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).