DEAR DR. GOTT: I am 99 years old, celebrating my centennial birthday in August 2012. I am female. I have never smoked or drank alcohol. I’ve had several surgeries, including gallbladder removal, hysterectomy, tonsils, etc. My mind is clear and I’m very active for someone my age. I have arthritis in my back, neck and knees.
I have had digestive problems for many, many years. I have gone to numerous doctors, including two or three gastroenterologists. I take isosorbide and nitro (when needed). I have had a pacemaker for two years. My question is this: I have a lot of mucous, especially in the mornings. I have to cough and spit for an hour or two to try to get rid of it. I’ve had this for more years than I can remember. Doctors don’t seem to think it’s anything to worry about. One doctor had me try an over-the-counter antihistamine. It may have helped but made me very sick to my stomach. I wonder what causes this and could it be the cause of my constant digestive illness?
I confess that I eat a lot of sugar. I love sweets and drink green tea on a regular basis. I am very thin and have worked hard all my life. I enjoy working in the yard but am not able to do so much anymore.
I’ve always enjoyed your columns and have cut out many of them. I’d appreciate any help you can give me. I currently live with my daughter and her husband. I lost my husband over 30 years ago and have lost both of my sons. One had colon cancer and then lung cancer. The other had heart problems and extreme obesity. Thank you very much.
DEAR READER: First, let’s discuss your medications. Isosorbide and nitro (nitroglycerin) are both nitrate medications used in the treatment of angina. Angina is chest pain caused by reduced blood flow and is a symptom of coronary artery disease. If these are your only medications and you are having no other symptoms or problems, congratulations on making it to 99 in such wonderful health. You appear to be far better off than many younger people in US.
Now, to your specific concern of the excess mucous. My initial thought is post-nasal drip. Post-nasal drip, for those who don’t yet know, occurs when mucous from the sinuses drips down the back of the throat rather than from the nose. It can lead to coughing, having to spit up phlegm, an irritated throat, and gastric upset from inadvertently or unknowingly ingesting the mucous.
Post-nasal drip is often the result of an allergy. Because your symptoms occur primarily in the morning, I assume upon waking something in your room may be to blame. Perhaps the detergent or fabric softener you wash your clothing and bedsheets in has a strong fragrance, or you use a potpourri or other type of air freshener. If you have used the same pillow for a number of years, bacteria, mold and mildew can build up in it. If you shower at night before bed, shampoo or soap fragrances may even be to blame.
I suggest you take a look at what you’re exposed to. Try using fragrance-free detergents and soaps. Purchase a new pillow. Consider trying an over-the-counter antihistamine such as Benadryl, Zyrtec, Claritin or Allegra, an OTC nasal antihistamine, a prescription nasal steroid spray, or a home remedy such as alfalfa tablets or using a neti pot to flush your sinuses.
You may also want to seek out the advice of an otolaryngologist (ear-nose-and-throat specialist) to determine if there is some anatomical reason for the mucous/drainage such as a deviated septum or nasal polyps.
Readers who are interested in learning more can order my Health Report “Allergies” by sending a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and a $2 US check or money order to Dr. Peter Gott, PO Box 433, Lakeville, CT 06039. Be sure to mention the title or print an order form from my website, www.AskDrGottMD.com.
