How do you manage thick mucus? What else can I try?

Posted by Joyce2313 @2313, Sep 24 7:09am

How is everyone managing their thick saliva? The doctors tell me more water and a humidifier. I have done these things. Just recently, I started using a small personal steamer. It has helped. I was just wondering if anyone has anything else I could try?

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Thank you so much! I'll definitely check them out!

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This has been an excellent discussion with helpful suggestions for everyone. Thank you all for sharing information. My radiation was 14 years ago and I found that an ultrasonic humidifier and Xylimelts at night and staying well hydrated during the day helped the most. Drinking a low sugar electrolyte solution can hydrate better than water especially in the hot weather. I still use these things daily.

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Profile picture for Joyce2313 @2313

Thank you guys for the suggestions. I also am on a feeding tube for all my nutrition. I do have a suction machine that I keep with me most of the time. The person streamer has helped a lot. I wish I could use the spit bags but with all the surgeries and treatment I have had it has left the bottom have of my face numb which makes it hard to spit.

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@2313 what is the suction machine you use? I really need help with this mucus thing, it is constant all day. 7 months out from throat cancer surgery/reconstruction. Seems worse than ever. You use this by yourself?
Cindy

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Yes, I can't imagine being without this machine. I have 3 of them. I keep one beside me where I sleep, one in my basement and one ready to take in the car when we go anywhere. The first one my surgeon's office ordered it for me. The other 2 I got from Amazon. Just type in suction machines and they will pop up. I'm on the feeding tube as I'm typing and can't get to my machine to get the brand name, but if you can't find it on Amazon let me know and I'll get you the brand name. There are several. You may want to check with you radiologist's office. Maybe your insurance will pay for it. I'm on medicare and they will pay for 1 every 2 years in Kentucky. Let me know. Joyce

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Profile picture for Sue, Volunteer Mentor @sepdvm

This has been an excellent discussion with helpful suggestions for everyone. Thank you all for sharing information. My radiation was 14 years ago and I found that an ultrasonic humidifier and Xylimelts at night and staying well hydrated during the day helped the most. Drinking a low sugar electrolyte solution can hydrate better than water especially in the hot weather. I still use these things daily.

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@sepdvm you are so right! Very helpful information. Thank you for your suggestions. I appreciate it.

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Profile picture for Joyce2313 @2313

Thank you so much for your suggestions!!! I really appreciate your thoughtfulness. The problem is I have had a total tongue removal. The doctors did make me another one from the muscle in my thigh. It does not move. I had to have all teeth removed also before treatment. I'm also totally on a feeding tube. So nothing by mouth.

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@2313 sorry I understand now.

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I have been hacking it out. I believe I will try mucinex.

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I think I'll try Mucinex too.

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Profile picture for Joyce2313 @2313

Thank you guys for the suggestions. I also am on a feeding tube for all my nutrition. I do have a suction machine that I keep with me most of the time. The person streamer has helped a lot. I wish I could use the spit bags but with all the surgeries and treatment I have had it has left the bottom have of my face numb which makes it hard to spit.

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@2313 I also have numbness in my face and the thick mucus and excess saliva. My care team, said I could buy a suction machine. I cannot spit and have a hard time swallowing. But I keep telling myself I am alive. Love all the suggestions and also this site has made me realize it could be worse. i have an obturator which is adjusted all the time and I still get leakage and fluid comes out my nose.

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Profile picture for roxanne43 @roxanne43

@2313 I also have numbness in my face and the thick mucus and excess saliva. My care team, said I could buy a suction machine. I cannot spit and have a hard time swallowing. But I keep telling myself I am alive. Love all the suggestions and also this site has made me realize it could be worse. i have an obturator which is adjusted all the time and I still get leakage and fluid comes out my nose.

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@roxanne43 I love my suction machine! I keep 2 here at home and one that I keep in my car. My care team got my first one through a medical company and medicare paid for it. The other two I purchased on Amazon.

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