Mucus Buildup

Hi,

My husband is currently going through radiation.  He is going into his fourth week.  In the past few days, he has developed a lot of mucus.  He is spitting and coughing up a lot of mucus.  I was wondering if anyone can tell me how this can be controlled.  He is taking Mucinex...but it's not helping much. 

Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks!

Unfortunately, it is a waiting game.  My husband also had so much mucus, constantly spitting up.  Then it got less, now he has severe dry mouth and it feels like someone is grabbing his throat.  He is experiencing such a tightening feeling.  He had neck cancer and went thru 30 radiation treatments.  He is currently done with the radiation now for 4 weeks.  So slowly, day by day it gets a little better, but when one thing goes away another seems to occur.

Hang in there.  We are all in this together.

Jen

I also went thru radiation and chemo for throat cancer, the mucus was and is sometimes still thick I was told to take Robitussin to thin it out, cause Mucenix didn't work for me. I'm on a feeding tube right now and just started to be able to drink and take teenie bits of food. I feel for ou and you will be in my prayers.

Tammy

Dear RMD39, I have learned all the ins and outs of mucus the past 2 months due to having a laryngectomy.  One thing to remember, mucus is actually a good thing as it is throwing out the germs and bad stuff.  One way your husband can affect the thickness of the mucus is by drinking water.  The more water he drinks the thinner his mucus will become.  Other liquids will not give him the same benefit..water will help.  By doing this it will also make the mucus pass easier causing less effort for him.  Also, the color of the mucus is telling you things.  His desire should be to thin it as much as possible and for it to get clear, which is a show of health returning.  If the mucus remains thick and colored, have him inform his doctor..that is an indication of infection.  Mucinex didn't help me much but did some.  Water...water...water, that is cheap, will make a very sore throat feel better, and will thin the mucus.  And as you have been told from someone else, the mucus will dry to the point where he may have dry mouth, which can be eased by....you guessed it..water! Good luck and I hope the best for both of you.

 Mike Smith (Laryngectomee 9-11-08)