hello, out there-
My latest problem with radiation is that the mucus is getting very thick and I choke and gag a lot. My nurse suggested Robitussin which seems to help a little but doesn't eliminate the problem. Has anyone discovered any other solutions to thin the mucus or otherwise help cope with this problem?

Hello,

Heather takes Salagen 3 times a day. It thins the mucous, which makes it a little easier to spit it out. Also, see if your doc will order (and insurance will pay) to rent a suction machine with a Yankauer tip. It helps a lot.

Take care,
Rosie

I tried Robitussin, ginger ale, etc, and nothing really helped. The good news is that it passes with time. I used to keep the suction machine by my bed all night by the easy chair all day. Now I can make it through the night with one tissue.

Danny G.

Nanny ... I used a water pik for getting rid of the thick saliva. Not only did the pik help keep my oral cavity clean but I also found using it helped sooth my sore, aching mouth. The only other thing that seemed to help me with the thick saliva was Biotene Mouthwash. It did a good job of breaking up the gunk and keeping it at bay if only for a short while. The thick saliva will thin out in time, but I have to agree, getting through this part of treatment and recovery is by far the most annoying aspect of it all. Hang tight, it does get better! SIncerely, Donna

Nanny, use Puffs brand tissues to wipe out your mouth. Softer and stronger than other brands. Wish I had stock in them! Also, to sleep while that wallpaper paste was pumping out of my mouth, I rolled up gauze and put it in the "gutters" of my mouth. That absorbed the gunk for a couple of hours, letting me sleep. In my case, the stuff stopped after exactly 21 days. Don't know if that is more or less than others. Please know that it WILL stop. This is one of those small prices we pay for being alive.
Joanna

I have found that simply using a warm water rinse will cut the thick saliva for about an hour.

I found that drinking cool (not cold) flat coke worked for me. I'm 7 weeks post radiation and chemo treatment and also use semi flat club soda as well. Drinking warm water does help too but the flat coke was the best. It's also nice to have a bit of flavour sometimes. Good luck to you. As everyone here has said things do get better.

My winning combination was Salagen and carbonated beverages. I prefer Pepsi, but that just me. Anything with bubbles helped to get rid of the nasty sticky gross mouth.