I am recovering from the side effects of treatment for esophageal cancer. My recovery has been proceeding nicely, but in recent days I have experienced slimey saliva when I eat. Ordinarily I can clear my mouth and throat within a few minutes, but today this phenomenon has persisted for hours. I am unable to eat and my throat has become quite sore from the effort to expel the slimey substance. (It looks like saliva, but it is thicker and slimier.) What is going on and what can I do?
I believe you have received radiation therapy for your cancer. Radiation often causes a decrease in production and thicker, ropy saliva. Try taking a lot of fluids. Keep sipping water after a few minutes. You might want to try lime juice to stimulate salivary secretions. Also, you can use an artificial salivary substitute if it doesn't help. For the sore throat, try doing warm saline gargles and take honey followed by water to wash it down.