What Causes Thick Sticky Saliva in Throat and How to Manage It?

It is not normal to get a thick saliva. This suggests some inflammation in the upper respiratory tract, sinuses or the oral cavity.

A careful examination is required to investigate the cause.

Normal Saliva

Saliva is an essential secretion produced by the salivary glands inside our oral cavity. We produce around 1-2 liters of this mucoid secretion every day. It has many uses. It acts as a lubricating fluid while we eat and talk. It is antibacterial and destroys many bacteria entering our mouth.

Apart from this, it has few enzymes that aid in the digestion of food.

Normally, it has a thin, non-disturbing consistency. It is absolutely non-irritating and alkaline in nature. Any variation from this normal form indicates an illness.

Common Causes of Getting a Thick or Stringy Saliva

Chronic Sinusitis

This is, by far, the commonest cause of getting thick mucous in throat. Chronic sinus problems are usually due to allergic reasons. It may be related to dust mites, pollens, vegetation etc. However, some persistent infective agents may also cause it.

Patients suffering with such problems often complain of thick phlegm and bad breath. This happens because, the sinuses keep producing mucus in response to the irritant causing it. This mucous continuously fills up the sinuses and then spills into the nose, or backwards, into the throat. This is called post nasal drip.

The dripping mucous sticks to the inner lining of the throat. It keeps collecting layer by layer and thickens in the process.

Patients have a tendency to pull the sticky phlegm from their throat into the mouth and spit it out. The condition may also be accompanied by other symptoms like low grade fever or headache.

If you have any sinus problems, then you need to go to an ENT specialist and get treatment.

Dehydration

Water is a major component of saliva. If you are drinking less water than required, it is possible that you may get relatively thick salivary secretions.

You may notice that you urine is also concentrated and darker in color.

So if you have no other complaint besides having a thick sputum that tends to stick in the throat, you may just need to take more water.

Smoking

Smoking irritates the internal lining of the upper respiratory tract. This leads to increased mucus production in the upper airways. Smokers often feel that something is sticking in their throat. They may continuously try to swallow it down.

They may also experience some cough with mucoid secretions.

Candidiasis

Another reason can be candidiasis in the oral cavity. Check for any white patch inside your mouth. If yes, you may be infested with a fungus called Candida.

Candidiasis requires treatment with antifungal medicines. All sugars and carbohydrate diets need to be limited. Also, good oral hygiene is required during treatment.

Cold and Cough

Do you have any cough or cold-like symptoms? When a person has flu or any other respiratory infection in which mucoid secretions are produced, the thick mucus may mix with salivary secretions to make them viscous and sticky.

In such situations, the respiratory disease needs to be treated.

Autoimmune Disorders

A rare cause could be some autoimmune disorder like Sjogren’s syndrome. You may get a blood test done to exclude this cause.

Seasonal Allergies

If you are getting a thick stringy phlegm only during some particular months of the year, it may be a seasonal allergic reaction. During months when seasons change, like April or September, a number of pollens are seen in the air.

Many people are allergic to them. Some get rashes on their skin, some sneeze and others may just note a thickening of their phlegm.

You just need to take an over-the-counter anti-allergic medication for a week.

Medications

There are certain medicines that tend to dehydrate the oral cavity. This leads to thickening of the sputum. They include certain antidepressants, antihistamines and decongestants.

Diabetes and Other States of Elevated Blood Sugar

Uncontrolled sugar levels in the blood is associated with dry mouth and a feel of thick sputum.

This happens in untreated diabetes, pregnancy and other hyperglycemic states.

Gastroenteritis

People with no other upper ENT problem need to watch their tummy. Do you have any gastric problem such as acidity or frequent bloating?

Any form of gastroenteritis may affect the consistency of sputum.

GERD

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a condition, where acid produced in the stomach gets back into the mouth. Mouth needs to produce extra salivary secretions to counteract the acidic contents of the stomach.

This happens when the sphincter or the muscular gate between the esophagus and the stomach becomes loose or inefficient.

Obese people or post-surgery cases are prone to such conditions.

Management

It would be necessary to diagnose the underlying cause. Is it some infection, sinusitis, or some other condition? The underlying disease needs to be treated. The saliva will normalize gradually as you get the right treatment.

Some Helpful Self Care Tips

  • Drink lot of water. This will help in thinning of the saliva. The sticky feeling in your throat will also reduce thereby. If possible, let it be a lukewarm water.
  • Avoid smoking. It leads to a production of thick mucus that mixes with saliva to make it viscid.
  • Maintain a good oral hygiene. Thick saliva is usually acidic and may damage your teeth. So you need to brush your teeth and rinse your mouth with plain water more often.
  • Gargle regularly with warm water and a pinch of salt mixed in it. This will dislodge any thick mucus sticking in the throat.
  • Include yogurt in your diet. It will help in normalizing the flora in your mouth.
  • Avoid taking too much of dairy products like milk, cheese or fat. Such foodstuffs aid in mucus production.
  • Consume plenty of whole grains, fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables. They lessen mucus production in the body.
  • You may take vitamin C and E supplements for some time. Along with water, they are good for clearing up the throat mucus.
  • Drink hot beverages like vegetable soups and herbal teas, which moisten your airways. Avoid too much of coffee and tea, which are dehydrating in nature.
  • Inhale steam from a tub of boiling water to moisten your airways. You may pour a few drops of eucalyptus oil in the tub. This would also soothe the inflamed lining of the throat mucosa.
  • Use a humidifier or a mystifier in your bedroom at bedtime.
  • Avoid exposure to dust, road pollution or cleansing chemicals.

Medical Advice (Q&As) on “What Causes Thick Saliva That Sticks in Throat?

  1. Big dave

    I have sticky saliva on the back of my throat which causes discomfort. I have been tested for Sinusitis in which I have had over ten different sprays, I have had a MRI scan, I have had blood tests and cameras down my throat. My constant clearing of the throat drives people mad “at home” around me. They think it is all in my head but I can feel it. I have read that anxiety can cause this and other options but mine seems to occur only sometimes when I am nervous but also on a daily basis when there is nothing to worry about. I have had to deal with it for the last 15 years and it seems to be getting worse as the years go by. I am now 30 years old can anybody help in any way.

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      What were the results of the tests and investigations you had? Was any diagnosis made?

      Thick sticky saliva is not an isolated problem. It is a symptom due to some illness in your ENT region. You may read above about the various causes that lead to thick saliva. Commonest include persistent allergic conditions and chronic sinusitis.

      So, treatment would be targeted to treat the underlying cause, or medical condition, that is causing it. Such medical conditions are treatable. Simple medicines like anti-allergics and antibiotics are available for them.

      Meanwhile, there are way to control thick and sticky saliva. Read about clearing the excess mucous from the throat.

      Reply
    2. Inder Bery

      I have the same problem or app 15 years. I have wet sticky lips and have to get up every hour at night to spit.
      I have seen every specialist but no use. The doctors say normally it is the dry mouth. Mine is a reverse case.
      I got Botax injection too. No use.

      Reply
    3. Sue

      Big Dave, It cud b that ur stomach acid is not strong enough. It sud be between 1-3 pH. If higher the valve into throat opens and cause GERD. try 1tbsp apple cider vinegar in glass of water at least in morning and b4 bed time.

      Reply
  2. Big dave

    Thanks for that advise. I have tried cutting out dairy and I have tried gargling salt water. I was told by the audio doctor every thing was clear, although originally he said he could see things. I went for a blood test but didn’t hear anything back from my results so assumed it was clear.

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Just keep up with all the precautionary measures.

      Let us know if you have any problem.

