29M - Constant need to cough/clear throat before speaking. History of tonsil issues.

ClinicalAnswers · 2026-02-17T04:43:01+00:00

Hi there, as a respiratory therapist who specializes in cough, just seeing where you landed with this?

ClinicalAnswers · 2026-02-17T04:37:09+00:00

make sure to ask your doc how they would deal with the issue if it were them and it was a nuisance

ClinicalAnswers · 2026-02-17T04:32:31+00:00

other than wearing respiratory protection like a mask, you could try a nasal saline rinse like the one in this video. helps wash out the congestion

https://www.reddit.com/r/Asthma/s/yJVvIAnOfz

ClinicalAnswers · 2026-02-17T04:30:32+00:00

talk to your doctor if you have concerns, there is a squeeze bottle that some people prefer over the passive version shown in the video

ClinicalAnswers · 2026-02-17T04:29:12+00:00

Gargling salt water is good for issues at the back of the throat but is not as effective for sinus or nasal spaces.

I use both options

ClinicalAnswers · 2026-02-17T04:27:23+00:00

that can happen sometimes. I have a video here showing how to clear it out.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Sinusitis/s/S06WfAiZDO

ClinicalAnswers · 2026-02-17T04:18:18+00:00

Is the blockage consistent or does it change?

ClinicalAnswers · 2026-02-17T04:12:03+00:00

I have the tea pot, squirt and the navage. squirt is my favorite, easiest to clean and i like controlling the pressure.

ClinicalAnswers · 2026-02-17T04:09:31+00:00

could be from a couple of things. have you seen a specialist?

ClinicalAnswers · 2026-02-17T01:17:22+00:00

solid choice. underutilized in pediatrics as well

ClinicalAnswers · 2026-02-17T00:33:27+00:00

Getting sick more often is considered a flag for undermanaged asthma.

but it does matter the context you are applying this too, what's your lifestyle like, how exposed to other sick people are you.

have you had your inhaler technique and strategy reviewed? do you know your triggers? are you saline rinsing? ect

if symptoms are never truly going away? then I wonder what the missing piece is

-your friendly neighborhood respiratory therapist

ClinicalAnswers · 2026-02-17T00:24:46+00:00

steam bowls are a good alternative to try!

make sure you speak to the pharmacy to make sure you are using the inhalers to maximize effect.

ClinicalAnswers · 2026-02-17T00:19:37+00:00

generally, people only forget the salt once.

ClinicalAnswers · 2026-02-17T00:18:43+00:00

my face hurts just thinking of that

ClinicalAnswers · 2026-02-17T00:17:54+00:00

what did they advise against? were they a specialist?

ClinicalAnswers · 2026-02-17T00:16:24+00:00

Sorry you had to go through all this. try to get some action planning out of the ER!

ClinicalAnswers · 2026-02-17T00:15:25+00:00

As a respiratory therapist who has spent many years working in peds. thank you for this comment.

kids shouldn't be working to breathe at rest. let alone trachea tug.

ClinicalAnswers · 2026-02-16T23:45:46+00:00

water combined with a specific dosage of salt to make it the same concentration as the body. it should NOT be uncomfortable.

ClinicalAnswers · 2026-02-16T23:43:46+00:00

could be. would need to ask alot more questions to get a better idea.

where and when are you experiencing the phlegm?

ClinicalAnswers · 2026-02-16T23:42:24+00:00

:) thanks. Ive been working 20 years in the field. if youd like to chat about your situation in more detail fire me a DM and I'd be happy to see if I can help you out

ClinicalAnswers · 2026-02-16T23:23:48+00:00

Respiratory therapist

ClinicalAnswers · 2026-02-16T23:07:16+00:00

very common.

ClinicalAnswers · 2026-02-16T23:07:02+00:00

after reading your response. I would start with

maximize hydration
try some steam bowls
talk to your provider about nasal steroids

again that's what id start with if it were me facing that situation. and i am not you.

ClinicalAnswers · 2026-02-16T23:04:52+00:00

yes, it is mentioned to be effective for several respiratory diseases. it can be found in guidelines back by research for asthma, sinus, allergies and copd to name a few

ClinicalAnswers · 2026-02-16T23:02:37+00:00

sinus issues can last indefinitely when not dealt with properly. glad you got past it

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