Thick mucous

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terryscarlett
terryscarlett Member Posts: 143
edited March 2014 in Head and Neck Cancer #1
Does anyone have any other suggestions for very thick mucous. We are doing mucinex D maximum streghnth, saline nasal spray, and gingerale. Nothing seems to be helping much. David has 12 more rads and I'm afraid it will get worse before better. Any sugesstions would be greatly appreciated. He is also using soda and salt mixture often. The dr said it is something we will have to deal with for a while longer. Thought someone out there may have found something besides what is mentioned above. Hope all have a good day today!!!:)
Terry

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  • Noellesmom
    Noellesmom Member Posts: 1,859 Member
    #2
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    Mucinex
    Jim's doctor stressed using plain Mucinex, versus the Mucinex D. Don't know how much it would help to change but Jim did not have a real problem with the thick mucous.
  • Greg53
    Greg53 Member Posts: 849
    #3
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    Noellesmom said:

    Mucinex
    Jim's doctor stressed using plain Mucinex, versus the Mucinex D. Don't know how much it would help to change but Jim did not have a real problem with the thick mucous.

    Caphosol
    Terry,

    I used a prescription called Caphosol. I remember reading some people on this site did not find it useful, but for the 2 weeks at the end of treatments when the thick, nasty mucous was at it's worst it helped me. It's a 2 part liquid that you swish and spit. I used it 4-6 times a day to help clear out the heavy stuff. It didn't work miracles but at the time it helped me. As they say though - everyone is different. If your insurance will kick in for it you might want to give it a go, but it is very expensive if you have to buy it on your own. Some others on here used a suction device to help clear the heavy stuff too. I didn't use that, but maybe someone can jump in on that subject.

    Good luck to David on this - probably the worst effect that I had. But it does get better.

    Positive thoughts!

    Greg
  • Scambuster
    Scambuster Member Posts: 973
    #4
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    Mucinex and nebulizer & no Dairy
    They gave me gthis and the nebulizer in the evening with one round of Ventolin and one other terrible smelling stuff through the breathing pipe. It helped a bit but your doctor probably nailed in in that you just have to deal with it for now and it will pass. I think once I stopped taking the Milk based nutrition (Ensure etc) the mucus levels dropped. If you have an alternative (Non Dairy) that is worth investigating.

    I used a prescription strength nasal spray 15-20 minute before each rads session which helped a bit breathing through the rads. Wish it were easier Terry, but he will get through. Great to see he has such good support.

    Regds
    Scam
  • j3rey
    j3rey Member Posts: 57
    #5
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    caphasol and dairy
    We found that dairy, especially at night, made the mucous situation much much worse. We stayed away from dairy and hubby used caphasol up to four times a day. We had to fight with insurance company over the coverage on it but our Rad doctor's office gave us all the free samples that they could. Also, take in as much water as you can. Stay hyrated. I know it is hard to get it down but it did seem to help.
    Jen
  • Pam M
    Pam M Member Posts: 2,196
    #6
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    Humidifier
    The other thing I'd recommend is a humidifier. I used an inexpensive ($40) one - helped me a lot, I think.

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