Following up my comment about NAC and Mucinex, which I erroneously lumped into the same category. It's unclear to me whether either will help clear mucus plugging. This is what ChatGPT had to say about their differences:

1. Acetylcysteine: It is a mucolytic agent that works by breaking down the structure of mucus, making it less viscous and easier to clear from the respiratory tract. It also has antioxidant properties and can help in protecting the lungs from damage caused by reactive oxygen species.

2. Mucinex (Guaifenesin): This is an expectorant that works by increasing the volume and reducing the viscosity of respiratory tract secretions. By doing so, it helps to loosen and thin out mucus, making it easier to cough up and clear from the airways.

So, while both medications aim to facilitate the removal of mucus from the respiratory system, acetylcysteine directly breaks down mucus, while Mucinex primarily works by reducing its viscosity and increasing its volume, thereby making it easier to expel.