air physio

[Jamesd1234]

Hi , hope everyone is well. I keep getting targeted adverts online for a devise called an air physio which you blow into and supposedly helps bring up mucus. I wondered if anyone else here has used one? And if it’s safe? And if it even works well? I should probably ask my asthma nurse before trying it.

Since I seem to be coughing up phlegm once or twice a night with asthma and a lot during my evening shower. Sometimes all this coughing makes the asthma worse , so a bringing up mucus a different way could be useful. I often find clearing my chest and the post nasal drip takes a while and feels like it all just comes back straight away! Irritating throat and airways.

[MMBJI]

Hi, I would check with a professional first, everyone’s state of chest is different.

In principal it sounds as though it might be helpful . I have joined a “Harmonica for lung health “ group. I guess blowing into anything which offers some resistance might have the same effect? There are also some silicon tube, giant straw-like things available too- I think aimed at singers, but again they are a way of exercising your lungs without moving your whole body.

Whatever you try, it’s important to listen to your body and not to push yourself too far- especially since we’re talking about unsupervised activities.

I am rubbish at taking notice of how I am feeling as I get too wrapped in the activity!

[GarryS]

I have one and find it helpful. You blow into it moving a metal ball setting up vibrations that can be felt in the chest and thereby help release mucus, which can then be coughed up. It's not dissimilar to the effect of huffing taught by the respiratory physiotherapist. It is on the pricey side, mine cost around £50, but well built and easy to clean. It's an Australian product.

[Lynneypin]

yes I have one and it’s really helpful. Then the hospital gave me an Aerobika - which is the same principle - and I find that good too!

[Lysistrata Administrator Community Ambassador]

I agree with MMBJI - check with a professional. A friend with severe, poorly controlled asthma who also brings up a lot of gunk was warned off these by the respiratory physios - she already had twitchy airways and these devices can cause bronchospasm if you use them in that situation. You may be ok with it but it's something you need to check first, especially since your asthma isn't well controlled.

[Jamesd1234]

thank you all for the responses. I will definitely talk to my health care professional about them first. Since my asthma is very bad at the moment , I don’t want to risk making things worse. Plus the mucus is often worse several times in the early hours of the morning , so I don’t know how useful excessive clearing before bed will be. Ideally would like to treat the cause of the mucus! Also good to hear from those who have found these products useful

[peege]

Hi Jamesd1234, there are folks who have bronchiectasis with or without the add on of asthma. They usually produce excess mucus and many have to expel it by physio exercise both morning and evening (some with severe bronchiectasis have to do these exercises 3 times a day)...I'm not suggesting for one moment that you have this I'm not a doctor a scientist or a magician, only pointing out there are specific exercises to rid ourselves of lung mucus. Some use tapping chest, the vibration helps to shift it. Some use the acapella or aerobika - an inexpensive option (sometimes available on NHS) however I too think you must have a chat with your medics about it. Personally I'm prescribed the mucolytic Carbocysteine, it softens the mucus making it easier to expel. Sorry, I know nothing about air physio, try putting it in the search bar above. P

[Jamesd1234 in reply to peege]

Thank you for your reply. This is good information. I am now finding that my asthma is getting slightly better with the lower pollen count, but I am still getting excessive mucus / phlegm in the evening and waking up once or twice to clear my lungs in the night and with asthma....As I understand it, I have severe allergies, which i struggle with every pollen season, plus dust mites and animals. However, my symptoms and mucus got a lot worse after covid last october - during which i was producing constant mucus! (i tested negative but felt like the flu and my friend who also cought it after a night out at concert tested postive) so I have a feeling that may have caused some issues. Anyway, I have spoken about this at length in my other posts, but I am about to receive a new prescription for cabocysteine and also Spiriva. I really hope these can reduce the amount of mucus at night. I drink loads of water , steroid nasal spray and a PPI for acid reflux and on a waiting list to see if I can get biologics. I have also tried the huffing method to remove mucus and this seems to work a little, but I get stuck in a constant loop of coughing / removing phlegm for a long time!

[peege in reply to Jamesd1234]

It must be pretty awful for you. Coincidentally I tested positive for the first time on June 18th, I was almost celebrating because it wasn't too bad. Within two weeks though I had a nasty sinusitis for a further two weeks. Ive also had post covid fatigue and my nose hasn't stopped running, can't go anywhere without a tissue. Lots of sneezing too. The nose stuff must be a symptom of the latest covid variation. Did you manage to try the aerobika or the blowing through a straw into a glass of water?

Good luck with everything, I hope the Carbocysteine works as well, for you as it has for me over 11 years of taking it.

[risabel59]

Hi James there are quite a lot of devices available depending on what your breathing issues are, including all the ones mentioned. I use a thing called Pep RMT device to help bring up mucus. However it had to be prescribed and I had to have it set up and lessons with a respiratory physio. I have also used other devices including Aerobika. I think if you can get an appointment with a respiratory physio would find it really helpful. Its pointless spending money if its not the right device for you.

Cheers R.