      Reply
  3. Meg

    I am 21 years old and since I was 16 or 17 I have had a problem swallowing food. I can breath but it feels like the food is stuck in my throat or chest and is painful. The only way to relieve it is to regurgitate the food and thick, clear mucus like saliva with it. It feels like I’m forcing my self to vomit but it doesn’t taste bitter or sour like bile. At first the episodes only occurred once every few months but lately it’s more like once a week. I don’t feel like this is normal and I want to know if there is anything I can do to stop it. Thank you.

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      This is definitely not normal. It is essential to investigate the cause of this thick mucous. Treating the underlying cause can only solve your problem.

      There can be many causes of such mucoid secretions in the throat. Read above about the different medical conditions that lead to thickened mucoid secretions in the throat.

      To reach a diagnosis, an examination is needed to find any other chronic symptoms you have. Do you have any other symptom like, heartburn, cough, running nose, etc.

      Meanwhile, certain steps may help you to alleviate your symptoms. Read here about steps to clear excess thick mucous from your throat.

      Reply
  4. Lot 28

    I have a lot of sickness. I don’t know if related, started when I’m always burping two yrs ago. Then got medication, but eventually comes back and became worse because my saliva now is sticky, and also the problem on how many times I need to urinate but just a small amount but not painful. I hope you can help thanks.

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      There are many causes of having a thick saliva. Read above about them.

      You need to get evaluated by a doctor for this condition. Do you have any other associated symptom like cough, running nose etc.?

      Meanwhile, try consuming plenty of water. This will liquefy the saliva and make it thin. Increased water intake would also be helpful for your urinary symptoms.

      Reply
  5. shazad iqbal

    I have sticky mucous below the nose and sometimes it moves down to my throat front and back then my mouth goes really dry.

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      You may be suffering from some infective or allergic process that is the cause of mucous production.

      You need to see a doctor and get that underlying condition treated.

      Reply
  6. simon

    It feels like the fluid in my head and face are getting thick and also have thick phlegm stuck in my throat, I have had CT scan of my head that was clear, also had chest scan that was clear but still day by day it’s all getting thicker, please can anyone help.

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      You need to get investigated and know why you have thick phlegm in your throat.

      The commonest reasons, as you may read above, is any allergic or infective pathology leading to inflammation anywhere in the ENT region. It may be inflamed sinuses, throat mucosa or irritated nasal mucosa.

      The underlying disease causing these symptoms need to be treated. Do you have any other symptom, like a running nose, headache, cough or cold -like condition etc.

      You may read here about managing the thick phlegm stuck in your throat.

      Reply
  7. Mohamed

    Hi everyone! I had an attack about 2 weeks. I was watching a football match with my friends when I felt pain under my right ribcage. I tried to take a deep breath and it was the worst thing to do. I felt like something had burst inside my abdomen and it was spilling allover. I woke up the next morning only to find out that my left instead right ribcage are towards my stomach is swollen. I’ve been having palpitations very often and my stomach looks bloated. I experienced 2 other attacks on the left like something was coming up my chest and I had difficulty breathing. Please help.

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Get an X ray chest done. You need to go to a doctor for an elaborate physical exam for proper diagnosis.

      Reply
  8. rashid

    Thick phlegm, difficulty in throwing out phlegm. No pain, difficulty in swallowing food. Nausea and vomiting tendency.

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Are you having some ENT problem, like sinusitis or allergic rhinitis?

      Any cough, sneezes or headaches? Do you smoke?

      If yes, the underlying problem needs to be treated.

      Meanwhile, try gargling your throat with slightly salted lukewarm water before bedtime. Drink plenty of water throughout the day.

      Reducing the overall fat content in your diet would help. Read above about steps that may help reducing your problem.

      Reply
  9. Amit Dhanwani

    I’m working in West Africa in the Gambia. My problem is about the throat.
    I have smoke for 10 years and I wanted to quit smoking. I have guy at my shop who use to smoke before, and he told me there is man here that make you stop smoking so I have follow him just because I want to stop smoking, and he was having some green powder and he said it’s from the tree but which on I don’t know. Then he put small amount of green powder at the front of my cigarette and he ask me to smoke that. Then I have smoke only 4 puff. After that I felt in my throat something is stuck in my throat but it was not. He make me very scared that if I smoke in 3 days I will be bleeding when I go to pee or toilet, then in that 3 days I have eat a lot then started facing problem with my burp it was not coming at all. After that I was very scared. I didn’t smoke for 2 weeks but in between of that 2 weeks I have experience I become allergic to all kind of smoke. For example, if I drive on the road and the car at front of me smokes I don’t feel like to stand and if paper burning and etc, I went to the man to ask him what he have given me he is not telling me and only thing he said it’s from the tree, so I try and smoke again then I got a big problem with my throat it become very sore, fully dry in that sore throat I smoke almost 4 stick. Then I felt something is there in my throat then I visited a doctor he give me antiboitic amoxy and staff like that I take all the medicines but I did not recover. Then I have called my other doctor in India. He give me azithromycin 500 mg and fexofenadine hydrochloride. I have recover 75% of the pain and sore throat but it’s new problem my saliva is sticking in my back of the throat and my throat still have white rash at the back of the throat and my saliva is not coming like before as use to be and I am very worried and all the stuff like honey lemon tea coffee all the staff nothing helping me out. I’m still feeling there is something in my throat. Please sir try and help me out with my problem. Thank you.

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Stick to the medicines your Indian doctor has given you. Complete the course for the antibiotic given by him.

      You are likely to improve gradually on your own. Read above about tips to liquefy thick mucous in throat.

      Gargle daily. Drink plenty of water. It may take a week or so for you to be alright.

      Reply
  10. Michael

    I have this bad smell that seems to appear and disappear. It surely comes from the nose. I can smell it whenever I talk and even when I don’t talk. People do smell it and it’s very bad. I know the smell is not coming from my teeth. I have been getting a mucus at the back of my throat and roof of my mouth and tastes a bit salty too. I don’t smoke at all neither do I take alcohol. I avoid sugary foods, dairy, garlic, anything that sets the smell off worse than it is now. It’s so embarrassing because people judge you and think you don’t clean your teeth, when in fact I clean my teeth after every meal and use mouth wash twice a day and clean with a hard toothbrush. I’m so fed up with this now. It has taken over my life to the point where I don’t even want to go to school, play with parents, and nights out with friends and family because it’s just too embarrassing! Please help me. THANKS.

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      The smell is likely to be from the stagnant secretions accumulated in your sinuses.

      Sinuses are bony spaces in the face bone. They lie behind the cheek on both sides of the nose.

      During infective or allergic states, the inside lining of the sinuses secrete mucoid secretions in an attempt to combat and trap the infection. These secretions, along with the allergen or germ in it, is gradually sweeped away from the sinuses.

      Sometimes, these secretions are copious or they may become thick. The drainage becomes difficult and secretions get collected in the sinuses.

      This may slowly fall back into the throat, giving you a salty taste. These secretions are likely to be the cause of the smell your are perceiving.

      Drink plenty of water. Include lots of fruits and vegetables in your diet. This would liquefy your secretions and boost up your immunity, helping better drainage of the secretions.

      Nasal irrigation may be done, using neti pots.

      Reply
  11. Michael

    Any medication to cure the bad breath caused by the mucous trapped and infected in the sinus( smell from the
    stagnant secretions accumulated in my sinuses) due to an infection or allergy. I always rinse my sinus with water mixed with salt every morning and night but the smell do go away for a while and still comes back again. Even without talking, they can smell my bad breath. Please help me. I am ready to buy the drugs to cure it. I need to clear this life-threatening problem once and for all. I need to get my life back to normal. THANKS and God bless you.

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      There are medications, like Mucinex, which may assist you liquefying your secretions. The dose to be given can be decided after actually examining you.

