asthma flare up phlegm and mucus

[Drew456]

hello everyone

I’m going through asthma flare up. Back on prednisone 20mg for 5 days nebulizer every 4 hrs. I Ben getting like big ball of mucus/ phlegm in my throat can’t get up like blocks my air way I gotta like swallow to clear anyone get that feeling before? I can’t get it up when I try either

[ReedB]

Hello, I'm surprised that you're only taking 20mgs of prednisolone a day and alongside nebuliser treatment? To treat an exasperation the usual dose is 40mg? I was taught by a physio that breathing in and giving out a big sigh/huff helps clear phlegm. May be worth a go?

[T1ggy in reply to ReedB]

The old fashioned steam inhalation works for me but it makes some asthmatics worse so be careful if doing that.

[Drew456]

they just up me to 40 gm I get out breath easy doing a task i wouldn’t. Weird part is I really don’t wheeze but feel like death going through flare. My heart rate went up to 160 during attack. Every attack lungs irritation gets worse

[ReedB in reply to Drew456]

40mg is much more normal, I hope they start to work soon. Asthma is such a variable condition. I don't wheeze so it has been difficult at times to be treated properly. Knowing your own symptoms and triggers helps.

[awilso]

Sounds like you need an expectorant to help thin and break down the mucus which will make it easier for you. Also Methyl Prednisolone will help dry you out better than Prednisolone and probably at 32mg.

[Zoec1975]

breathing in steam with a towel over my head helps a lot to shift mucus.ask for carbocysteine.that helps to shift it too.giving my peak flower meter a good hard blow helps to shift it too.i hope you feel better soon x

[Stewiecat]

Yes, carbocisteine might be worth asking your doctor about, if it's suitable for you it's really helpful at thinning and de-stickying (sorry couldn't think of a better word 🤦‍♀️) mucus/phlegm, I have eosinophilic asthma so take this along with other meds, nebulise with 0.9 % upto 3% when I'm particularly unwell, also breathing physio/breath holding and huffing twice a day (Google it or a good respiratory physio can help) when the phlegm gets particularly stubborn I use an airobika too, I can't directly recommend any of this to you, but hopefully they are ideas you could ask your gp about adding in if they are safe for you, take care lots of good wishes coming your way 😊

[marbijusamja in reply to Stewiecat]

Hi, how many Carbocisteine do you take daily and do you have them on a repeat prescription? Any news on the injection?

[Stewiecat in reply to marbijusamja]

Hi, I take 2 carbocisteine morning and evening, and when I'm struggling 2 at lunchtime as too, depends how well I'm getting stuff up and how well or not im feeling to be honest. Thanks for asking 😊 I was referred to the multi disciplinary discussion stage by my consultant on the 29th January, so I'm on the referral road for biologics, just have to wait, hope and see what the future brings 🤞🤞 x

[marbijusamja in reply to Stewiecat]

Thanks for your reply and good luck re the injection I really hope you are successful they are a game changer.

[Stewiecat in reply to marbijusamja]

Hi, sorry for the delayed reply, thank you for the good luck wishes, I'm keeping everything 🤞 for the injections, life's a constant struggle at the moment, winter isn't kind to any of us, I hope you are keeping well 😊

[hankisbest]

Have you tried a cough syrup like Delsym Cough and Chest Congestion? Guaifenesin and Dextromethorphan are the main ingredients. It can help soften and dissolve the phlegm. I take the 4-6 hr variety.

[Patk1]

Hope u soon feel better.as said above u could ask gp for carbocysteine to thin mucous,making it easier to get up.i produce more whn asthma is off,due to the inflammation.if u look on aluk website at " huffing technique " it should help

[Drew456]

I went to doctor I still have burning and tightness in chest no wheezing she said b🤔 I still feel like my chest with burning is very irritated my chest. In the past when I went through this it took a while to recover. I can’t work like this because I go into attacks with smells that are there. Anyone been through this before ?

[damaa1]

Hi Drew,

Have you tried nasal flush with saline water (NATY POT). I find it helps with the post nasal drip that might be causing infection.