Freaking out a little - mucus cough, tough to get mucus up sometimes, acid reflux....

[rival11]

Ok, I know this may have been discussed here previously but there are just way too many threads to look though to find ALL of the issues I'm having.

I also don't want this turning into one of those online health boards where there are just a ton of other people listing their symptoms either.

Basically, I quit smoking for good approx. 15 months ago and from day one I was using e-cigs with china PG juice only. The go-go was killing me coughing wise so I went back to smoke51 for a bit then just settled for the gas station n-joy kits, then finally, the njoy disposables.

In that time, I ended up with major acid reflux and hacking up phlegm (with no blood) constantly with the occasional feeling of phlegm getting stuck in the lungs and also mucus that would come from the nose (post nasal drip feeling) - it got so bad over the summer that a few times I thought I was going to choke on it.

So that's the jist of everything - I just recently this week compltely stopped everthing and immediately started getting better but some bouts with the cough and phlegm getting stuck still occur along with some acid refulx and tons of throat clearing.

Again, I'm not paranoid at this point but a little freaked out as to how long it will last and if it will go away for good - I'm actually going to schedule something with an ENT this coming Monday.

This question is to the people who have experienced this before and if it went away - I really am looking for replies by people who have EXCATLY all of the issues I listed above but of cours.....if you know what you're talking about I would love to hear from you as well.

 

[rival11]

Ok, no replies huh? lol, anway I went to see the doc today. I told him the following:

FIRST - I AM POSTING ALL OF THE FOLLOWING TO BE HELPFUL TO OTHERS - I KNOW I FIND A LOT OF RELIEF WHEN SOME SYMPOTOMS I HAVE MATCH OTHERS IN EXACTLY THE SAME WAY...BUT PLEASE STILL SEE YOUR DOCTOR IF YOU NEED TO.
- I can do a very rigourous 10 minute, non-stop workout with no issues (breathing wise)
- I have never felt as good as I do at any point in my life since quitting smoking and changing my lifestyle

I explained all of my symptoms to him and told him my acid reflux is under full control but I get a bronchitis like feeling in my lungs maybe once or twice a day that I can clear up with a few good coughs (and this was still occurring when I quit the e-cigs for a full week).

He said chronic bronchitis was most likely the culprit....but I asked how that could be since I never feel short of breath (even when I am in the middle of not being able to breath while trying to yack up the small (really not much at all) amount phlegm that comes up....I really can still breath fine (weird I know but think of it has a feeling where maybe one tube is blocked and the other is good to go?).

He listned to my lungs extensively and said they sounded great and my blood pressure was so good to the point where he honestly said he hasn't seen that good of a reading in a long while (and he meant it).

Then I dropped the bloody nose thing on him which is realtively new and; it scared the living hell out of me because when I get them they are smei-posteriour (back of the nose and down the throat) as opposed to the ones that just come streaming out of you nostril - I said when it gets dry outside....I'm in trouble and that's usually when I experience the issues....he then immediately said I have developed some kind of allergy (can't remember what it was) - he said I also have a bad post nasal drip that aggreviates my lungs.....a lot of this makes sense now as my work environment is very dry and I DO NOT get the clogged phlegm thing at home in the mornings like I do at work.

So it does make sense but at the same time.....It's still weird to me. One thing I find strange is that I cannot find a good enough explanation of Crhonic Bronchitis anywhere on the web.....I mean can you have it and still feel great??? Cause that's excatly how it is for me - it is very weird and hard to explain - you would literally have to spend some time around me.

 

[flbutterfly1]

I have the exact same thing. I feel great. I dont wheeze, cough or have a hard time breathing. When I am trying to hack up this little stuck in the throat bit of yuck I feel like I am gonna spit out a lung. But I can breathe fine. I figured out finally that my eliquid had too much VG in it. I went to all PG then slowly added a bit of the VG back in. Now I am all VG but it has to be cut with water to a very thin consistency for me to not have the something stuck in my throat feeling. Cutting the VG with PG was still too thick and gave me coughing fits.

