Paula
This message is one of desperation. I will try to make as brief as possible. Every morning, approx. 30 mins to 1 hour after awakening, I have to cough up a huge blob of thick, foul-tasting,green mucus. I have had this problem since '95. It is very hard to bring up, and takes much effort. Oddly, I don't actually HAVE to cough, but 30 mins to an hour in the a.m., if you were to hear me breathe, you'd swear I was a heavy smoker. Soon, it seems to "rise" gradually from deep in my chest into my throat, until I must hack it up or gag to death. My efforts have actually alarmed co-workers, and leave me red-faced, teary-eyed, and breathless. All this, every morning w/out fail. On the rare occasion this doesn't happen, it'll happen in late afternoon. I was diagnosed w/asthma in 1996. I tested positive (severely) for allergies in 1999. I am allergic to the pollen of virtually every tree in my state, roaches, dander, dust mites. Some foods also, but not as severe: oranges, soy, peanuts. No mold or fungus allergies. My asthma is basically under control, rarely do I have a flare-up. My current meds are Claritin 10mg, Proventil HFA, and Nasonex @ night (in an attempt to combat post-nasal drip) I suffer from constant post-nasal drip. I cannot sing w/out my voice cracking. God forbid if I laugh real hard; I'll get all "rattly" in the chest afterwards. The mucus is always, ALWAYS green; the only time it's not is when I'm on an antibiotic (Keflex, Amoxil, Zithromax, and Cipro so far); and always thick and large qty. Now, for approx. the last week, I've been waking up with my upper teeth hurting. I have yet to find a doctor to take these symptoms seriously. I've been told that perhaps this is all just "part of my daily morning routine." I am tired of having to carry paper towels around in the morning on errands, and rushing to the bathroom at work hoping no one is inside who'll get alarmed. I have NOT always had this problem. It has been recommended that I get allergy shots. Will they make a difference at all? I finally have a job w/good benefits and many services for chronic conditions. What should be my next step? Should I ask for a sinusitis test? How can I get a doctor to take me seriously? I'm planning to go to an Otolaryngologist, but it seems the sinusitis test consists of checking for facial pain, which I do not have. If anyone reading this can identify with my situation, or if someone is a healthcare professional, my e-mail is readily available for advice on what I should do next. I am anxiously awaiting replies. Thank you very much. I've tried to include every relevant symptom I can think of.