      Talk to your doctor about taking it.

      Reply
  12. Michael

    I also have tonsil stones coming from the sinus (from the roof of the mouth together with mucus) whenever I sniffed. I even sniffed one out this morning and it smells bad. Sometimes it comes out and other time, nothing comes. Maybe that is the cause of the bad smell from the nose. I have checked my tonsil craters very well and am free from tonsil stones. Is the stone also part of the symptoms of the sinus infection? I need to know the symptoms clearly so I can explain that to my doctor for better understanding. And also, when I use the warm salt water irrigation, it doesn’t clean the whole sinuses. How can I flush them all out? That’s all. Thanks for taking your time to reply my questions. Love ya BuddyMD.

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Yes, tonsil stone is definitely a part of your present illness.

      You may purchase some nasal irrigation device, like neti pot. This will help to clean your nasal passage better.

      It is difficult to actually sweep inside the sinuses. You may use mucolytic medications, as mentioned above, to liquefy the secretions in the sinuses. The secretions would get washed off on their own as they liquefy.

      Boosting up your immune system would definitely aid in early recovery. For that, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Avoid junk food, fried fatty stuff, which lead the body to produce more of mucous.

      Drink lots of water throughout the day. Stay active physically.

      Reply
    2. Tariana

      The bad smell coming from the nose can also be a small bacterial infection inside the nostril. There is an antibiotic ointment that the pharmacist or doctor can give you to apply for about 10 days. It will clear up and no more smell.

      Reply
  13. Michael

    Thanks a lot. Am very grateful. I heard that eating home remedy like ginger can also cure the infection causing it?

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Ginger decoctions may be taken. They have been clinically proved to be helpful. You may also add a few drops of honey to it.

      Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Needs evaluation to find out the cause of sticky saliva. Read above in detail about the causes and steps to be taken to reduce it.

      Reply
  14. Woynshet

    I have excess saliva, mucous, in right side of the nose 24 hr drain, I swallow frequently, and I can’t stay 5 second with open mouth also 24hr fever and stress. Non spontaneous breathing and social relation poor.

    Reply
  15. Anonymous

    I always had bronchitis. But in 2011 in the fall I went to the hospital three times. And every time they checked me over they thought that had pneumonia on my third time in the hospital again they thought I had pneumonia. Then a DOCTOR in the emergency came to see me and said that he looked at my chart and said that I’d been at hospital three time and I was given Antibiotics and with all the antibiotics I should never have pneumonia. He sent me to have a CAT SCAN and they found something floating in my right LUNG. More antibiotics. Since then, I have been spitting Thick SPIT. Can’t seem to get rid of the THICK SPIT. What would you suggest. Thank you for your time.

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      No more drugs. Just read and follow the self care tips written above in the article.

      As you follow them meticulously, you are likely to improve gradually.

      Are you a smoker? If yes, consider trimming down on your smoking. This alone may be a reason for your problems.

      Reply
  16. Maggie

    I wake every morning with thick saliva and dry mouth. The saliva is yellow and sometimes brown. My GP has ordered a sputum lab test. Why would he do that when this is already in my mouth and not coughed up?

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      May be he wants to check the presence of any bug/ blood in your sputum. The color of your saliva is altered, making it suspicious. There is no harm in going ahead with the test.

      Reply
  17. Prabhjot kaur

    I am 32 years. I am suffering from cold allergy last years I put henna on hair that time. After some times I start sneezing. When stop then start thick mucus and then blocked and start headache and watery eyes. I have consulted many ENT specialist they advice operate to nose but no good result and same symptoms thick sputum always come from throat not sneezing. Sneezing increasing during in cold season. When I take bath with cold water and eat rich. Please help and advice.

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Buy rhinocort nasal spray from the market. Use it thrice a day, starting from the first day you get the sensation that your problem is beginning.

      Reply
  18. Selu

    Sir, I face a problem with my throat every in summer and winter. Sticky saliva and makes me unable even to swallow. I tried to throw out those from my mouth but never finishes. So is there even risk in future.

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      You may see an ENT for evaluation. This may be a symptom of some chronic infection.

      For now, follow the tips written above for relief.

      Reply
  19. I need my life back I can't live like this anymore

    Hello doctor, I’m 25 year old. I live in New York City. I work in a school so I constantly got to talk to people. For the last five years, I have notice I have really dry mouth is so bad that my mouth constantly has a burning sensation. I have really thick saliva and it stick and smell really bad. I also notice whatever I eat, it’s always in my saliva I always find small food particles in my saliva. I ask somebody close to me if they smell my breath and they said yes, it’s really embarrassing when I talk to people I notice they are backing up away from me. A lot of people I use to be close with don’t talk to me anymore because my breath smell really bad. I brush my teeth and it only make it worse. I no longer have regular saliva. It’s just thick mucus. I don’t know what to do, I don’t go out anymore, I don’t socialize. I need help doctor. It’s thick mucus mix with cold and most of the time it feels like it’s saliva in the back of my throat. My teeth starting to decay. I’m not on any medication. I have no friends or a girlfriend because my breathe smell really bad. I feel like I’m living in a world by myself. I went to my doctor and he said I’m fine but I know I’m not. Please help me doctor I just want to get my life back I can’t live like this anymore. I have no confidence.

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      As you may read above, there are various reasons that may cause thick saliva and dryness in the oral cavity.

      We need to be objective in our approach and first investigate the cause of this problem.

      Let us know if you have any other symptom, any headache, sneezing, cough, heartburn or acidity?

      Reply
      1. Carlton

        Thank you very much for replying to me. I constantly got to keep clearing my throat it felt like there is a lump of thick saliva stuck back there. There is a tightness feeling in my throat. Sometimes I tend to find like hair in my saliva and I’m wondering how did it got in my saliva. My stomach tend to get bloated at times it’s like I always have gas for some reasons. My food is not been properly digested and at times my stomach is hard as a rock. My left ear sometime have a funny feeling. My lips always burning and sometimes my mouth is so dry that there is absolutely no saliva in my mouth.

        Reply
        1. Buddy M.D. Post author

          Are you obese? If yes, you are likely to have some sphincteric problem in your stomach. Have you tried taking antacids?

          A large range of artificial saliva are available in the market. You may start using one of them like, Xlear Spry Rain Oral Mist (with Xylitol). This would benefit you temporarily, giving a moist feel in the oral cavity. Also, saliva is essential to protect teeth and tongue papillae. A lack of saliva may deteriorate the components of the mouth.

          Reply
          1. Carlton

            I am not obese my weight is 190 and I’m 6’1 with a little fat on my stomach. Do you recommend me to see any specialist?

  20. Leon Jackson

    Why is my spit so thick and causing me to spit all the time? Sometimes in the morning while brushing my teeth, I gag. Sometimes it’s so thick I think I’m going choke on my own saliva. Also, it tastes bad, like I have a mouth full of dirt in it. Please give me some advice or a good doctor’s reference. Thanks!

    Reply
  21. Mim

    I have thick saliva in my mouth at times and feel as if its stuck in my throat. This is a great deal of the time. Sometimes when I drink I have to spit out extra saliva I have in my throat which feels sticky. I know I don’t drink enough so yesterday I started drinking much more water. The problem is I have Urge Incontinence and I go to the toilet about every hour now. When can I see the results of drinking extra water? I have mentioned this to 2 Doctors, one of which gave me Lansopzersole but that doesn’t really help. Is there anything I can suck? I did take Amitripyline that left me with a dry mouth but I don’t take that anymore.
    Thank you

    Reply
      1. Amelia

        Dear doctors,
        Kindly share me best remedfy to control mucus coming out from my nose and some times through my mouth. I am suffering this for many years already.
        And now it is my sticky saliva that bothers me

        Reply
  22. Andre

    When I swallow it feels as though there is something stuck in my throat, but when I try to get it out (gag) blood comes up. What is happening?