 

[steamengine]

Ask your Doc about using a neti pot/do some research on them.. I use a neti shooter thing, made by the neti people but it's a squeeze bottle, it works wonders for my sinuses. YMMV. Use distilled water only or risk death by brain eating amoeba(no, not joking).

 

[dlsw]

Ask your Doc about using a neti pot/do some research on them.. I use a neti shooter thing, made by the neti people but it's a squeeze bottle, it works wonders for my sinuses. YMMV. Use distilled water only or risk death by brain eating amoeba(no, not joking).

I have used this, the squeezy bottle kind, for months for my sinuses. It really helps right before bed.

Thank you for the post and follow up from your doctor!!! It is hard to know what symptoms are from being a former smoker, current vaper, or human being!

 

[Katz123]

Using the neti pot or washing your sinuses right before bed is not recomended at all. It increases your post nasal drip. It actually states right on the package: Do not use right before laying down, use at least 2 to 3 hours before going to bed. Failure to do so will increase post nasal drip while sleeping which can increase your chances of developing bronchitis.

They are really good though if used during the day or first thing in the morning to clear out the crusties from sleeping. (I know gross right)

I have also found that using cartos with stuffing increases this and tank style based on ce2 or ce3 decreases it.

Good luck on getting rid of the last of the stubborn smokers cough.

 

[rival11]

Me again.....since I wasn't satified with the Doctors diagnosis - I went to get chest x-rays done yesterday.........just got the results a bit ago "Your lungs are perfectly clear" Really? So why the feeling of stuck mucus in my chest that I can feel and the comes up upon some effort?

I guess it's a mystery. Pretty damn dumbfounded by this......a lot people just seem to think it's Post nasal drip as it can cause the same effects - they pretty much say it HAS to be since the Xrays don't even show anything in the slightest.

 

[shwa311]

A few weeks ago I started getting a very dry nose and the back of my mouth is a bit sensitive. I wake in the morning and have to blow my nose which seems very crusty for lack of a better term. I have also had a few moments of clearing my throat as you have described.

I'm vaping bloog 555 and SPI almost exclusively and I'm wondering if it is the VG content.

Is your sinus condition about the same? What liquid are you using and what makeup is it?

I don't drink enough water through out the day so I'm going to start there. If that doesn't help I will try a different VG/PG balance.

 

[Katz123]

Me again.....since I wasn't satified with the Doctors diagnosis - I went to get chest x-rays done yesterday.........just got the results a bit ago "Your lungs are perfectly clear" Really? So why the feeling of stuck mucus in my chest that I can feel and the comes up upon some effort?

I guess it's a mystery. Pretty damn dumbfounded by this......a lot people just seem to think it's Post nasal drip as it can cause the same effects - they pretty much say it HAS to be since the Xrays don't even show anything in the slightest.

You mentioned that the Dr. said you have post nasal drip. If you research it you will find that it is the culprit. It causes chronic bronchitis because it is constantly dripping down the windpipe and irritating the bronchial tubes.

Did you try the netti pot yet? It will really help a lot. I have had the exact symptoms that you did in the past. It has recurred a couple of times since. When it happens I use the netti pot and increase my water intake (thins the mucus) and go on an allergy medication for about 10 days to give the respiratory system a break. It works every time. (5 or 6 times now) I used claritin or allegra for the allergy medication and have used both the netti pot NeilMed Pharmaceuticals, Makers of Sinus Rinse, NasaFlo Netipot, Nasal Irrigation and the nasal wash bottle. NeilMed Pharmaceuticals, Makers of Sinus Rinse, NasaFlo Netipot, Nasal Irrigation

I intend to try the newest one Sinugator which is a pulsating nasal washer. http://www.neilmed.com/can/sinugator.


I have had seasonal allergies since I was 17 years old. They suddenly and without warning started one spring and I have had them ever since. I tend to have the post nasal drip when the pollens and molds/fungi that I am allergic to are moderate to high. When the grass polens start, that is when it is the worst. Anytime now or the next couple of weeks for sure.

