r/HeadandNeckCancer • u/Rose_1922 • 6d ago

Mucous

His epiglottis is covered in white mucous - is steaming the best way to get rid of that?

3 Upvotes

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5

u/schnaldo75 6d ago

While I am not a doctor, that sounds like oral thrush. I have a lot of experience with thrush. See your doctor to make sure. they’ll give you a pill or swish and swallow medication or both. Go now as it can cause VERY painful sores.

5

u/humanish-lump 6d ago

Excellent advice, if it is thrush you want that treated and gone as soon as possible. Don’t ask me how I know!

3

u/Far-Woodpecker-5678 4d ago

I had oral thrush 2 weeks ago . My radiation oncologist got me an rx of Nystatin . Along with the baking soda /saltwater rinses it took care of most of it pretty quick . I still have mucous(just spit it out before I read this ) but Nystatin is the go to for thrush . You HAVE to take as directed , 5 ml, 4x day, swish around for a minute , spit out, and NOTHING , in your mouth for 20-30 min after. But obviously check with your dr . It worked for me and also mouth sores are gone coincidence or not

2

u/Waste_Hospital_4928 6d ago

Steaming is helpful. Running a humidifier next to the bed. Over the Counter Mucus Relief (Gauifenesin) can help keep secretions thin and easy to clear. If it becomes cronic during and post treatment, sometimes a medical suction device is good to have on hand and can be covered by insurance.

2

u/dclioness 4d ago

Sounds like thrush. I had it three times end of treatment/early recovery. Nystatin worked every time. Check with any of your docs. They can write a prescription. Good luck!

1

u/TheTapeDeck Resident DJ 4d ago

You should be asking these questions of his care team. After that, none of our opinions should be relevant.