What would cause someone to have to constantly clear their throat? What would make it stop?

Question

I have a coworker that has a terrible problem with it and it drives me crazy! It seems to only happen after he eats, but it lasts for about 2 hours, at least! I appreciate any help for a suggestion I could give him. I just want it to STOP!!

Answer 1

He may have heartburn caused by gastric reflux. If that's the case, then he REALLY needs to get treatment, because this can lead to esophageal cancer if it isn't treated.

He could try an over-the-counter reflux treatment like Prilosec or Zantac, he could treat the symptoms by following his mean by eating Tums or another antacid that works by neutralizing stomach acids. But what he really, really needs to do is go see a doctor and possibly have his esophagus scoped for lesions, and have the doctor prescribe him a medication.

Tell him about the reflux, with emphasis on the cancer part of it. If that doesn't convince him to do something about his problem, it's probably a no-hoper.

Good luck.

Answer 2

It could be he is just enjoying his food too much and the saliva is still being produced. I assume he is drinking something when he eats? Try and get him a drink with 'lime' in it and tell him how wonderful this drink is and get him to try it. That will cut through any phlegm in his throat, stop him trying to clear it.