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Don’t be harsh in pulling/ forcing it out. May be you traumatize it and so blood comes out.

      You need to see an ENT specialist. He would examine you to see what exactly is stuck up there.

      Reply
  23. Ally

    Dear doctors,
    I have thick saliva floating from back of my mouth to the front. It is tinged with blood and tastes bitter. Prior to this, I have an onset of acid reflux, heartburn and my colon is gurgling and making weird noises (this happened after Dr prescribed antibiotics for pharyngitis which I never had). The acid has stopped regurgitating and I have just heart burn and the noisy colon. Now I have saliva that keeps coming up with blood. P.S I have a small amount of thrush, I have vaginal yeast (and I am a virgin). My toe nails are pricking me. I know it could be candidiasis but I hope not. I’ve been eating yogurt (it has sugar) but that’s all in my country. I’ve taken antifungal tablets from Dr prescribed 2 days, for years it doesn’t work, that’s all they prescribed. I try to eat lots of veggies (except tomato) due to the reflux, virgin coconut oil. I’m depressed. I feel like I am slowly dying and there is no one to turn to. My doctors aren’t helpful. There was also some white coconut jelly like things on the back of my throat. What do you think all this means?

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      You may be having some colon problem, likely to be some inflammation.

      Have you seen a doctor concerning GIT? Depression also contributes to the problem.

      You may require to take anti inflammatory medicines for it. Talk to your doctor about it.

      Read about the dietary measures that can be taken to alleviate such conditions.

      Reply
  24. John Bello M

    I am a man aged 43 years. Born with speech problems, speech has nasal sound. Can this problem be corrected? Also, I have dry throat that gives me problems when swallowing solid foods of any kind and drinking water before taking in such foods is a must. I also spit out thick salty mucus.

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      You are likely to be having some sinus problem, may be allergy or infection. Have you gone to an ENT for this? Let us know.

      Nasal sound may be there when you have a stuffy nose, as in chronic allergies. Such problems can be corrected. However, if you have a nasal sound without any pathology, it is difficult to correct it.

      You may read above about tips to reduce thick saliva.

      Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Alright! You may see an ENT surgeon for your problem. He will be able to guide you and let you know if any surgical repair of the palate is possible or not.

      Reply
  25. Lee Jam

    I’ve been having really bad pressure to urinate for about 2 years now and penis pain it’s stopping me live a normal life, been to a urologist can’t seem to find what’s causing it no infection found and been tested for everything. Around 3 weeks after the problem started I started to get really thick stringy saliva like glue which kept blocking my throat and nose or it’s really foamy and white. Lots of it. Is there a link between the both of them? All the doctors I’ve spoken to don’t seem to bothered with the saliva problem.

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      The two problems are unlikely to be linked.

      Thick saliva is usually due to some sinus irritation, may be some allergy or infection. Have you seen a ENT for this?

      Read above about steps to overcome thick saliva problem.

      Reply
  26. Happiness

    Please doctor, my throat is blocked. I can’t take in saliva but I’m not feeling pain. It seems as if my tongue is more than my mouth. Please, it’s seriously disturbing me. What will I do, which medicines should I take? I’m 18yrs old. Please, I need answer as soon as possible doctor. Thanks.

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      This is likely to be thick mucous sticking to your throat.

      For now, drink plenty of hot fluids. Gargle your throat with slightly salted water, twice daily.

      If you get throat pain or fever, you may need antibiotics.

      Reply
  27. Elizabeth

    This always happens in the night. Whenever I sleep, I notice that my mouth is filled with thick saliva from the sleep. So please help doctor. At times, I do have sore throat.

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Recurrent throat infections may be contributing to your problem.

      Include steps mentioned above in your daily routine. Gargle your throat with slightly salted warm water before bedtime. Drink lots of water.

      Reply
  28. Mohammad Arshad

    Hi , I came from different country after 3 years back to my country and today after 3 weeks in my country I ate some rice and hot sauce and vinegar. So it’s normal that I eat spicy things and my nose starts running but today it’s first time in my life I feel something is stuck in my throat can’t bring it down. I drank water and all but after drinking hot tea I vomit 2 times smooth saliva like way thicker than the normal saliva in me and then I vomit the water I drank after food and then I vomit food all this at same time in order wise. I am worried because this is first time in my whole 23 years of life and I am 23 years old.

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Likely to be some infection. May be you ate something infected in your food.

      It is good that you vomited it out, and the toxin got washed away.

      Just keep yourself well hydrated, drink adequate amount of water. Have fresh and light meals for today.

      Reply
  29. Hana

    Hi, I’m coughing about every 10 seconds. I have this lumpy sensation in my throat. When I cough I taste this liquid that a little bitter, I think it may be phlegm but it isn’t thick or string at all. When I take a deep breath, I feel the lump more and I start to cough. When I burp I dot feel the lump anymore then within ten seconds it starts again! I also have a very odd sounding cough like a wheezing noise. I don’t feel any pain at all, not on my chest lungs or even my throat. I have previously been suffering from a cold though. Do you have an idea of what this could be? I’ve not had it for long about two days, but I can’t stand the coughing at all!

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      First of all, mystify the air around you. You may use a humidifier, or place a wet handkerchief over your nose. There appears to be a constant source of irritation around you. This may be the cold dry air present these days.

      If you can hear wheezing, bronchodilators (medicines used to dilate inner wind pipes) may need to be given.

      Reply
  30. Daniel T

    Hi,
    I am a 15 year old boy and I have had a cough for about a year now. I have been to a doctor a few times now, the first time he said maybe I had walking pneunomia and gave me antibiotics and made me take an X-ray but apparently I had a part of my lung that was congestionated and one month later I took another X-ray and he said my lungs were fine and that was last summer and I still have a cough. I took an asthma test also last summer and I did not have asthma. One month ago, I went to the doctor again and he said that I had some sounds in my lungs and prescribed me with antibiotics again saying maybe I had bronchitis or pneumonia and made me take an X-ray and my lungs were fine from the X-ray. I have a weird cough, sometimes its just like a dry one but somtimes there’s mucus or phlem I’m not sure which one it is and also I feel sometimes that there is mucus in my throat or something in my throat and sometimes I can hear sound in my lungs and some days there is no sounds. I tried taking some cough syrup or suppressants with no results and the antibiotics did not work either and I use the puffer once in a while. I am very frustrated with this on-going cough. I also have trouble breathing sometimes, for example when I went camping, I had trouble breathing big time but the moment I got home it was fine same thing for the time I went travelling but before my cough started I never had any sort of trouble breathing. I also have a feeling in the throat especially after eating or drinking and I do not know wether it is mucus or food/liquid.

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Do you get relieved when you take the puffer? Have you tried nebulization? Can you let us know the drug ingredient of your puffer?

      Reply
      1. Daniel T.

        Hi, I get short term relief when taking the puffer. No, I have not tried nebulization and the drug ingredient in my puffer is apt salvent salbutamol. I am becoming really worried about this cough since the puffer has not cured it. I am still experiencing wheezing and mucus. I went to the doctor about a month ago and he said he could hear sounds and gave me antibiotics saying I should be fine in the coming weeks but it has not gone better in any way. I am beginning to wonder if I could have COPD.

        Reply
        1. Buddy M.D. Post author

          You need to take salbutamol with budecort. These medicines are to be taken properly, preferable with a nebulizer, on a twice daily basis. The aim is to be symptom free.

          Antibiotics are unlikely to be needed.

          You may discuss this your doctor or see a respiratory specialist for your case.

