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What to do about mucus?

Having lots of congestion. A lot of coughing and mucus. What is a good treatment?

  1. i have use guiaffiessen syrup from walgreens its inexpensive, its called wally tussin i believe,ask the pharmacist....ive been on oxygen 20 yrs now and its a lifesaver....walmart has it under another name,you have to look at the bottles,do not Get ones with DEXTERMORTHINE AS WELL IN IT,JUST PLAIN.......

    1. hello.
      I’m sorry that you aren’t feeling well.
      The best option would be for you to call your doctor. He or she could write you a prescription that would help you.
      Most important is to
      ...drink plenty of water, that can help to thin your mucus.
      ...do a sinus rinse. This will help to open up your sinuses, to clear bacteria and other particles out of your sinuses. This can be done daily or more.
      ...mucinex is an over the counter med, that is something often recommended for mucus. Depending on what other meds you are on, you want to make sure it is safe, so you should discuss with your doctor. You should also ask about cough meds. There are so many over the counter and my doc always recommends what is best. Plus there are so many contraindications with meds.
      I sure hope you get some relief soon.
      Please let us know how you are doing.
      Janet (site moderator)


      1. Hi pgood1947 - I am so sorry to hear that you've been hospitalized with respiratory failure due to increased carbon dioxide levels. It is understandable and even normal for you to be somewhat apprehensive right now. Let's trust in your physician and medical staff to treat this condition promptly and bring you back to a normal level of health. It may take some time for them to bring this under control - so, if possible, stay calm and try to be patient. Perhaps when you need to use the bathroom, you could ask for some assistance - keep the oxygen with you. You'll feel better with someone assisting you, I'm sure. There is no reason to think this cannot be controlled - be strong and let all the therapy/treatment/medication work for you. We are all pulling for you!
        Please, keep in touch and let us know how you're doing!
        Warmly,
        Leon (site moderator)

      2. I was so sorry to read this! Please know we're all thinking about you and hoping you're on the road to recovery. I'm confident that if you do what the doctors tell you to, take care of yourself, and stay positive you'll start feeling better very soon.
        It is scary when you can't breath - but with the right treatment it will get easier and you'll feel much better.
        Please take care of yourself.
        Best,
        Lyn (site moderator)

    2. I am allergic to antihistamines (they will kill me) so I cannot take most otc remedies. Also, I don't recommend you take a cough medicine with codeine or another opiate added, as that will suppress your respiration, as any painkiller will. A lot of other cough remedies can aggravate inflammation. So I use, on my Doctor's advice, Mucinex, extra strength 12-hour, twice daily. Keeps my lungs completely free of trapped mucus. Loosens it and it comes right up, so none builds up. Also prevents a runny nose. At least for me it does. Really good stuff.

      1. many in the community find mucinex very helpful but I just wanted to chime in with a reminder to speak with your doctor before trying anything new because what works for some might not work for others! All the best, Sam S. (team member).

      2. I am on feb 09, 2023, 2:00 🕑 PM, EST.
        THE CORRECT DATE OF PFT

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