Why such excessive sputum/phlegm?
OK, it’s not uncommon to have excessive phlegm during a chest infection, the trick is to try and get rid of it. Many people think they have to fight the urge to cough out phlegm in case it offends anyone, this is rubbish, phlegm should always be evacuated from the lungs whenever possible. Have you asked your doctor if your parent could attend a physio session, this would really help, a good physio knows all types of methods for getting rid of phlegm. Finally there are several medications available on prescription that deal with persistent phlegm, one is Mucodyne, maybe it’s time to try some. The other type I think, is an antihistamine, these can be bought over the counter in any good chemists, but check with the pharmacist first. Finally, be firm with the doctor if you’re not happy with the way your parent is being treated, you have a legal right to ask for a second opinion and you should also insist on getting to see a chest specialist. Many doctors give up on our more elderly patient
