3 ms·

I am constantly coughing up several fluid ounces of clear phlegm daily. I have to clear my throat with disgusting noises for at least a couple hours per day, id

I am constantly coughing up several fluid ounces of clear phlegm daily. I have to clear my throat with disgusting noises for at least a couple hours per day, ideally for at least 5 minutes once per hour, just to feel like I'm not drowning. I could take a picture of the puddles of phlegm daily to prove it. I've already seen a few doctors and none of them can tell exactly what it is, nor have any suggested treatments helped. Personally, I have found that using a toothbrush to brush the back of my tongue to induce a gag reflex to induce a major, choking, heaving coughing fit where it feels like my lungs are turning inside out, reduces the sensation of drowning but does not slow down fluid production. Obviously, having do to this would be very awkward in an office environment, and overall it's just extremely depressing that I'm crippled like this when I'm otherwise a very healthy 30 year old. Been living with this for 2 years and keeping my job but I'm sure everyone talks about how annoying my constant coughing is, nevermind the unlucky people who hear me clearing my throat or catch me spitting up puddles in the office parking lot.

mrtesthah 4y ago
That sounds terrible. Have you considered cystic fibrosis medication? Or at least something like the Lung Flute? https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-lung-flute-product-review-914826 https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-lung-flute-product-review...
- hnuser123456 4y ago
  That is interesting. I have used something somewhat similar, it's a device that looks similar to an inhaler but has an ~18mm ball bearing in it, which vibrates in a chamber at ~10hz when exhaled through, which feels close to the resonant frequency of the lungs. This did seem to help clear out some buildup, especially at the end of an exhale, straining to blow every last bit of air out of the lungs, probably a squished-sponge effect forcing it up into the airways where it can be expelled. It is not as clear if the fluid is coming from the lungs themselves (one doctor said this is possible), from somewhere in the throat, or from the sinuses and running down. I will ask for tests for CF at the next appointment and ask if they are aware of the lung flute and would prescribe it, thanks for the suggestion. Searching amazon for "lung flute" turns up some types of devices I haven't seen before.
  - mrtesthah 4y ago
    >It is not as clear if the fluid is coming from the lungs themselves (one doctor said this is possible), from somewhere in the throat, or from the sinuses and running down. Seen an ENT about chronic tonsilitis yet?
    - hnuser123456 4y ago
      Seeing one in March, I'll ask about that. Thank you so much

mrtesthah 4y ago

That sounds terrible. Have you considered cystic fibrosis medication? Or at least something like the Lung Flute? https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-lung-flute-product-review-914826 https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-lung-flute-product-review...

hnuser123456 4y ago
That is interesting. I have used something somewhat similar, it's a device that looks similar to an inhaler but has an ~18mm ball bearing in it, which vibrates in a chamber at ~10hz when exhaled through, which feels close to the resonant frequency of the lungs. This did seem to help clear out some buildup, especially at the end of an exhale, straining to blow every last bit of air out of the lungs, probably a squished-sponge effect forcing it up into the airways where it can be expelled. It is not as clear if the fluid is coming from the lungs themselves (one doctor said this is possible), from somewhere in the throat, or from the sinuses and running down. I will ask for tests for CF at the next appointment and ask if they are aware of the lung flute and would prescribe it, thanks for the suggestion. Searching amazon for "lung flute" turns up some types of devices I haven't seen before.
- mrtesthah 4y ago
  >It is not as clear if the fluid is coming from the lungs themselves (one doctor said this is possible), from somewhere in the throat, or from the sinuses and running down. Seen an ENT about chronic tonsilitis yet?
  - hnuser123456 4y ago
    Seeing one in March, I'll ask about that. Thank you so much