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Any tips to manage excessive phlegm from throat cancer radiation?

Posted by aidab @aidab, Jun 24 10:12am

My husband is undergoing treatment for HPV P-16 throat cancer and is into his 3rd week of chemo and radiation and is now experiencing excessive phlegm from the radiation. Any suggestions on how to manage this?

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omaest | @omaest | Jul 23 7:08am
In reply to @hrhwilliam "@jennifish Whiskey does cure a lot of issues, or at least it makes you forget you..." + (show)
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@jennifish Whiskey does cure a lot of issues, or at least it makes you forget you have issues. It also dehydrates you a bit, which is not what you need for dry mouth although it might be the ticket for excessive phlegm.
Logic would point to phlegm reduction because the body is more relaxed with the alcohol, thus not fighting a presumed invasion of the throat which in turn lowers phlegm levels.
Just a theory. Perhaps I should have a whiskey and think it over however since my cancer, it is far too painful for me to swallow strong alcohol. Alcohol is also known to feed cancer cells. I think I will wait until my final days. Then I will enjoy some Jack and maybe a pack or two of Marlboro’s.

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@hrhwilliam it doesn't take a lot of whiskey to deal with the phlegm. I have used vodka and only a tiny tiny sip helps. About a tsp. However, like every other remedy I've tried it doesn't take long for the build up to be back. The solution that seems most effective for me is to mix 1 tsp. soda and 1 tsp. salt in a pint jar. I use it first thing in the morning and then throughout the day as a gargle.

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gareee314 | @gareee314 | Jul 24 6:37am

My problem is I had throat radiation about 4 1/2 years ago. This past year my upper inside gums and palate puff up or get swollen and I get a build-up of mucous above the palate 24/7. I use a spray saline up the nose to help break it up so I can snort it out. Went to 2 ENT's and they are puzzled. All this is preventing to swallow normally because of this obstruction. Have stomach tube (PEG tube) for 4 1/2 years and haven't eaten anything orally for that time. I was having a special dentist make me a soft palate lift because that is hanging lower from the surgery. The worse of the problems is the mucous that I have to snort out of my sinus cavity above the palate all the time. Is this from radiation or is it lymphatic fluids building up from them taking 33 lymph nodes out on my left side of my neck during this surgery?

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jennifish | @jennifish | 6 days ago

I can’t personally drink hard liquor either. You are very clever! I would stick with the whiskey and skip the Marlboros 🙂

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Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | 1 day ago
In reply to @djcma94935 "@calenbd Thank You for your much helpful & hopeful comment!!! My husband is struggling so with..." + (show)
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@calenbd Thank You for your much helpful & hopeful comment!!! My husband is struggling so with the very excess phlegm problem, he is trying to eat a little something to help his feed tube to Go Away, but all the phlegm just gets in the way! He's pretty much on his last nerve and I can't seem to help, although I do and will keep on looking !!! And Thank You for your sentence - It won't last forever - God and us 2 are prayin for your sentence to apply to him also. Take Care and Thanks Again. Joanne

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@djcma94935, how is your husband doing? How are YOU doing?

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fever1 | @fever1 | 20 hours ago

Guaefenesin 12 hour time release. 600 or 1200 mgs needs lots of water. If he has trouble swallowing sips lots of them. Water activates med
While thinning phlegm a lot. I take 1200 2 times day. Am -pm. Has little to no after effects on me. Good luck.

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