Phlegm

[Madderakka]

Does anyone else constantly have phlegm in their throat? I feel like a 20 year pack a day smoker sometimes and I've never smoked. I was wondering if it's related and I have awhile before my next rheumatologist appointment.

[Billydude]

YEs Yes Yes Yes.    I used to call it my humm-humms because I'd be trying to clear my throat for about an hour before falling asleep.   It seems to not be as bad anymore but when we don't have enough moisture in our sinus or espophogus the saliva is what makes it all flow through and if not everything gunks up and you feel like you have phlegm.

[Joy Cox]

I use Guaifenesin to break up the thick phlegm. It is an expectorant and 200 mg x 2 daily has been keeping me clear.  Have been using this for 10 or more years. Often you will see it mentioned for Fibro people. Though I have Fibro, I feel much of the thick mucus is SS related.

[Shashi11962]

I have it sometimes in the evenings, but usually every morning I wake up with really bad phlegm. I think I've figured out that the morning problem is related to gastric reflux. When my reflux was out of control a few weeks ago, I was almost choking to death on phlegm when I first woke up. Since I'm taking Aciphex now, it's not as bad. (And I did read that gastric reflux can cause that problem.)

[PrincessPea]

 
Yes, I used to. Now its More like thick paste, or no mucus at all. Some days I lose my voice after speaking 1 short sentences. I'll drink some water, then be able to speak again, then more water.  I also have thickening of the secretions in my lungs. My Rheumy & pulmy have my taking
400 mg Mucinex @ X a day to thin the gunk. I've found it difficult to find plain Mucinex, as opposed to Mucinex DM, etc;. Ask your Dr. about Mucinex & also run a whole househumidifier 24/7 if you don't already. I live in the the Deep South of the U.S., which is famous for major humidity and STILL need to run the humidifier constantly.
Good Luck!
PrincessPea

[Madderakka]

Does the guaifenesin/mucinex not make your saliva dry up even more?

I don't think I have acid reflux. My digestive system seems to work ok most of the time.

[LeoLady]

Nope, Guaifenesin won't dry you out.  It just thins things out and helps you expel the phlegm.  I've taken it daily for over 10 years and my GP and rheumy say to keep it up.  It's not a decongestant at all.  Just be sure you get Plain Mucinex.  I find it at Walmart anytime I need to buy it.  I use the maximum strength 12-hour release caps and it works for me for a full 24 hours.  Good luck with the gunk! 

LeoLady

[Scottietottie]

Hi Madderaka 

Welcome to Sjogren's world. I went and saw my GP for just what you are describing and also a foul taste coming from the back of my mouth. My doc said it was post nasal drip and gave me Nasonex nasal spray. It has helped. If I forget to use it at night - I know about it the following day.

Take care - Scottie 

[jstroble]

I get it after I eat.  I can't figure out why unless it is the reflux and the Sjogren's. 

Joyce

[Joy Cox]

Joyce, When you are home, try gargling your throat with warm salt water after you eat and see if that might help keep the phlegm at bay.  

BTW, My computer problem seems to be mine....AOL...not this website! Am using Mozilla Firefox. to do this post. Same is true to get in Duke Health.AOL has apparently made some changes and have not notified is subscribers.

And, by using Firefox, it is performing as if I am in Word Perfect. Nice things do come our way on occasion!!!!

  Joy