I find the Mucinex does more to help than anything else I have taken. With 4-6 glasses of water daily it thins the mucus - before using it I had a lot of problem with mucus in my sinuses and ears too. My pulmo was skeptical too, until I explained how much easier it made clearing out the crud. Did they say why it wasn't recommended? Note- I only use plain guaifenesin - no decongestant or cough suppressant in it.