I hope this helps you, and I would not worry too much about a little mucus, it is fairly normal (the amounts you say you have) it is there for a reason, to keep dust and small particles from getting into your lungs.

Hope you feel better soon,

Katz

 

[mugsie]

hi, read your post about chronic bronchitis and i have it too. have no problem breathing just a lot of phlegm. in fact i started vaping in oct. 2011 and was fine until march 2012. then the phlegm got really bad and the constant throat clearing as well. i vape greensmoke prefilled cartomizers whic are listed as having pg and vg but dont know the percentages. bought blu smoke because it is all vg and had same problem . am totally disgusted and am not vaping but wearing the patch.

 

[odiedodi]

I think given that there are at least 20 threads on this subject on the first two pages alone, we should just have a general thread on excessive phlegm and mucus stickied at the top of the page.

 

[jjcordone]

I'm no doctor, but I've experienced the same thing, clear lungs but it sure doesn't feel like it sometimes.
I'm no longer certain that its a VG or PG thing.
From what I've read, vaping opens the sinus's and you get the post nasal drip that in turn leads to coughing up stuff.
I beleive it happens with both VG and PG. I suspect this is something that will pass as my body gets used to vaping...
Anyone else have these isssus, but had them go away?

 

[rival11]

Been away for a bit - had a lot going on. Anyway.....it was NEVER post nasal drip - not at all. Biopsy on tonsil came back negative.

So there I was constantly clearing my throat could barely swallow, etc.... why? Because anxitey, body changes, and OTC meds (will get to that in a second) after smoking were the core cause for all of my issues.

About the OTC meds - here is a little fun fact most of you probably don't know but some of you may.....if you stay on PPI (proton pump inhibitors) or histamine (H2) blockers (i.e. Zantac, Pepcid, etc..) they actually WORSEN the effects of your acid reflux....does this happen to everyone if they stay on it too long? NOPE but it does happen and unfortunately I was one of those people.

During the time of my excessive mucus I was going through so much stress (not self induced just a ton of change and a few huge problems) that it was causing my anxeity to spin out of control - the crappy part? even when you are stone calm and relaxed you can still be stressed to the max - it's not until your problems that are causing your stress and anxiety are completly gone and out of your sub-concious...then and only then will you start to feel better - sound corny? well guess what? it's true....but don't worry, you don't have to monitor you sub-concious it will take care of itself.

It was a crazy time and I still have some reflux from time to time but I definitely know now that it is from all three factors listed above and not just one root cause. It was pretty bad but again, when it keeps going and lingering and you have never had any type of problem that even comes close - it messes with your head.

I still do think that e-cigs play a part with reflux though (both laryo/pharogeneal and esophogeal) but it is possible to tame it to an extent.

I have only been using the disposable blu-cigs because they are the only ones that taste dencent to me and I can't handle china juice at all anymore.

 

[rival11]

I also wanted to add my take on why people actually experience the laryngeal-pharangeal reflux (i.e. exessive mucus in throat - I definitely think it's due to the additives in the ecigs and not the nicotine.

I believe the glycol and additives (this includes VG juice as well) are causing the acid reflux to bypass both sphincters on the top an bottom of the espohagus.

You have to remember that both Laryn-pharyn and espohogeal reflux are caused by the same thing - the weaking of the sphincter muscles. Some may only have one sphincter muscle weaken - if it' the lower, these people normally experience bad indegestion, heartburn, & acid reflux (heart attack feeling, sharp stabbing pain in chest). If it's the upper and lower, people may only experience mucus...why? because the acid doesn't have time to sit in the esaphogus to cause the normal heartburn/acid symptoms, instead it shoots to the throat where there is no protection so your throat creates a ton of mucus to ward off the acid...and yes, THIS can lead to a post nasal drip sensation as well, very red throat noticiable upon looking in the mirror and a sandpaper like feeling when swallowing...if it gets that bad (which don't worry, it also dies back down).

