I'm not a doctor, nor do I have medical education..it's my experience with mucus, in my sinus area mostly, throat is better now..
I take Mucinex DM, over the counter...it thins the mucus...one in the a.m. and one at nite...12hrs. apart.
Also, get yourself a "NEIL MED" netipot..(miracle item for me)
DOOOOOOOO NOT USE TAP WATER FOR NETI POT, NEVER!!!...that's a deadly mistake..even if your feel your tap water is safe, don't risk it. Always, always "CLEAN NETI AFTER USAGE"...
Use bottled water or boil tap water first. I have a Brita filter I use for tap water..then I boil..cool and use. Not looking for any more problems..
Just keep your mouth open using neti pot and you'll be fine.The water will come thru your nostril very easily. You'll get all that "JUNK" out of your nasal passages.
GO TO YOUTUBE.COM and enter Neti pot instructions.
My grkids are very young and they use it...it's easy and better than meds.
'IT REALLY WORKS!!!
GOOD LUCK AND HAVE A GOOD NEW YEAR.