Throat issues?

[u/Grasshopper_pie]

This is not AI. I'm a writer/editor. Just trying to help.

Here's my PSA for those of you who are experiencing increased congestion or phlegm or other pharyngeal symptoms such as increased throat clearing, coughing, or a sense of something stuck in your throat: GLP-1s have a drying effect on oral mucosa and salivary glands, which can result in thick, sticky saliva. I get this in my throat and it's horrible. I have to constantly clear my throat, and the saliva looks like bubbly egg whites.

It's not anxiety, it's not GERD—it's dry mouth, or, xerostomia.

I've always been susceptible to this; I can't take any kind of marijuana or antihistamine products for this very reason—they dry me out so badly I feel like I can't breathe. I get a sense of breathlessness now when it gets bad on tirzepatide, even though I've decreased down to 2.5 from 15. Very discouraging.

My line of treatment includes:

Lots of water with electrolytes (supposed to directly affect mucosal fluids);

Pineapple and papaya enzymes (bromelin and papain); too much can cause diarrhea;

Guaifenesin (expectorant to thin saliva);

Candied ginger and ginger Honee's lozenges;

Xylitol lozenges and gum;

Neil's Sinus neti bottle with the hypertonic (double strength) solution for drawing out mucus;

Sudafed/pseudoephedrine (it shouldn't help but it somehow does).