          Reply
          1. Daniel T

            I have also noted that after eating the cough gets worse and I might even start wheezing but I would definitely have a feeling as if food got stuck somewhere making me cough.

          2. Buddy M.D. Post author

            You need to be checked up by a respiratory specialist for diagnosis.

            The picture looks much like a hypersensitivity airway response.

            Your airways are allergic to some allergen in your environment. They over react by producing too much of mucous. This mucous stocks in your nasal passages, sinuses and your throat area, where it gets stuck up. You feel its presence there.

            To liquify the mucous and help in expelling it out, try frequent steam inhalation. You also need medication, preferable by a nebulizer, that goes straight to your airways and correct the immune response.

          3. Daniel T

            I feel that I have this feeling of having something in my throat a lot of the time even when I am not eating like when swallowing saliva etc and that is usually what makes me cough too but I am never able to quite cough it up.

  31. Matt S

    Hi,
    I have had a cough for about a year now, it all started when i went camping and got a really bad cold and had trouble breathing. I never had trouble breathing before but now i have a cough and i am really worried. I have a constant ichty feeling in throat and trouble swallowing and thick saliva on roof of mouth and when i try to swallow it it gets stuck in my throat and also the roof of mouth has some small round stuff which are really itchy too

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Sounds like an allergic cough. May be you caught some allergy at the camping site.

      You need some anti allergic medications (anti histaminics). Plus, take steam inhalation 3 to 4 times daily for around 10 minutes. This would work in two ways. Firstly, it would liquify your secretions and stuff in the throat and help in bringing it out. Secondly, it would wash your nasal passages of any allergens residing there.

      Reply
      1. Matt S

        Hi,

        I am also experiencing wheezing and pretty much everyday and I have a puffer but it doesn’t do anything except present short term relief. I remember at the camping site there was a lot of smoke due to the fires and I might have inhaled it and I have searched up that it might be COPD.

        Reply
        1. Buddy M.D. Post author

          You may continue using the puff. That will make a difference.

          Let us know the ingredient medicine in your puff.

          Reply
          1. Matt S

            I have been using the puff for a very long time now and I have not seen much improvement if any. It is the regular puffer with salbutamol.

  32. Chris

    I have been suffering for 6 years and its pretty much ruined my life at this point. I have horrible taste in my mouth, shortness of breath, my saliva will often be yellow and feels like it’s coming from sinuses but my tongue also takes on whatever is I’ve eaten despite good oral health and dentist saying it’s fine. My chest suffers from a lot of discomfort also and for a long time I believe it was acid reflux of some sort because of all the varying tastes i get and if I eat any fruit or sugar within a few hours I’ll be hacking stuff from the whole of my upper body. This can happen with random foods although i’ve had moments where i’ve eaten rubbish and felt my best.Acid reflux medication doesn’t improve anything either.

    Even cleaning my teeth doesn’t get rid of the taste and I constantly feel stuff in my mouth throat and upper chest making it extremely hard to concentrate.

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Any H/O sinusitis? Any discharge from the nose? Are you getting active secretions from your sinuses? Headache?

      Reply
      1. Chris

        I do feel dizzy at times and i do get a weird headache which is really hard to describe. I do sniff up a lot of stuff from sinuses but with how my chest feels I sometimes believe it’s from there too. Or maybe my stomach.

        I didn’t know what H/O means but looked it up and saw heterotopic ossification. If that’s what you mean, not that I know of. I broke my nose when I was 12 but these symptoms didn’t start until I was 21.

        All I want to be is well. I’ll get a random better few hours and it gets me so motivated in life but then i’ m right back where I started and there seems to be no pattern. Thanks greatly for your reply and I really hope for another one.

        Reply
        1. Buddy M.D. Post author

          H/O is history of. Sorry about that.

          Since anta acids didn’t make a difference in your symptoms, it’s unlikely to be acid reflux. Any way, it’s worth cutting down at food stuff that increase your problem.

          Likely to be sinusitis. Have you taken any medicine for it in the past?

          Reply
          1. Chris

            Not as far as I know (unless these several years have been down to sinus problems). I’ve seen an ENT specialist and he said everything looks fine but my symptoms do vary from day to day and even hour to hour depending on what I’ve eaten or whatever so its hard to know if it can be accurate. Also had an endoscopy that was clear. I just get told it’s all in my head and dismissed really – especially when ranitidine, rabeprazole and Gaviscon Advance didn’t help at all. Fighting for myself now. I’ve bought and used a sudafed cold and sinus spray but that doesn’t seem to do anything at all.

            Thanks again.

          2. Buddy M.D. Post author

            Try using Fluticasone nasal spray for a week. Shake the bottle well and use it thrice daily. This would minimize inflammatory process going on in your sinuses or any where else in your nasal passage. Let us know if it makes a difference.

            Apart from this, you may use a humidifier in your bedroom. This would keep the nasal mucosa moist and help in trapping and expelling out of allergens on a daily basis.

  33. Mic..

    Hi ,
    I’m BF and in the night times my throat gets dry. When I wake up in the morning it pains a little bit..after having a cup of tea or brushing my teeth I feel okay…and also I feel like some white phlegm stuck in my throat even though I try to take it out I still feel it’s there..

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Start using an air humidifier near your bed while you sleep. This would humidify the air you breathe while sleeping and is likely to solve the problem.

      Reply
      1. alex

        I do not agree buddy with your view of dry throat, humidiefier doesnt do much in this case .:/ This is sometimes a hidden problem, because sometimes dryness doesnt let to be known so easily, and many people feel thick mucus instead. I have suffered from dry throat and every day wake up with regardless humidity. Dry enviroment, not being enough hydrated, sleeping with open mouth this is bullshit, forget about it and read what I am writing you.:) Side effects of taking medications or LPR in some cases but not most probably. This is something that only few ENTs in the world know how to deal with. My investigation lead me to think that chronic dry throat is related to nerve damage and it may be either superior laryngeal nerve (sensory branch or reccurent laryngeal nerve- sensory branch that affect lungs and cause them to be dryer along with all bottom airways) the cause is probably a wicked virus that is hidden in nerves and is blocking the right signal to come into submucosal glands of airways and thus disabling proper secretions. The throat gets dryer and mucus viscotity changes, people get problem with constant load while swallowing, constant discomfort. It is not globus pharyngeus but sensation is very similar. Dryness in airways is not visible in this case, i had underwent bronchoscopy and was told that my lungs are healthy. However despite normal videostroboscopic examination another ENT surgeon told me after stroboscopy that my airways are little dryer, so the dryness was visible! I dont have nasal nor reflux issues. Silent reflux is a myth. LPR may cause dry throat but nobody is sure that it is acid who destroys nerve or is there anything else , like bad functionig liver that interacts with peripheral nerves systemn and thus dry lungs or throat? Nobody knows. Currently I am going to take some chinese medicine. everyone that deals with dry throat should look up traditional chinese herbal formulations and google “Lung dryness in chinese medicine” and there are in fact around 10 herbal formulationd for chronicly dry throat (lung dryness) While I am stay sceptical about interprating something like lung yin deficiency and missing energies, there may be something into it. It may be worthy to check your tongue of the person that suffers fromn chronic dry throat. I hope that my suffering will end soon after choosing the right formulation suited for me. I may try more or all of them. Also I forgot to mention that dry throat may be accompanied with chronic non pulmonary cough aka laryngeal sensory neuropathy. I got rid of laryngeal sensory neuroapathy by taking acetyl l carnitine. Cough has gone entirely away.

        Reply
        1. Buddy M.D. Post author

          Involvement of recurrent laryngeal nerve would lead to hoarseness of voice. How many people having thick mucous get this symptom? Hardly, because your postulated theory is far from facts.

