Posted 4/21/2014 4:54 PM (GMT 0)
Spring allergies are predicted to be worse this year. Because of the long winter everything's blooming at once. I don't have any symptoms because I get allergy shots.
Thick mucus is miserable, sometimes scary. But it can be thinned! Most antihistamines will only dry it, making it thicker. I like OTC Mucinex 12-hour (generic available) taken at night to thin secretions so the cilia in the nose and sinuses can move it.
Also, a good sinus flush/wash can clear it. I prefer the larger bottles like NeilMed so I can get a little pressure wash rather than just a gravity rinse with a netti pot. Make sure you get the right amount of salt when you get refills. You can also use 1/2 tsp salt and a pinch of baking soda (my allergist's recipe). Absolutely imperative - use only sterile water, like distilled or boiled, because of the prevalence of brain-eating ameba in even northern municipal supplies.
To stop "crusties" use a dab of AYR ointment around the nostrils at night.
And, yes, it is possible to have gastric reflux also. If the choking continues seeing a gastroenterologist is a good idea.
Maybe talk with an allergist about antihistamines to stop the mucus before it starts, or getting the shots to get rid of the reactions.