Are you able to tell me why people suffering from COPD - in particular are more prone to chest infections?

[nickyt22]

[dwitt]

Mucus build-up. I get thick mucus especially during pollen seasons. This clogging besides making breathing difficult also allows bacteria to get a hold and give me nice infections. Twice it has develop into pneumonia. I wish someone new an easy way to break-up thick mucus!

[huggs in reply to dwitt]

Hi dwitt, I am not sure if you are on a drug called Mucodyne. (in UK). It breaks up and thins down the mucous which makes it easier to cough up. I may be wrong here, but do you live in the States? I seem to remember that from somewhere. If you are not in the UK, they will have a similar drug where you are.

Another thing that definitely works, is good old fashioned steam inhalations. Just get a proper steam inhaler, (which can be bought from Amazon and places like that, or your pharmacy), or use a large bowl and fill it with boiling water, to which you can add an oil like albas or eucalyptus, or a small menthol crystal. Put bowl on a flat surface, place a large towel over your head and shoulders (tent style), so that you and the steam are enclosed. Take long deep breaths, and have plenty of tissues handy. This does really work, and you can do it as often as you need to. The advantage of doing this is that it provides quick relief. Good luck, and take care. hugs from Huggs xxx

[dwitt in reply to huggs]

I saline flush 2 to 5 times a day for my sinuses. - one of my sinuses was rebuilt because a bad implant procedure. I also use a nebulizer that pumps medication into my mouth and I use Xopenex HFX. I also use Mucinex this one is supposed to break up phlegm. It is sold without a prescription, but I swear it is a placebo. I'll run what you mention, Mucodyne, by my Pulmonary doctor.

[helingmic in reply to huggs]

Don't use a large bowl with a towel over your head! You scald yourself! There's a cup mounted with a nose mask which is more appropriate (I think it's called Clearway) AND careful with the oils, they can be an irritant. Sorry about this.

Steam is good with caution.

Use the ACBT (Active Cycle of Breathing Technique to get rid of mucus. Here's a video; youtube.com/watch?v=l0eKW-A...(Not working as expected?)

[huggs in reply to helingmic]

Hi Mic, Steam inhalations using bowls of water is a very effective way of getting rid of mucous, and is advised by many doctors and nurses. Of course, you have to be careful when doing this, which is only common sense. I also said in my answer that you can buy a steam inhaler, but if you do not have access to one then a bowl is a good standby. I have used the bowl method myself many times, until I got a proper inhaler and never got scalded once. Just a bit red in the face with the heat, which quickly disappeared. If you use proper or appropriate oils, like the ones I mentioned then you just need a small amount, one or two drops depending on the size of the container you are using.

Hope everything went well yesterday Mick. Take care, hugs xxx

[donkey64kong in reply to helingmic]

Hi helingmic. Thanks for that link. Iwill watch it later. Tanks again.

[Louisiana in reply to dwitt]

I get this - and I get a lot of infections but can't remember mentioning it to the doctor...I definitely will next time.

[dwitt in reply to Louisiana]

I have several issues - from what I read perhaps having an over 9 lb. birth rate kicked off my immune problems. Decades of heavy smoking ( I stop 14 years ago but COPD kicks in years after quitting). One of the worst feelings in life is gasping for air. I also have central and obstructive sleep apnea. Was loosing weight with a lap band until it rupture because of a severe bout of Colitis and reflux. Now I search for a way to reduce meal volume. Exercise sometimes eludes me with a heel spur, torn rotator-cup, rheumatoid arthritis on my left neck and shoulder (same side of healing surgery on my rotator-cup). I do have multiple issues PAD, HBP, Diabetes, insomnia, yet if you saw me you would be shock at my strength and I look and act fine for someone who is 67 years young.

[dwrgi3]

I have COPD and am on oxygen 24/7 and at one time suffered chest infections continually. I noticed that these inevitably followed a build up of catarrh in the back of my throat and mentioned this to the doctor. He put me on 'Beconase' nasal spray and since then I've only had one infection in two years. It works for me but may not be the answer to your problem, worth a try though.

[peege]

Hi. Lowered immune system from constantly fighting off bugs?

When lungs and airways aren't Working properly or if mucus remains in them all nice & warm making a perfect breeding ground for the pesky bugs.

As drag says, bad sinuses plus the spores from acid reflux can affect lungs.

I'm lucky to have an immune system to build up with supplemental vitamins some have little or no immune system for various reasons. It's particularly tough for them.

[DeepBreaths]

I used to get them all the time as I was a special needs teacher. What might start and end as a cold to anyone else would develop into a full blown chest infection for me. I left work and only had 1 chest infection since.

[Eve3066]

Body responds to narrowed airways by creating more lubrication to try and ease the problem in the form of mucus which then gathers in the lungs and brings infections which then narrows the airways which the body responds by creating more lubrication etc.

[Hidden in reply to Eve3066]

That is a very good explanation. Thank you Eve x

[lulu5555]

HI I have had mucus chest infection one infection every six weeks till I was put on Carbocistine for the mucas these are great then I was put on Axithromycin which are antibiotics taken 3 times a week the doc says they dont work for everyone but they have for me and I have not had a infection for 18 months. taken these tablets makes you sick at first but it is worth it.

[brooksju in reply to lulu5555]

Hi there lulu, I take Carocistine too and have been free from infections for 6 months now, really work for me.

Jude x

[donkey64kong in reply to brooksju]

Hi Brooks. Were you sick when you first when on Carbocisteine? I was prescribed these yesterday.

[barnowl1]

Hi, I take Carbocisteine to loosen the mucus really helps. However it was not till I developed monthly infections that I was diagnosed with bronchs, as well. I understood from the doctor that this disease increases the mucus due to the hairs not removing the good mucus and this leads to more infections. Treated with Arithromycin and now feel great. Depends how bad and how often you get infections but it might be worth checking with doc. It took me months of nagging until thy realised I had this other disease. Hope you soon feel better

[Hidden]

I was told it is because there is more fluid in the lungs which gives bacteria more chance of developing. I know some with severe lung disease take an antibiotic every day. Maybe this would help? x

[platon]

use eucalyptus oil , 2 to 3 drops in your mouth and you will

breathe easyer and beter in seconds also vIt,C ane vit, E are

good for it. good therapy .gr.

[Bevvy]

I have noticed that since using antibiotic hand gels regularly my cold rate / chest infections are reduced! Might be coincidence but something I noticed. In particular before eating my sandwich at work I spray my hands. Seems to be helping anyway.

[Louisiana in reply to Bevvy]

I get lots of infections and have a heck of a time getting the mucus up....but someone on this forum (sorry cant remember name) mentioned the blowing through a straw into a milk bottle 1/3rd filled with water ...in other words make the water bubble. That has really helped me bring up the mucus and that should help keep the infections at bay (at least I keep telling myself that!!) thank you to the person that recommended this procedure... We do have the most interrrresting conversations don't we????! :):)