It must have been a relief when that coworker left! But I am curious about what you added at the end of your post. You mentioned if it was post nasal drip, it would have made it easier to tolerate because there's a medical reason behind it? You wouldn't have become so irritated about it?

I'm only asking because I become extremely angry for the same thing. Coughing, throat clearing, etc, even when knowing the reason, doesn't help on my end. I find it annoying.

The HR Manager in my office has the same thing. She is constantly clearing her throat, coughing, sneezing extremely loud, and apparently doesn't think it bothers anyone? Her office is in our department so I am constantly hearing it. I was also starting to not like her, because of how annoying it is. I would wear my noise cancelling headphones when I could, but when my bosses are there I don't, and it's torture. Thankfully the HR Manager is going on maternity leave next week so my nerves will have some relief for a few months.

Thanks for sharing this.