Hi, I am a male, 32 years old and been having throat clearing issues (everyday) with phlegm which comes in a variety of colours, such as brown, white, green and yellow, I also seem to get frequent chest infections causing thick green phlegm and wheezing.
The symptoms initially started 2/3 years ago with throat clearing, with the occasional chest infection. Doctor initially suspected post nasal drip and have been on a number of nasal sprays and saline rinses of the years with no help.
He then suspected Asthma and undertook a PFT test, which can back normal and also did not indicate any obstruction with a FEV ratio of 0.83.
I decided to quit smoking to see if this helped and started working about doing a lot of cardio excervise, whilst my fitness improved the daily throat clearing did not stop. The doctor then suggested this could be GERD / acid reflux issues and gave me PPI’s which again did not help and the phlegm issue was still present more than ever, if anything the phlegm production had increased quite a bit since I first had these symptoms.
I requested another PFT this year, which again came back normal and this results similar to the PFT undertaken a few years prior, with the FEV ratio being maintained at 0.83, although I auspice this may be because I quit smoking and starting doing considerable exercise.
I am now at the point where I as severely depressed due to this condition, and convinced I have early stages on Chronic Bronchitis, where I have sputum production with frequent chest infections but a normal PFT.
I cannot and do not want to discuss this with my partner through fear of scaring her, as it scares the hell out of me, and I have 2 young children I well up whenever I look at because I think I may not be around to see them grow older and have children of their own. I have even put off with my partner for a 3rd child as in my head I am dying, and that is no way to bring a new baby into this world.
My doctor doesn’t seem to be helping me much, I live in England and the NHS is overrun so I can’t seem to get a referral to a pulmonologist.
I was hoping someone would be able to give me advice, but also to get this off my chest as it ruining my mental health and the time I have left with my family.
Please help me with some advice