Lots of people find the best help with the mucous from a suction machine -- your doctor can prescribe it or you can rent one from a medical supply company. We also found the Mucinex to work well but Nelie is right, it's a BIG pill and can't be cut or ground up as it's timed-release. The Guaifenisen syrup (be sure it's just the syrup, no decongestant which will exacerbate dry mouth) is available over the counter and really helps thin the phlegm out as well. It is also important to be well-hydrated as this thins the phelgm.

Barry got a lot of phlegm rather suddenly one day and it was one symptom of a "walking pneumonia" he had developed -- after he had been on IV antibiotics about 3-4 days, it went away almost 75% and became a minor irritant, mostly at night. Now he has none to speak of (5 weeks out from treatment). So individuals vary a lot in their problem with mucous and also, how quickly it resolves.

A swallowing test is also in order as it can help ID the problems or causes of the swallowing difficulties, and there are exercises etc. that can be done to improve things. Sometimes a dilation of the esophagus is needed because of scarring or a stricture. Our ENT sends everyone for this test, whether they ate or not by mouth through treatment, in order to catch problems before they become a major issue. Ask your doctor about this -- sounds as if it's needed!

Gail