Getting rid of mucus/phlegm

[PoptartPoptart]

I've had a really bad cold virus thing for the last couple of weeks and although I feel 95% better I just can't seem to shift this horrible mucus/phlegm from my throat. I haven't really got much of a cough, but I feel all snotty at the back of my nose and in my throat (sorry tmi). I cant seem to cough it up or blow it out. Tried over the counter expectorant medicine, sinus medicine, hot steamy bath, honey, etc, but nothing is shifting it. Has anyone got any ideas or homemade remedies that work cos its driving me crazy

You can try exputex - either prescribed as capsules or over the counter medicine. It makes mucus thinner so its easier to cough up/ get rid of. It could also be a bit of rhinitis (symptoms as you describe) - worth talking to the pharmacist - I have rhinitis all the time, so use nasonex. Think it's prescription only, but pharmacist might be able to advise of an equivalent.

Thanks run4it, I'll get myself down to the chemist tomorrow

Try a neti pot - fab! You put warm (previously boiled and cooled to just warm) salted water in the little plastic pot (looks like a little genie lamp) and pour it in one nostril and close off that nostril and let it run out of the other - v satisfying!

Neti pot seconded!

I tried a neti pot and it stung like hell! How much salt do you put in?

An alternative is Sterimar Nasal Spray that you can get from Boots or eating Marshmallows ( ! ) One of the ladies in Holland and Barrett told me that one

vikinglady you can get sachets with the exact amount in each one, eBay have them, that's probably best to begin with. Long term it works out expensive though when you really only need salt in water which is about Half a teaspoon per 250ml. The Internet has lots of conflicting advice. But it should have about the salinity of tears if you want to try tasting it..

I don't think i can bring myself to taste it. Ick. But thank you.

Hijack over.

Tears salinity is 1tsp salt to 1 pint water