem.

I think widening my nose shells helps things pass through and clear bette. and dust not getting stuck in my nose shells. The ENT doctor told me before surgery, "I don't know if I will cure you but I am confident that this will reduce it and improve your quality of life."

I have not looked back since! I am grateful and Blessed. I still get some phlegm but very miniature.


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starstarstarstarstar 		Excess phlegm
by: Guest29

Like all of you, I too am suffering from Excessive phlegm in the back of my throat. I have been to my regular ENT several times about this and nothing he prescribes works. I have been seeing this doctor for over 6 years for allergies which seems to be cured. He said it is not sinus related and is only in my throat. I am desperate for a cure, I am always having to clear my throat, the stuff barely moves. It is generally a clear mucus once n a while it has a slight green color but not often. I am always hacking trying to get it to move but with little result. When I lay down at night it seems to build up and get thick and I end up getting up for a couple hours coughing and hacking trying to clear it so I can sleep. Why is it so hard to diagnose, I am not the only person in the universe with this, seems like someone ought to have a fix for it.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Cough when I eat wheat products
by: Anonymous

I cough night and day especially when I eat wheat or dairy products. I have been tested for celiac and was told I do not have it. Are there different levels of gluten intolerance. I have coughed for 20+ years - never smoked! I now have asthma and copd - all I get from the Dr. are rescue inhalers and antihistamines. Can wheat products cause coughing without showing up on the radar as celiac but still cause gluten intolerance - help!
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starstarstarstarstar 		Renee
by: Renee

I have been living with constant throat clearing/phlegm for years too. nothing any of the doctors gave me has worked........so as a nutritionist, I asked myself how would I help a patient that came to me with this?

So.......I am trying grain free.......it is helping just a little, as I have only been doing this for one week.

I have been eating Boca burgers, thinking they were grain free, but they have wheat.......... so now I eat range free organic meat, and veggies. rice crackers with hummus for snacks. it is helping.

I have been thinking that a fungus may be causing my Candida and oral thrush symptoms. I am through with MD's as they put me through tests, give me scripts and I am still sick....they mean well but just have no idea how to help.

I also ordered some "sinus wars", homeopathic remedies, thinking it may be PND but they have not come yet.....thank you all for writing. Sharing seems to help. Renee
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starstarstarstarstar 		Phlegm clearing throat
by: Lou

I too need help from always clearing throat and spitting. Jayah032 can you repeat your comment .

Boiling water, salt (how much) and exactly what to do with fingers in throat and then you said omit water.

I guess I am not understanding. Thanks

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starstarstarstarstar 		constant hacking and spittinng phlegm
by: Anonymous


I was in bed, and had a thought - why don't I ask online about my having to constantly clear my throat, and hacking.

I have suffered with this a big part of my life. In the last 10 yrs, and just lately, I am actually becoming faint from hacking this throat. My neighbors heard me for the last several years - and I don't just mean my neighbors next door. I have neighbors a block away say they hear me in the dead of the night. I hope I have found a place I can get some help -I too have taken all the medications and lately have used gargling salt water, it is enough to drive you mad!!!
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starstarstarstarstar 		Travel.
by: A friend.

IF you are suffering for long from cough and phlegm and it shows no signs going away after many kinds of treatment. The best advice would be to take a break and get away for a week to fifteen days in a different place ,where the climate is warmer or different from yours. That is the best remedy.

You may also try to inhale with a few drops of eucalyptus twice a day for seven consecutive days. Soon after doing this, please do not go outdoors for at least an hour. This is a very good remedy and should work well. At the same time keep having ginger, honey, lemon tea. All ingredients in one several times in a day. Try it out. It should work. Do not have cold drinks or any drinks after 6 p.m. excluding room temperature water. Good luck.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Dry eyes
by: Anonymous

For dry eyes, take Udo oil or any other omega oil product, and you will notice a great improvement in a day or so. My eye doctor told me to do this and it works well. It essentially lubricates your body from the inside out. It also is great for dry skin.

