What medicine can quickly relieve a sore throat with phlegm that is difficult to cough up?

May 15, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

My throat is hurting badly. I constantly feel like there's phlegm stuck in my throat that I just can't cough up, which is extremely uncomfortable. This has been going on for several days already. What medication can I take to recover more quickly?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Lu Cheng

Sore throat accompanied by difficulty in coughing up phlegm may indicate conditions such as acute pharyngitis, tonsillitis, or upper respiratory tract infections. Regarding drug treatment, it is recommended to first identify the underlying cause, as targeted treatment based on the specific cause is key.

For chronic pharyngitis, medications such as Pharyngitis Tablets or Compound Sarcandra Glabra Lozenges are recommended. These medications can rapidly alleviate pharyngeal inflammation, reduce phlegm secretion, and assist in expelling phlegm.

For bronchitis, dry cough in the early stages can be treated with Pulmonary Calming Granules or Ephedra and Apricot Cough-Relieving Tablets to relieve cough symptoms. When phlegm increases and becomes difficult to expel later on, medications such as Keteling Capsules or Snake Gallbladder and Fritillaria Liquid are recommended, as they effectively relieve cough and expel phlegm, facilitating the removal of phlegm.

If phlegm is difficult to expel, expectorant medications such as ambroxol or acetylcysteine can be used to help thin the phlegm and promote its expulsion. Additionally, maintaining adequate fluid intake, such as drinking plenty of water or warm water, helps dilute phlegm, making it easier to cough out.

It should be noted that drug treatment should be conducted under a doctor's guidance to avoid self-medication, which may worsen the condition or cause adverse reactions. Furthermore, maintaining good lifestyle and dietary habits to enhance immunity can also significantly aid in relieving symptoms.