          Reply
  34. Chris

    Let me thank you again as it’s great to be listened to. There’s some Avamys lying around which I’ve used once or twice but didn’t realise you had to continue use to see any effect. I’ll start using that today.

    One more thing about my mouth/tongue/taste. Often I’ll have a white film which I’ll try to scrape off. I’ve thought thrush before but I’ve used Nystatin, take high strength probiotics and also eat yogurt. I avoid sugar completely (including fruit) because once eating it my mouth, chest and head will fill up in a foggy/dizzy sour/bitter way and my tongue will get even whiter (indicates thrush again). My symptoms do vary day to day. Right now, I’ve got an irritating cough and a bloody taste in mouth, whilst spitting yellow and sniffing through my nose seems to create more of it.

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      You seem to have full blown allergic sinusitis at the moment.

      You need treatment. It’s suggested that you visit a doctor at the earliest.

      Reply
  35. Shane

    So I’ve had a problem that’s been with me for a long time. It only happens with certain foods like Tuna, some types of rice, certain nuts like pecans, walnuts etc (doesn’t happen with peanuts or cashews). Certain pre-made meals like frozen meals etc. Happens with some canned things like canned chili and such.
    My saliva gets thick and I get a bad uncomfortable feeling as if it’s really built up in the center of my chest. Drinking a lot of water does help some times, and I can reduce how bad it gets if I stop eating something that causes it.
    I’ve never of anyone else having anything like this nor have I ever been able to find anything online about it.
    I kinda feel like it may be some sort of allergic reaction to preservatives or something. I just don’t get it.

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Since you don’t have this problem all the time, it’s likely that this is an allergic reaction, as you say.

      Avoiding those things would be better.

      Reply
  36. Niki

    Hi,

    My 3 year old son started coughing few days ago very wet cough. At night it gets worse and he keeps getting thick saliva. Took him to the er since we are on vacation and he tested negative for strep. What can I do to help my little guy??!!

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      He is very young. So, antibiotics need to be started. Also, he can be given a medicine to control the amount of secretions he’s having.

      Reply
  37. Uzma

    Hi
    For one n half years I have stomach problems n palpatations. My h pylori is positive. I m also having burning pain in my throat for years with thick mucus in throat .gone to ent but of no use. Also taken antibiotics but could not get relief.

    Reply
  38. Jasmine

    Hi doctors i have this problem since i was grade school and now im 29 yrs old. I have this bad breathe and think mucus., i cant barely sleep at night because i can feel it running back to my throat, i do PNS xray and they said it was normal. I do sgpt as well and its also normal. I really want to know the cause of this., and yes it is really embarrasing to have this kind of illness. My teeth are in good condition., i brush my teeth almost every eating. I hope u can help me with it thanks alot

    Reply
      1. Jasmine

        None of it.., just at night i cant sleep of having this very sticky saliva., now its 2am and i cnt sleep i feel like there something in my throat., its very sticky that i cnt even swollow it. Im using small cloth to wipe it but still there is. I cough it out but cant be remove, i also tried to test h pylori for my bad breath but negative. I dont know what investigation i will make to find what is the real cause

        Reply
        1. Jasmine

          Just at night i feel having this sticky saliva in a day i am normal, i drink plenty of fluids maybe 10 or more glasses a day

          Reply
  39. Terry

    After a bad case of a sinus cold, I was coughing so much for many weeks *in the 1st week terrible pain all around my eyes and my facial bones* and kept getting the feeling of water gushing inside my throat, and I had to constantly spit. In my mind, I angrily asked what kind of virus did I catch? I never had such a thing in my life (50 yrs). It was giving me a tickle sensation in my throat that put me in coughing fits. Eventually that stopped *it took a few months*. But I kept getting this accumulation of water in my throat and I keep clearing it by going uh-hum, but it never gets cleared. I don’t get phlegm in the morning, I don’t have a stuffy nose, I have no digestion problems, no heartburn. This is ruining the quality of my life. Did this virus ruin my throat permanently? Is this a liver problem? I don’t know. I did see a doctor when my coughing didn’t stop and he said without even looking in my throat that it was an upper respiratory reactive disease. A lung x ray ruled out bacterial infection. This didn’t help me one bit, because I was getting this tickle in the same spot for weeks on end and gets me in an embarrassing situation when I have to cough and cough. Maybe that was the reactive disease but doesn’t explain the feeling of water in my throat. It seems to me that not all throat problems are known to man.

    Reply
  40. Jasmine

    Yes i am over weight i am 83kg before down to 70kg. There is something to do with my case,? I am usually having constipation i deficate only once aday before when i didnt drink lots of water my defication every other day, i am afraid also i have metabolic disorders., but what lab test should i do to rule out the problem.

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      It may be related to your diet and GI system.

      Reducing weight is likely to help. Try cutting down calories in each of your meals. This can be done by replace food stuff this raw fruits and stewed vegetables.

      These steps may also help in relieving constipation problem in a natural way.

      Let us know if it improves.

      Reply
      1. Jasmine

        Thank you doctors ??
        Do i need to undergo any investigation? lab test or something? I can easly do it as i am working in medical fields too.,
        And sure i will let you know., thanks again for the help

        Reply
        1. Buddy M.D. Post author

          Let’s observe for some time and wait for the results. Lifestyle amendments may be very useful in solving such problems.

          You may also consider cleaning your nasal passages with a neti pot. Washing off germs, dust and secretions on a regular basis can be very useful.

          Reply
  41. Maria

    Two months ago I started having symptoms similar to bronchitis. I had a productive cough. I’m not a regular smoker. However, prior this, I smoked almost every day, 1-2 cigarettes a day for about two months. While I was having this productive cough, I smoked 1 cigarette and the next day I started having shortness of breath. I couldn’t cough, my mucus wasn’t coming out anymore. My chest was extremely tight. I went to visit a Walkin clinic and they prescribed me ventolon and fluovent. However, it seem to work and my chest congestion got worse. Next day, I went to Walkin again and this time I was prescribed Prednisone, for 5 days. That same I my situation got even worse and I had to visit emergency room. Doctor at emergency told me to stick to Prednisone, Ventolon and Fluovent. I believe it is a drug to cure asthma. But I never had asthma in my life! After 5 days I felt much better, but it didn’t clear my chest completely. I still had a feeling of tightness, but this time it wasaround my neck and upper chest. I was prescribed guedinosine, to loosen my mucus. But it made things worse. I had shortness of breath again and my family doctor prescribed Symbicot inhaler for a week and pulmonary test to check for asthma. They only found mild obstruction of the lungs. I was off the Symbicort after inhaling it twice a day for a week. From day first of taking Symbicort I started spitting thick white mucus, which was bloody sometimes, especially in the morning. I was diagnosed with postnatal drip and prescribed Rhinocort Budenoside steroid nasal spray for a week. It couldn’t get rid of the mucus. Then I had X-RAY and it showed chronic sinusitis and my doctor gave me azytromicine antibiotic for 5 days. However, my symptoms are still persisting. I still have mucus running down my throat but I spit it with foamy white saliva. I started washing my throat with salty water and my nasal cavities few times a day. Also steaming with ecolyptus oil once a day. Drinking ginger tea and apple cider vinegar. I feel like postnatal drip has been subsided by 60%. But during the day my mucus runs down my throat like water and I have to spit it constantly. Also, I have noticed after Symbicort I have issues swallowing my saliva. I don’t have problems with liquids and food. Or maybe because of the large amounts of it. Somehow I can’t mAnage to swallow it constantly. Sometimes it has bits of mucus in it and it hard to swalllow. I was referred to see ENT soon. Maybe next week. Please advise if PND was possibly caused by Symbicort and what side effects it may have to a person with no Asthma? Thanks

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      You are likeyl to be alright with time . Just keep doing the good things you’re doing to yourself, like steaming with eucalyptus oil, drinking ginger tea and washing throat with salty water.

