Dried mucous in nose: breathing problems - help!

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In the last few days I’ve had dried mucus in my nose that makes it hard or impossible to breathe, especially when lying down. I’ve managed the last few radiotherapy sessions by carefully extracting the mucus a short time before the treatment but it’s not sustainable and the technique is starting not to work as I’ve obviously done it too often. 

it just builds up again quickly and I’m going to damage my nose lining if I don’t find a better solution.

I have ordered a humidifier (arriving today) but does anyone else have any advice? Feeling very anxious as I can’t miss any sessions (I’m about to start week 5 of 6).

Thanks, everyone, in advance.

  • Hi,

    This was and still is sometimes such a pain for me too. I tried all sorts and then just did my own thing.

    I made a fresh lot of homemade saline solution everyday. Just simply 2 cups of boiled, cooled water with a quarter of teaspoon of salt. Small syringes to draw the water from the solution (kept in a lidded container in the fridge) tilt head back and apply into each nostril. If you bring your head forward quickly the water should shoot out with any rubbish in there. I've had an airway made inside my throat and it also comes out of there.

    Dry very gently and apply a tiny amount of Vaseline around the inner edges of the nostrils to help them not to dry out. I'd do this several times a day. Time consuming but so worth it for me. 

    Good luck 

  • I didn't do it until after treatment when I really struggled with it.

    This us the one I got from Amazon. 

    Neti Pot,Sinus Rinse Kit,Neti Pot Sinus Rinse,300ml Neti Pot Sinus Rinse Kit with 60 Packets Nasal Wash Salt and Thermometer Sticker, Nasal Sinus Rinse Kit for Adult & Kid (300ml) https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0865HTF69/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_W4CXWHQJ8W7FPEJB31CN

    Boil water, add powder & leave to cool to body temp. I rinse mine over bathroom sink so it can all wash away. Had a couple of colds since treatment and used it then, as the mucous and blood clots were back and was wary of anything else. 

    Once every 2-3 days worked a treat for me. 

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