I too produce phlegm when I eat wheat products. I tried make oatmeal bread as a substitute and adding gluten to it for texture hoping my problem was with other parts of the wheat kernel. Unfortunately not, I still produce phlegm.
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starstarstarstarstar 		phlegm
by: Anonymous

I have this problem when I eat beef, but not all beef. Not it seems to be starting with chicken. How would relate to gluten?
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starstarstarstarstar 		gluten allery
by: cindy

Yes its an allergic reaction to gluten.
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starstarstarstarstar 		excessive phlegm and celiac disease
by: Anonymous

My daughter has been coughing up phlegm for 6 months. We tried acid reflux meds which didn't help. She was recently diagnosed with celiac disease. We started GF diet today. Thank-you for your post. Hopefully that will help.
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starstarstarstarstar 		finally!
by: Wysteria

I am so glad I found this page and that I am not crazy. I love bread and all the gluten filled foods so much that this is going to be very difficult. Any advice on how to go about the "change"

Thank you very much!
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starstarstarstarstar 		Thank You for your comments
by: Anonymous

After suffering from constant coughing and severe phlegm, day and night, it was nice to know I'm not alone. I just recently realized that gluten could be the cause of my problem. I am now on week one to see if the elimination of these foods can put me back on track. The constant headaches, coughing and joint aches actually might have a root cause. Your comments have greatly helped. Thank you.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Throat clearing up
by: Anonymous

I am so grateful for the internet. There i spotted blogs about celiac disease.

Suddenly things became clear. That was me. To go with many associated manifestations. Now 72 year old female, and how many years celiac, i do not know, before I got a skin rash called dermatitis herpetiformis.

Well, this is the initiating story. In 2005 i had a snoring operation, and following that my throat became full of phlegm. Constantly, i had to clear my throat, day and night. Went to 3 doctors. They all told me some 10 % of snoring surgery went that way, there was notting to do. I had signed a paper before the surgery so i could not sue.

But now, after gluten free for about one month, my throat is so much clearer, much better, but not fully healed, perhaps 70 % better. And I understood the connection to celiac disease and eating gluten free.

I was wondering how this new knowledge of mine, could benefit others. Then i spotted this blog. Thanks to what I read here, I am sure to be on the right course. And that course is headed for health and well-being. Thank to you all. My English is not perfect. It is not my mothers tongue. Good luck to you all.

Greetings Norwegian grandmother
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starstarstarstarstar 		Excess phlegm
by: Anonymous

As a Celiac. I can eat a fresh canned salmon GF sandwich the first day. On 2nd day after a bite or two my throat fills with phlegm and I choke and I have to spit and hurl till it is all gone. I can't swallow or drink. The same thing happened in a restaurant with a white fish (It might have be old). Since I can eat it on day one, no problem the doctor said it was probably a bacteria. I forgot which one. I have been GF 5yrs. This has happened in the last few years. Scary
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starstarstarstarstar 		Little Clearing of Throat After Gluten Free
by: Bill

I have celiac disease and I have only known for nearly 2 weeks. Before being gluten free I was embarrassed by always clearing my throat, and it was worse when I had chocolate or other sweet food or drink.

Now I clear my throat occasionally, but I would say it's 70-90% better. I've only been GF for not quite 2 weeks so I hope the trend continues, but so far it has made a huge difference and I no longer wake up congested and with facial pressure (sinus) or have sinus headaches.

Of note, about 4 days into going GF I also stopped needing daily Ibuprofen for headaches. I get migraines and the regular headaches sometimes become migraine if not treated. For several days I have had zero headache or head pressure. I also gave up coffee and sweet tea, my only drinks before going GF. Lots of fluids, good food and no gluten has so far meant no headaches.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Yes, it was my only symptom for 10 years
by: cherie

I had excessive throat clearing and mucous daily for 10 years before being diagnosed with celiac.

I had been scoped twice, done ph testing, been on nexium, flonaise, claritin, told I needed fundoplication surgery which thankfully I did not elect to do, told it was habit and anti-depressent might help, and my favorite is that it was tourette's syndrome.

Two years ago I suddenly developed dry eye, extremely painful throat pain from gerd, so much mucous I was nearly passing out trying to clear, headache, tmj, dry mouth, body tingles, and fatigue.

Only at this point was I scoped again and diagnosed with celiac.

I've been gluten free for almost 2 years and the mucous problem is 90% gone, but it took at least 6 months before it started to show any signs of improvement. It keeps getting better even after two years.

