Excessive phlegm every morning. Does anyone have any ideas about this and how she might lessen this nightly accumulation?

Hi SendHelp, no problem. We come here to ask questions and learn from each other. So getting various sides is helpful.

Dad has one lung and severe emphysema. Thankfully his condition has improved. Too much coughing for him would cause his oxygen level to drop. Also why this version was recommended. But, as of yesterday, I've picked up the other version for when there is not too much coughing involved. He also has to take Spirivia and not miss a day with that one at all.

Thankfully no problem for any of us that I mentioned in our post from using Mucinex DM products. As his specialist mentioned, if the cough is interfering with sleep or being able to participate in life events (like when he used to go to church), then administer the product to calm the cough while still loosening the phlegm (we only did one). It has worked beautifully when needed. We do not use this product on a daily basis or even on a weekly basis.

And for those who do not know, please check with your doctor, pharmacist, regular home health agency, specialist, hospice agency, etc before adding or removing any prescription or otc medication. Whoever helps you care for your loved one should be involved!

Apologize for the assumption. Hopefully, don't just take the word of any of us and run without further research especially when it comes to meds or otc products. I appreciate all of the help over the years, including now, and don't mind trying to help others but please check what any of us suggest with your team.

By the way, this is a great pull from the internet about differences in Mucinex products [Mucinex DM—contains dextromethorphan as a cough suppressant. Mucinex D—contains pseudoephedrine as sinus and nasal decongestant. Mucinex Fast-Max—contains Tylenol for pain and fever, phenylephrine as a decongestant, and dextromethorphan.

StrugglingSue I hope you find something that works so that mom can get some relief and you some peace of mind!

Thanks All!

With a history of high blood pressure I would be concerned she has fluid on her lungs from heart failure. Before I gave her _any_ OTC drugs to treat congestion, I would have her checked by a doctor. Full disclosure: my grandparents and my father all died between 85-88 of CHF, so I may be particularly sensitive to this possibility. If she does have fluid in her lungs, some diuretics will help a lot.

Leave out the DM in Mucinex.

From the internet:

"Guaifenesin (Mucinex) is an expectorant. It helps loosen congestion in your chest and throat, making it easier to cough out through your mouth. These medicines are not known to elevate blood pressure."

One should do their own research on the side effects listed, and always check with your doctor if the drug can be compatible with current meds.

After being informed about Dextromethorphan (DM), I would never take it.

Sue, there is a decongestant that is specifically made for this issue. I don't remember the name but, a pharmacist should be able to guide you. I had a friend that had the same issue and he took it with no issues.

Have you tried cold, sweetened herbal teas. Sometimes just the taste will encourage drinking without thirst. I recommend putting fresh Ginger in whatever you give her to help with absorption of the liquid. I like raw honey as a sweetener, boosts immunity. Cinnamon tea is a good option too. It is healthy for blood sugar spikes and actually helps awaken our brains.

Mucinex dm is what helps my hubby and dad and comes highly recommended by their pulmonologist. I can tell when they've gone a while without taking. Hubby is sinus related and dad is severe emphysema. I also pop one every now and then. Otherwise, warm drinks like teas or flavored water. Does she lie down right after eating or drinking? The pulmonologist also recommends slightly elevating your head when lying down rather than lying flat if you have that problem. Home health agencies also suggest keeping mobile even if it's just some. The movement is said to help things loosen phlegm as well.

It could be an excess of phlegm, saliva or mucous, or a tightening of the esophagus so that things aren't moving down like they should. My aunt gets this too but only after she starts eating: the saliva (or whatever) builds up so that she can't swallow her food. To preemptively combat it she she takes Mucinex 2x a day, and if she forgets then she must start her meals by sipping something very hot, even just very hot water works, and it gets things moving. Not sure if it's thinning the mucous or relaxing her throat...she won't go to the doctor for it.

It's a tricky problem for her because even if she was willing to go to a doctor, which doctor should she see? An allergist? ENT? Endocrinologist? She's 102 and just started having this problem in the past year, no prior problems and nothing's changed in her daily routine and life. It's interesting that it only happens when she begins to eat. I hope you can sort it out for your LO!

Any mold that you're aware of? Pets?

What's she eating? Dairy and anything made with flour (pasta, cookies, breads, pancakes, waffles, pizza, etc.) are very mucus producing. Highly inflammatory. Same with sugar.

Does she get enough hydration? Warm lemon water with a little bit of honey helps. Also, green tea.

Have you asked her doctor?

I have allergies and something warm to drink 1st thing helps get things sorted. Lemon water with a bit of raw honey is especially beneficial and helps my immune system.

Maybe a warm drink before bed to help thin things out.

Definitely speak with her doctor though.