HI MY PHELGM IS THICK I HAVE IT ALL THE TIME FROM RADIATION. I WAS TOLD TO GARGLE WITH A 1/2 CUP OF CARBONATED WATER. IT WORKS TO CLEAR THE THROAT BUT DOES NOT GET RID OF THE PHELGM COMPLETELY. I HAD TONGUE CANCER ON RIGHT SIDE AND ON THE LYMPHNOD. THEY DID A SELECTIVE NECK DISECTION AND REMOVED 23 LYMPHNODS. FOR PREVENTIVE REASONS GOOD LUCK