From the Guidelines
For excess saliva or phlegm, you should consult an otolaryngologist (ENT specialist) or a pulmonologist. An ENT specialist is typically the primary doctor to see for excessive saliva production (sialorrhea), as they specialize in conditions affecting the mouth, throat, and salivary glands 1. For excess phlegm or mucus, particularly if related to respiratory issues, a pulmonologist may be more appropriate. According to a recent study published in 2023, a multidisciplinary approach with communication between all treating disciplines results in the best outcomes for suspected extraesophageal reflux disease (EER) patients, which may be related to excess phlegm or mucus 1.
Treatment Options
Treatment options for excess saliva might include anticholinergic medications like glycopyrrolate or scopolamine patches, botulinum toxin injections into salivary glands, or in severe cases, surgical interventions. For excess phlegm, treatments may include expectorants like guaifenesin, mucolytics such as N-acetylcysteine, or medications targeting the underlying cause like antihistamines for allergies or antibiotics for infections.
Specialist Referral
The appropriate specialist will determine the cause of your symptoms—whether it's related to neurological conditions, medication side effects, allergies, infections, or other medical issues—before recommending the most effective treatment plan for your specific situation. As noted in a study from 2012, patients who are seriously ill and immunocompromised, continue to deteriorate clinically despite extended courses of antimicrobial therapy, or have recurrent bouts of acute rhinosinusitis with clearing between episodes should be referred to a specialist (such as an otolaryngologist, infectious disease specialist, or allergist) for consultation 1.
Multidisciplinary Approach
A multidisciplinary approach is essential in managing excess saliva or phlegm, as it may involve various specialties, including otolaryngology, pulmonology, gastroenterology, and allergy/immunology 1. This approach ensures that all possible causes of symptoms are considered, and the most effective treatment plan is developed. In some cases, endoscopy may be necessary to assess and localize sinus pathology, and allergists are in a unique position to treat the entire “unified airway” 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
USES Helps loosen phlegm (mucus) and thin bronchial secretions to make coughs more productive. The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Specialist for Excessive Saliva or Phlegm (Mucus)
- The specialist who treats excessive saliva or phlegm (mucus) is not explicitly mentioned in the provided studies 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, based on the conditions associated with excessive saliva or phlegm, such as sialorrhea, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and chronic bronchitis, the following specialists may be involved in treatment:
- Otolaryngologist (ENT specialist) for conditions related to the upper aerodigestive tract 5.
- Gastroenterologist for conditions related to the esophagus and stomach, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease 4.
- Pulmonologist for conditions related to the lungs, such as chronic bronchitis 6.
- Neurologist for conditions related to neurological disorders, such as amyotropic lateral sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and Parkinson's disease 5.
- Palliative care specialist for patients with sialorrhea who require symptom management and quality of life improvement 2.