All other symptoms resolved with the exception of dry eye. So YES, excessive throat clearing and mucous can be a symptom of celiac.
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starstarstarstarstar 		mucus remedy
by: Anonymous

Try a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar mixed with your favorite juice up to three times a day. It really helps to cut the mucus in my boyfriend, who is celiac by the way. We found this remedy on a gluten free website and it makes all the difference in the world for him.
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starstarstarstarstar 		gluten > phlegm
by: MCuevas

Before going GF, I would wake up congested and stuffy every day. Only after coughing up huge amounts of clear/white phlegm (and gagging constantly while doing it), would I get any sense of relief. Also, I was constantly clearing my throat and coughing up small bits of phlegm during the day. It was sinus drainage that would never stop. I also could not handle any dairy, because it was cause the same type of reaction.
I?ve been GF for a few months now, but when I ingest any gluten, I get the same way all over again within a day or two. Coughing and spitting up phlegm. I can now drink milk but choose not to do so very frequently. If I stick to my GF diet, I don?t have any phlegm or incessant coughing/spitting up.
Good luck!!
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starstarstarstar 		Possible Solution 2 Excess Mucous
by: Anonymous

I live with my elderly mother, and it is a very small space. To be honest, this mucous in my throat issue began since I have been living here.

While I am blessed to have a roof, when I did have the resources to get a good carpet cleaner to come in, and do other things to alleviate old pet dander, remove major dust & mold build up etc, mother refused to allow me to do so.

BOTTOM LINE = While I DO know I only experience this excess mucous issue mainly after eating a meal or something with gluten, I DO also eat VERY little of these things do to gastric bypass restrictions. I use stevia in my coffee. I drink only water, no soft drinks. I eat mainly whole, grass fed, non-GMO, and less or unprocessed foods.

Could this issue be JUST REALLY RELATED to living in DUST and its allergies?
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starstarstarstar 		Phelgmy
by: Anonymous

I find that I have this issue the next morning if I consume ice cream before bed. Can have it during the day but not within a few hours of sleep. But drinking milk doesn't affect me all the time. I rarely drink it except in coffee anyway. Weird. But my daughter had a sinus infection which cleared up, but she coughs almost every night trying to hack up the stuff. Going to mention the gluten thing to her. She gave up dairy but didn't change things for her
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starstarstarstar 		don't worry
by: jayesh032

Buddy you need to have no worry ....one of my teacher who was suffering the same as us told me to drink a glass full boiled water, with appropriate salt, in the morning and put your first two finger in your throat and omit all water.

This will clear all stomach and food pipes and wind pipes ...no phlegm any more...!just try it once.

I too came up with good health and now I am able to study with my full concentration.
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starstarstar 		Throat Clearing Solution
by: Casey

The reason you are clearing your throat is because of acid reflux. If you have acid reflux (LPR), then high acidic foods usually make it worse (coffee, alcohol, etc). This has nothing to do with gluten. Your stomach is not digesting these acids properly, which in turn is creating fermentation/expansion in your stomach while pushing everything in your stomach back up into your esophagus (including HCL and digestive enzymes) which can be very damaging into the esophagus. You clear your throat because excess phlem is also produced when this occurs. In my case, it is not enough HCL in my stomach, while some people have too much HCL (acid taste in back of your throat). Not enough HCL means silent gerd usually (LPR).

What has helped for me: Take Betaine HCL + digestive enzyme complex 20 mins before meal. Avoid caffeine, acidic fruits, alcohol, and tons of carbs. Caffeine and alcohol make my daily symptoms worse. Taking this complex helps your stomach digest the food, so that it doesn't ferment and back up and expand into your esophagus. There is a sphincter connecting from your stomach to your esophagus that is suppose to stop these acidic fluids to back up, but sometimes it weakens in function.

Acid reducers should be avoided and only used at extreme measures (PPI's / H2 blockers / etc). It can make symptoms worse long term.

Source:
https://www.webmd.com/heartburn-gerd/guide/laryngopharyngeal-reflux-silent-reflux#1
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starstarstar 		Throat problems
by: MARILYN

Hi

I looked online to see if the problem of having to clear my throat all the time might be linked to ceoliac disease and found this post.

I would like to know if you find any answers as it is driving me mad.

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