I cannot clear my throat; feels like mucus is there. Suggestions?

Hello @bbsickmayo, Welcome to Connect. Thanks for sharing this tip. Here's some information I found on the topic.

"What is NAC 500 mg used for?
As a prescription drug, doctors use NAC to treat acetaminophen overdose. It may also help break up mucus in people with some lung diseases, like chronic bronchitis. As a supplement, some people use NAC to try to protect the liver. There's evidence it can help prevent kidney or neurologic damage caused by some drugs."
-- N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC): Uses and Risks - WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/n-acetyl-cysteine-uses-and-risks

Do you mind sharing how you found Connect?

I have found that hot tea of the ginger/lemon variety helps immensly"

I have a lifelong history of "sticky" mucus, and have found the following things help:
- Lots of clear fluids without sugar or caffeine - water is best, but herbal teas work too. Aim for 64 oz a day.
- Mucinex 600mg LA (12 hour guaifenesin) taken twice daily - available OTC - it works to thin the mucus. Get the one that is only guaifenesin. (400mg generics can also work, but you must remember to take them 4x a day.) Tip: If it works and you decide to use it long term, buy on-line in quantity - it is horrendously expensive in the drug store.
- Breathe Easy by Traditional Medicinals or a similar herbal tea. Those containing licorice seem to work best. I drink it twice a day - hot is comforting, but over ice works too.
- Avoid using nasal or oral decongestants - they seem to make the problem worse.
- For the record - I found NAC helps my lung capacity/shortness of breath when used daily (I have asthma and bronchiectasis) but it doesn't seem to thin the mucus, so I still use Mucinex.
- If all else fails, nebulize saline solution to thin the mucus - those of us with bronchiectasis or Cystic Fibrosis do it all the time, but my daughter finds it helpful whenever she has chest congestion.

Let us know if any of these are helpful.
Sue

Thanks for your suggestion------ Jules

post on yahoo led me to mayo and was looking for answer to my mucus problem that doctors had no answer to

I found it interesting that in the week I recently spent down in Florida, my mucus problem was non-existent. Then as soon as I got back home to Minnesota - it was back. UGH.

A possible cause of your mucus problem might be the way your home is heated and very dry air. Do you heat with a wood stove and is the humidity level in your home at an acceptable level? I live in Canada and like Minnesota, our cold climate requires a good heating system which often overlooks the humidity factor. The pollutants coming from a wood stove can cause excess mucus to form. I speak from experience. A good air exchange system in your home will help as well or spend your winters in Florida, whatever works for you! Good luck!

Makes sense!! I have a conventional forced air furnace. Yes, it's very dry - I am getting shocks here and there. At one time I used a humidifier. Then I had ice dams and my bedroom was WET. The dude who came out said NO to the humidifier thing. I'm sure my allergies are in play here too. Spending winters in Florida would be IDEAL!!! Thanks for your reply!!

My husband is obsessed with a dehumidifier and I have same problem, however I wonder if the water that collects in my ears during a shower could have something to do with it. I take mucus tabs when it gets bad and it really helps.

I doubt the water in your ears contributes. If you see my notes above, you will see the mucinex helps. But one thing people forget to do in winter is to stay well hydrated because we are not sweating, so we don't feel thirsty. Do whatever works to remind yourself to drink more water, herbal tea, flavored but unsweetened waters. My Mom used to drink water with a squeeze of citrus juice in it.

Also, if you don't have lung problems, you can use the old-time trick - inhale over a basin of steamy hot water (with a towel over your head to keep the steam in. DOUBLE bonus - when you finish, massage lotion into your moist skin - it will soothe winter dryness.
Sue