      Smoking is an irritant and inflames the inner passages of our respiratory tract. Your airways are likely to be infalmed chronically, that’s why you,re getting so much of mucous.

      You doctors prescribed steroids to reduce this inflammation. That was required.

      Extreme irritations may also narrow up the inner airways, just as it happens in asthma. However, this narrowing is temporary and subsides as you quit smoking.

      Reply
  42. Johnny G

    Hello,

    I am suffering from dry mouth. It started as producing too much saliva, then I noticed that it would stop and do the opposite suddenly. Now it’s just dry. There was 3 weeks where it went back to normal. I thought I’d beaten It! All this started 5 weeks ago. The last 2 weeks I’ve had mucus in the back of my throat, and it’s worse after eating. I’ve also had chest pain the last 2 weeks. I didn’t use to suffer from anything. I am fit and healthy. Never smoked and don’t drink. My bloods came back normal. I have taken anti depressants for 5 years but only the lowest dose with no side effects. I took propecia but stopped that. Could it just be anxiety? It’s maddening.

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      What medicines did you take for depression? Are you still under any medications?

      Your symptoms may be a side effect of those medicines, since most of them are notorious in giving this side effect.

      Reply
      1. Johnny G

        Thanks for answering. The pills are Oxactin/Florexetine. I took 20mg daily but lately have reduced this.

        Why would it happen now? It started before I begun to reduce.

        Reply
        1. Buddy M.D. Post author

          Long term use of Florexetine may give a dry mouth. Leaving the drug may maintain the dry mouth status for some time. Gradually, mucous secretions may gush back in excess, as a reaction.

          It’s normal to find a transient increase in salivary secretions after food.

          You may wait for some time and observe. The problem is likely to reduce with time.

          Reply
  43. Jignesh Parmar

    Good morning sir,
    My problem initiated with one night when i sudden get up from sleep as i am feeling problem in breathing, then it will repeated one in week, i consulted cardiac all reports are normal, he suggested for ENT, meanwhile i feel sticky nose and acidity, when i consulted Doctor, he checked throat and said to be appeared as normal and he gave me medicne for throat infection and acidity and solution for gargling. by use of the medicine some what i get relaxed from breathing but now my throat become stick, i feel like somethink continusly attached at center of throat, i need to force to come out or i need to suck it for get comfortable. when i meet ENT doctor he suggested for blood test and X-ray of throat, and all report are normal. he gaven medicine meanwhile problem getting more seviur now i got some swelling on left side (look like small round ball at left side), now doctor has changed medicine and i m taking same from last 10 days swelling getiing ok but still main problem as it is, there is no effective solution i get till now kindly suggest

    Reply
  44. Jignesh Parmar

    Medicin which i am taking are
    1. IMOL Plus (contain ibuproten IP 400mg, Paracetomol IP 325mg, Caffeine-anhydrous 25mg, Excipient qs)
    2. L DIO-1 (contains levocetirizine dihydrochloride ip 5mg, Excipient qs)
    3. Cefiza-200 (contains cefixime IP as trihydrate equivalent to cefixime 200mg, Excipient qs)
    i am taking these medicine from last 10 days but not getting any effective result, actualy i suffering from this problem since last 2 months.

    kinldy help to get permenent solution

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      The swelling you felt on your left side may be a lymph node, a sequela of infection in your throat. As you finish off with your antibiotic course, your problem is likely to start reducing.

      Just finish off with the medicines your doctor has given you. Let us know if it gets better or not.

      Reply
  45. Jignesh Parmar

    Sir, i have completed the medicne but still it produce too much saliva ans sticky throat which force me to suck in continously, which irritate me and cause pain in throat, same i have reported to ENT doctor and doctor has given following medicine
    1.C-FOL Folic acid Chewable tablet 5mg
    2.Glycopyrrolate UPS 1
    kindly suggesest which type doctor ( type of Specialist) should i reffer ?
    above simptons what it shows as per your openion ?

    Reply
  46. Jignesh Parmar

    No sir, i would like to add that when problem started at that time i hade too much accidity but since last month i do not have any such problem.

    Reply
  47. Leah

    Hello. I’m 23 years old, and I suffer from phlegm in my throat. I’ve had it for about a year in a half, but it’s worsened so much in the past month. It’s basically clear spit, not really smelly and not colored at all. It wakes me up at night, I find myself gasping for air and the only relief I can get is from spitting. I’ve been to the hospital 2 times in the past week because of it but my oxygen levels are 100% and I have no fluid in my lungs. I’ve been give a ventolin inhaler, medication for GERD, and Zpac. My sister was diagnosed with COPD at 39, and my dad stays up all night coughing. My anxiety is making me feel like my world is caving in and I can’t breathe, while doctors say everything’s okay. They gave me a referral for a PFT, and I’m gonna do that, but I was hoping someone out there might hear me out.

    Reply
  48. unknown

    saliva gets stuck in my throat and feels like its choking me i have to continusoulsy spit it out and when i drink water it feels like its getting thicker it just started happenimg everyday it use to happen every once in a while im wondering if its cause im pregnant

    Reply
  49. Angelica

    I have thick phlegm in my throat that tends to build up when I go to sleep. I often get the feeling of being light headed out of nowhere or headaches. I also often feel drowsy. I’m wondering how can I get rid of the thick phlegm and also prevent the buildup in my sleep?

    Reply
  50. jess

    Hie im 30 years old i started having stomach cramps like period pain and my breasts where soar and swollen now im better now my problem in tha morning i always have a small pain in my tummy and i will vommit every morning after vomiting i wilbe having think saliva in my mouth i went to the clinic and they gave me injection and untibioticts they said it must be infaction but theres no change please help

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Do you avoid meals at night or have a very light meal before you sleep?

      Your symptoms may be due to acidity. Try popping a tablet of any over the counter anta acid, like Tums, as soon as you get up in the morning. If you still feel like vomiting, pop another tablet. Freshen up and have your breakfast.

      Let us know if you feel better.

      Reply
      1. jessy

        I dont even have appertite to eat anything im just forcing my self and im swetting when im sleepping i always eat small food

        Reply
  51. Allie

    I have white thick sticky phlegm that gets stuck in my throat and never goes away. It gets stuck below the nose where I can only snort it in to move it and then goes to my throat where it feels like it gets stuck. I have some problems swallowing (it’s now almost constantly gulping) and am constantly clearing my throat but not by coughing because coughing doesn’t do anything. I can only swallow it. It makes me have trouble breathing. It makes my breath smell. It sometimes gets so bad it feels like I’m choking. Swallowing and snorting are the only ways the move the phlegm. I have been to two ENTS who did not see anything. I got my adenoids out and my deviated septum fixed as they thought my breathing problems were because of that. I also got turbinate reduction twice and nothing has helped at all. I used to get really bad acid reflux 24/7 that constantly went back up into my mouth but that has not been a problem for over a year and I’m still having awful phlegm problems (that have just gotten worse). I take omeprazole for the acid reflux. The reflux used to get so bad I couldn’t get up in the mornings because I felt so nauseous. I have done several different nose sprays and none worked at all. It is driving me absolutely crazy considering I’m swallowing every minute to try and move it. And when I swallow it is a very intense swallow since it feels like the phlegm has caused a block in my throat. Please help it is driving me crazy. I’ve been dealing with it for about 4 or 5 years and nothing has helped. And it feels like it just gradually gets worse by getting even more stuck in my throat as the years have gone by. I appreciate your feedback greatly. Also I don’t have a cough at all and as far as I’m aware I don’t wake up at night because of it. Thanks!