I'd have to say the scariest thing for me is when it would aspirate into my lungs creating that worse than bronchitis like feeling - that was horrid.

As you can tell, I've done my research and been to many doctors for this - some helpful, some have absolutely no idea what the hell they are doing - my ENT tried writing me a presecritpion for more omeprazole (i.e. prilosec) when I advised I think thats what was making it worse and turned out to be right after stopping them cold turkey - I mean come on....why didn't he even consider that?

Anyway, that's my two cents.

 

[Uncle Willie]

I don't think it's that uncommon to have the throat clearing / phlegm buildup .. in many cases, it is the fault of the liquid .. cinammon type flavorings and what not .. I personally would consider that a minor by-product as compared to the analog alternative ..

We are inhaling a fluid laced with in most cases, unknown components as it relates to flavorings .. any one of which could have an effect on your body in one way or another .. or, in no way at all .. we all react differently .. that's why some folks have allergies and some don't ..

 

[rival11]

Yes but it in this case we're not talking about flavorings or allergies - the reflux is caused by the components as a whole. It's prob best to look at as a natural reaction by the body.

The one key thing here though is that I have only been off analogs for about a year and half and that is still NOT enough time to rule out the fact that the reflux is a result only from quitting - I really do believe it's possible for people to quit smoking cold turkey and not even get on ecigs and still have bad reflux problems for even a few years.

 

[Uncle Willie]

Yes but it in this case we're not talking about flavorings or allergies - the reflux is caused by the components as a whole. It's prob best to look at as a natural reaction by the body.

The one key thing here though is that I have only been off analogs for about a year and half and that is still NOT enough time to rule out the fact that the reflux is a result only from quitting - I really do believe it's possible for people to quit smoking cold turkey and not even get on ecigs and still have bad reflux problems for even a few years.

I doubt if it's the components as a whole .. it is likely a single ingredient or the interaction of 2 when vaporized ..

 

[Uncle Willie]

I had reflux problems several years ago .. my Dr said lose weight, quit eating after 8 PM, stay away from foods that are too spicy, sleep with your head higher than your feet .. it went away .. quickly

 

[OnnaB]

I took otc Prilosec every day for 6 years while smoking. If I didn't take 1 within 30 hours of the previous one, my acid reflux let me know it was late. Seriously, within 2 days of quitting smoking....I haven't needed the Prilosec. Yes, I have had some phlegm problems, but I had them worse with smoking. I had some nose bleeds, too. I think the PG/VG are humectants...and they are used to keep things dryish. Make sure you are getting plenty of water. That has made a huge difference for me....and I've actually lost a little weight!

 

[kelleymcm]

hmmm ...reflux runs in my family ...mom (non smoker) has even had the surgery to repair her flap 2 times now & is still on massive digestive meds ....mine showed up a few years ago & I have taken Prilosec off & on ...Dr, is an idiot in MHO cuz he said to take it 2x a day now why would one want to turn one's digestive system off for over 20 hours a day ...that is just silly ! And puts your bones @risk ...mom has new knees too.

BUT ...since I started vaping it has all but gone away
(went from daily to just 2-3 times a wk),mostly food related (heavy spices & grease) now.

I vape 100% thinned DIY VG . PG causes throat swelling/hives & coughing for me . And I can make it calm down by taking a Benadryl...I have a lot of allergies & can't deal w/post nasal drip (sore throat & cough & mucus), so I take allergy meds when needed.

Sounds like you just have allergies to me, have you tried allergy meds ?

Another thing that I have just discovered lately ...Aline Probiotics ...taken in 7-day runs ...I was amazed on day 2 or 3 how much better I felt ...no sinus allergy symptoms & hives went away,lower gut felt better & I did not have heartburn one time the whole week . 4-5 days off of them some symptoms started coming back ...so I am trying a second round on day 2 already feel better again.

So to get back to my point ....at least for me Vaping has almost FIXED my Reflux, not caused it .