I should have mentioned one other thing in responding to Barbie. For some people, proactively "coughing" or "spitting" out excess saliva/phlegm first thing, last thing and in between during the day works best. We could not use a CoughAssist, inhalers or decongestants due to Larry's other medical conditions. We used the "select a size" paper towels so we could use half a towel, itself folded in half, held up to his mouth. This didn't keep him from having unexpected episodes, obviously, but reduced their number. We kept this up even with continuous BiPAP since he used a nasal mask.
Yes, hot tea can be good -- avoiding the herbs that can cause sneezing.