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      There’s some constant source of irritation in or around your oral cavity that leads to continuous mucous production. Most likely, it may be some allergy, that affects your sinuses and nasal mucosa. Or else, it may be acid reflux.

      Try reducing weight, if obese.

      For allergies, daily cleaning of nasal passages help a lot. Try a neti pot for this.

      Reply
      1. Allie

        Do you think it could possibly be LPR?
        If it is acid reflux, should I still be experiencing this even though I have not had to deal with acid reflux for about a year?
        Also I know weight is no the issue considering I’m 5’5 and weight 114 pounds 🙂
        Thank you for your helpful response by the way! Greatly appreciated!

        Reply
  52. Vicky

    I M Facing Problem Of Thick Saliva, Dry Mouth, Dry And White Tongue Problem Bt Not Painfull, I Feel Very Stressed,,, When I Feel Very Stressed Then Problem Increases… Kindly Help Me…

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Any history of allergy/ sneezing/ cough? Your age? Since when do you have this problem?

      Reply
  53. Anna

    Hello i really need help with my bad breath I’m now 22 and have had this issue for as long as I can remember since childhood. It’s relentless and nothing will make it go away. I recently went to my dentist and told him about my problem but he said my oral health was ok and he couldn’t see any explanation. I had flu last month and even after it went away i had a lot of phlegm still for weeks, and I am still noticing particularly when I wake up that my throat feels blocked up. Swallowing and drinking water doesn’t make it go. Also since I was a kid I have very stringy saliva that can feel quite thick. I also get dry mouth all the time despite chewing gum and mints- nothing solves my bad breath… please help. I’m really embarrassed even to talk to a doctor and it’s given me so much anxiety and depression.

    Reply
  54. Anna

    No I don’t have any problems with allergies coughs constipation or sinusitis as far as I’m aware. What could be the cause?? I don’t know what to do to make it go away.. please help

    Much thanks

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Bad breath may be due to excess thick phlegm being produced. The cause of phlegm production needs to be evaluated.

      Reply
  55. Anonymous

    I’m 25YO, i felt no pain in my throat but problem is I’m discomfort with the throat since i can feel that thick saliva or phlegm is in the throat for almost 2yers and i can get rid of it despite many treatments i had. Please suggest me what shall i do?

    Reply
        1. Buddy M.D. Post author

          Any history of heartburn or acidity?

          The commonest reasons in your age group for having these symptoms are nasal allergies or acidity. If you have none of these, try drinking more water throughout the day. You may need to force yourself to take water. Let us know if this helps.

          Reply
          1. Anonymous

            If it is acid then I had tried antacid medicines for 1 month I fell a bit relieved but still the sticky saliva is stuck in my throat.

          2. Buddy M.D. Post author

            If you’ve felt any relief, it’s worth working a bit more over the acidity factor. Try modifying your diet to avoid acidity.

            Take smaller meals at regular intervals to avoid your tummy being empty at any time. Avoid fried fatty food stuff, all junk food, alcoholic beverages and excess of tea or coffee. Also, include adequate quantities of fruits and vegetables in your diet.

            Drink plenty of water.

            Let us know if this makes any difference.

  56. P. Srinivasan

    Hi sir I started having bad breath for last three years. I visited the ENT specialist who gave few antibiotic which relieved me for a short time. I am working in an environment which is clean but temperature is around 20 deg c. I have thick mucus secretions coming through my soft palate into my throat. I had tried fluticasone furoate nasal spray for a month and no changes observed. I have sinus inflammation which can be seen on my forehead while looking into a mirror . I am 37 yrs and 173 cams with 72 kg weight. My ENT specialist suggested for CT scan and found its results were normal. He didn’t suggest me for a surgery. I have discussed it with another Doctor Who asked me to try amoxilliyn and potassium clauvunate tablets with Mucomix for 1 months. Three tablets daily.
    Another doctor asked me to go for a surgery. My problem is bad breath, bitter taste and thick mucus and slight irritation in soft palate when secretions are there. Should I go for a surgery or should I try this tablets or do u suggest some other tablets. Pls advise .I had grade 1 esophagitis but now I am free of it.

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Your problems seem to be related with sinusitis. You need to take take of it. Since your working environments are on a cooler side, you need to be in sun daily for some time. Keep yourself well covered. All these steps would lessen the exposure of your sinuses to cold temperatures, reducing the stimulus to produce excess thick secretions.

      You may continue using Fluticasone nasal spray. Apart from this, introduce steam inhalation sessions in your daily routine. This would liquify your sinusoidal secretions and help them come out and get clean without operations.

      No point going for an operation.

      Reply
  57. P. Srinivasan

    I had tried cleaning my nasal passages with nasalline syringe with slight baking soda and salt water but never tried netipot.But the problem doesn’t go away. I too had dry mouth and dry nasal passages at night. Presently using humidifier and dryness is bit subsided.but bad breath, soft palate irritation, thick mucus still an issue. I can feel people moving atleast two meters away when I talk. But no bad breath from my mideast they don’t move away if I don’t talk. Also I rarely can smell my bad breath though I tried blowing into my own hands etc.

    Reply
  58. P. Srinivasan

    Hi sir,

    Thanks a lot for your reply. No constipation.Following breathing exercises and steam inhalation for last two months. No major improvement. Infact I tried apple cider vinegar with warm water for a month and was satisfied a bit with these problems coming down. But then heart burn started with apple cider vinegar which I used to take half an hour before meals. Can it be continued.

    Reply
  59. P. Srinivasan

    Also pls advise if I can try Augumentin and Mucomix for 1 month three times a day.. Will that create any side effects.. Will it be effective for treating sinusitis ?

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Antibiotics are recommended only if you have fever, be it mild, discharge from your nose, cough, headache etc.

      Reply
  60. P. Srinivasan

    After examining my CT scan report, I had recently undergone a tonsillectomy and turbinoplastry in the nose a couple of weeks ago for halitosis as I was having infection, salty taste in the mouth ,thick saliva in the mouth and thick mucus from the nose. Now after surgery two weeks have passed, I am again starting to get the salty taste, thick saliva in the mouth and thick mucus in the nose. Will I get halitosis again, have I undergone an unnecessary surgery
    Plz advise

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Though it’s difficult to comment without actually examining you, it’s likely that you won’t have halitosis now. These symptoms may regress gradually with time.

      Your tonsils and turbinae were the main two sources or pus collection in your oral cavity. These have been removed now.

      Reply
  61. Larry Grant

    Not a question but a comment. I have been suffering with this for months.

    Recently I discovered an article: Six natural ways to get rid of excessive saliva.

    I’m a skeptic but went and bought the stuff and tried it.

    First thing was a clove. It helped and bit. Long story short ginger was almost an instant fix.

    I managed to sleep until 4:30 a.m. without choking once. I was one breakdown away from taking the bridge. Read and heed. Stay hydrated.
    Today will be day 2 and I feel very good. Going to work on all these.

    Hope this helps someone..

    L,

    Reply
  62. Andrea

    Hi I have thick saliva, cant suck it out of my throat and have to keep making a snorting noise it wasn’t that bad at first but now it’s from the minute I wake up ,I have a cough, headache ear ache, lump on lymph nodes and shadow on lung called ground glass haziness?? It’s causing me panic attack

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Swollen lymph nodes suggest some inflammatory condition in your throat. Could be seasonal allergy or infection. This may be giving you cough and ear ache. Needs to be checked by an ENT specialist and dealt accordingly.

      Due to swollen glands, you’re likely to be mouth breathing, especially during night hours. This may be the cause of thick saliva.

      Reply

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