Expert: Neal Okerson - 4/16/2008

Question
QUESTION: I am a 41 year old non-smoking male 180 lbs,5'9. I have never smoked nor am i around any type of smoke.I feel very healthy and i allways stay in pretty good shape. I have no allergies that i know of,and i have been to a dermatologist to be check for allergies. I have had a problem for about 10 to 15 years. When I'm talking with someone i often get a light yellow type of infection that comes up from my throat when speaking, it seems to get worse when i raise my voice. I never have heart burn so i don't think i have acid reflux. I have not ever experienced an acid taste in my mouth. I went to a E.N.T doc.and he said that he didn't see anything wrong. I think think this could be lung related. I would like to add i do not experience shortness of breath. I eat every thing and it doesn't seem to change this infection. I'm confused, can you help?

ANSWER: It could be part of the normal secretions in your lungs. In your lungs you have mucus secreted all the time to catch any foreign particles that might get past your nose/mouth as your breath in. This mucus holds the particles while little hairlike projections on the inside of your trachea (windpipe) move the mucus up where it is swallowed or spit out. This is normal. When we talk, the vibrations speed this process up and as a result we may have to cough or clear our throat. This is my guess - since you have been examined by a physician.

Neal

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QUESTION: what can i do to keep this from happening. It happens most of the time, and it is extremely embarising.Is there a medication, or something i can do.

Answer
The only suggestion I can offer is to make sure that your stay well hydrated by drinking a couple of glasses of water everyday (In addition to your usual intake). This can help keep the secretions as thin as possible. This will make it easier to move the secretions out. Sorry that I cannot be more helpful.
Neal