Crusting in the throat

[marta]

I have an odd question. I remember reading some threads when I first got on here in May of last year about crusting in the back of the throat and it was inconceivable to me how that would feel at that time. Well now I know, and I'm wondering if any of you have any advice how to dislodge that stuff from the back of your throat. The neti pot and rinse don't work as the water doesn't get back to the throat area. I've tried the 'pre horking' thing (sorry I know this is gross) but it only works about 10% of the time. As I lay in bed last night I was imagining putting some dental floss up my nose and out my mouth and flossing my throat, but I know that's not a reasonable solution.

Any advice will be super appreciated. I am ready to explode with the frustration of feeling that hunk in the back of my throat. It gives me a sore throat when it's there, a hoarse voice, makes it awkward to swallow, and feels like it occasionally blocks the breathing rhythm. Arrrgh!

Muchas Thanks.

[pberggren1]

This happens to be my area of expertise.

I have had bouts of chronic post nasal drip over the last 8 years. This sounds like the same thing I have had in the past. The mucus drips down to the larynx and dries up and causes airway blockage and irritation to the vocal cords and surrounding area.

Unfortunately I cannot offer much advice. I tried sucking on candies but that led to a high dental bill, so I don't recommend that. I tried drinking lots of water but that did not seem to help either - it was like the water made things drier in the larynx. Milk was the only thing that gave me a temporary relief and would soften up the chunks and then I would start my coughing routine and would eventually get it out. I found mornings the worst but sometimes the chunks would form down there during the day as well.

I would try using a nebulizer with sterile salin water. I would think the local hospital would supply the sterile saline water. I know this is all a pain in the but.

I remember some of the chunks I would cough up looked like mini donuts and were about the size of a toonie.

Good luck Marta. You might want to contact your ENT about this as well. He might have a good suggestion or 2. Every doc will have a different opinion on the same case so it is worth a try.

Buenas Nochas

[marta]

Thanks Phil,

Yeah, I've tried a bunch of stuff, and nada. It's truly driving me batty. I'll call my ENT tomorrow. Good one. Yeah some of the chunks that come out are large, evil invaders that I want to stomp on.

Incidentally, I was told by a relative that spoke with one of the Weg/Vasculitis specialists in Toronto that some of the new stuff coming out is strongly recommending that Wegs patients stay far away from milk. I can't remember if it was inflamation related or mucous building related, but I do remember that it's bad for us. Just food for thought.

Thanks my friend, hope all is good on your front.

Beunas Nochas to you too.

[pberggren1]

I have tried twice going off dairy and gluten for at least 4 months and did not notice any changes. So I think I will continue to drink my homo milk and get fat.

Let me know if you try the nebulizer. I use it every day about 3 times a day to loosen stuff up in my lungs and lower airways. It definitely helps to some degree, but sometimes it takes me quite a while, like several hours, to cough up everything that I feel is loose in my chest.

[marta]

Will do. I'll have to wait until I get into the city. I don't think I can find one here.
Gracias Amigo.

[pberggren1]

I'm sure your pharmacy will have one or at least can order it in. Mine is called AMG Med Pro and cost 100 bucks, and the masks cost 6 bucks. But you are going to the city next week anyway.

[marta]

Ya baby, going to the city and gettin' infused. With the good stuff.

[drz]

When I was having lots of post nasal drip I treated like a sore throat which it became by gargling with different things, warm water, with salt and baking soda, or apple cider vinegar or honey. Not all at once by at different times. Fortunately I seemed able to cough it up or rinse it out before it dried. Did these things help you at all Phil?

[Sangye]

Ya baby, going to the city and gettin' infused. With the good stuff.

LOL You go, girl!

[pberggren1]

When I was having lots of post nasal drip I treated like a sore throat which it became by gargling with different things, warm water, with salt and baking soda, or apple cider vinegar or honey. Not all at once by at different times. Fortunately I seemed able to cough it up or rinse it out before it dried. Did these things help you at all Phil?

Oh yes! I forgot to mention that I gargled with warm salt water and just warm water by itself and also drank decaf teas with some honey in it as well. These all helped a bit as well. But I am sure Marta has tried all of these because she is quite brilliant with a brilliant husband to back her up.