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

I used the spit bags. The hospital gave me some, and you can order from Amazon. I spit it out. I Explained to family and friends, get used to me spitting in these bags. I am over one year past radiation treatments. I still have mucus everyday. I dont need the bags anymore, but I still spit it out.
My doctor suggested mucinex. But I never tried it. I didn't want to thin it. I wanted to expel it.

I was told to use those are the methods too. An overnight humidifier has been very helpful. Another thing is to stay hydrated. Because I can't seem to get enough water (I am NPO and use a G-tube for all nutrition) my GP requested that I receive an infusion of 1 liter weekly.

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.

@kmlnj I use mucus relief (Mucinex ) every 12 hrs. Helps a lot. 2 years out of radiation. Bring it up and spit it out in Kleenex or bathroom sink. Not as bad as in the beginning but dont think it will go away. Also use sponge swabs and just reach in and get it out.

Thank you so much for your suggestions. I'll try just about anything. I believe I will try the mucinex. Thanks again and God bless.

Get xylimelts use them at night. Try using only one cut in half instead of the two recomended by the maker. You will get some goop but less than without by a long shot. During the day I sip water and coffee. Some people really like tea I do stay away from about anything that comes in a can! Also there is xylitol gum. Ice Breakers in the tooth looking box are highest in xylitol. It’s the number one ingredient. This is nice to have when you can’t get to water! It does last a while so it’s pretty good for dry mouth and less goopyness.

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.

@2313 hiya
I can relate mostly to your ordeal. I’m on feeding tube for life. I had some teeth extracted before tx. The remaider a 1.5 yr past tx. to undergo 16 teeth extraction in one appt. I had dentures made and getting used to them 50 % only for show. I probably won’t eat a hamburger and fries again. I can keep some soft food down. As for me, Left forearm vein for flap reconstruction on 1/2 tongue. 75 nodes removed. Double neck dissection.
One sucker cancerous.
33 rounds radiation.
Be well.

Yes, I can definitely see that you can relate. I tried the dentures too, but the inside of my mouth kept changing so I finally said forget it. It was mainly for show also and I had other things to work on. Do you have any head drooping? I've been to PT to strengthen my neck and shoulders but I still have a hard time holding my head up when walking. Thank you and God Bless!

@2313, you might also be interested in these related discussion:

- Excess phlegm after oral cancer surgery: What helps? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/excess-phlegm/
- Anyone have issues with thick saliva after radiation and chemo?https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/anyone-have-issues-with-thick-saliva-after-radiation-and-chemo/

See more: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/head-neck-cancer/