Moving mucus

[Fionab67]

Hi, not the best topic for a Sunday evening but I am really struggling to move the mucus that I can feel that is coating my throat. Does anyone have any tips to get things moving?

Fiona x

[Hidden]

Hi Fiona

Drink water stay hydrated maybe try honey and lemon or throat pastilles

Angie x x

[Fionab67 in reply to Hidden]

Will try these, thank Angie!

[Laddieday]

Nebulizer works quite well. I use Albuterol and Budesonide. I'm a hospice patient and I have a great doctor. He has me on a routine in which I use albuterol in the morning and midday Budesonide then about 5 before dinner I use albuterol. I get red of mucus more easily as the effect of nebulizing is to break up the mucus so I can spit it out. It really helps.

[Fionab67 in reply to Laddieday]

Oh really? Not bad enough to use I nebuliser but thank you. I hope that you are having a good day.

[Badbessie]

Have you discussed mucus thinning medications with your GP?. Also as suggested keep well hydrated.

[Fionab67 in reply to Badbessie]

Only diagnosed two weeks ago so all is new and I don't see the doctor again until the beginning of June. Will have a whole list of questions by then, I hope it's a lengthy appointment!

[James48]

Hi Fiona, there are breathing techniques to help clear mucus. One good one is called 'The Huff' Look on you tube

There is also a device called 'The Flutter' which costs about £45 which you can get online or you might get it prescribed. Google it and also look on You Tube for videos.

James

[Fionab67 in reply to James48]

Thanks for this James, will have a look at Youtube now.

Have a good day!

Fiona

[Fionab67]

Hi Graham,

I'm very new to this, only two weeks in and still learning all about it. I have struggled to breath for months but thought it was just age! Every twinge I have now any where makes me think 'Is this related?'

I'm checking out the huffing and puffing although I do manage to do that walking upstairs!

Hope that you have a good day!

Fiona

[sloaneranger]

If you live near a Thai, Filipino or Chinese supermarket ask them for MANGOSTEEN powders. They are imported usually cost about £6-8 for a box of 12. Mix one sachet with water every 3 to 4 days for me I then chill in fridge for few hours makes it nicer. Has a very sweet fruity taste I like it a lot. I find using this a gentle cough moves the phlegm even sometimes when I'm not trying to move It!

Also look at saltcave.co.uk if there is one near you its very very good for helping move it. If not near you they do salt pipe inhalers by mail order which are very good.

Good luck.

[Mardi in reply to sloaneranger]

Never heard of this , thanks .Id say our main problem which is common to us all is "Moving phlegm "

Saw something about a new device called Aerobika. It is like a flutter device but also oscillates to help phlegm removal.

[Fionab67 in reply to Mardi]

Hmmm, interesting term is 'moving phlegm.'

Doesn't the things that they do sound more like torture equipment? I mean a phlegm oscillator...

[Mardi in reply to Fionab67]

Ha ha lol. It's just a matter of blowing into it and certain valves do subtle things with repetition I think.

[Fionab67 in reply to Mardi]

Subtle is always good!

[nellie15]

Hello,l had terrible problems with mucus.stuck in my throat,gagging,l drink lots of water,take six carbosistene daily.problem did'nt improve.l researched and found a device called Accapella...A lifesaver! No drugs all washable parts use as often as needed.what a difference it has made to me.has to be bought ,worth every penny.reaserch on Internet l still have thick sticky mucus and the device really helps.no more panic.l do hope you consider this as a tool to help

[devauden]

I have searched for Accapella but without success please advise. Regarding drinking plenty I now drink 4 litres of water a day plus numerous coffee and tea, it seems to be shifting it but I have to stay close to the loo:-))

[mrsmummy in reply to devauden]

Acapella device - try here:

google.co.uk/search?q=acape...

[devauden]

Thanks so much

[Fionab67]

Hi Graham

Thanks for the offer, that is kind of you. I guess that because this is all so new for me I feel rather overwhelmed at times so any bits and tips will be useful.

It worries me that I'm going to be able to accomplish less and less as time goes on and as a hill walker and he thought of not being able to do this is pretty awful.

Can I ask how long you have been diagnosed for?

Fiona

[lKeith]

Fiona67.

Hi the best thing I find that moves mucus is Carbocicteine, it breaks the rubbish down to help you cough it up. I find it does take 3No coughs to actualy move it. Also drink plenty of water to thin the mucus. Carbocicteine can only be obtained thro' your doctor not across the counter.

Keith

[Fionab67 in reply to lKeith]

Thanks for this Keith. Back at the doctors in two weeks so will ask about it then. I have started to drink water but I'm not a great fan of it but I manage a couple of litres daily. Can I ask what you mean by 3No coughs?

Fiona

[lKeith]

Fiona67,

Hi Fiona, Initially the mucus is tight and does not always come up quickly without trying to cough yourself silly. So I find that an initial cough gets it on the move, the second brings it closer to being expelled then the third usually brings it out into a hankie or tissue. Keep up with the water 2litres a day is good but don't let it drop off when you eventually get the pills.

Good luck

Keith

[Fionab67 in reply to lKeith]

Hi Keith,

It is a struggle and I feel quite 'sicky' too so I guessing that because it seems to be coating my throat. I am drinking the water, but that has side effects too!

Fiona

[Mardi in reply to Fionab67]

Hot tea helps a bit. Get some mucous thinning drugs over the counter at chemists too.

[Fionab67 in reply to Mardi]

Willing to try anything at the moment.

[Mardi in reply to Fionab67]

Water is boring- boil it up and put lemon and ginger tea in it and honey. I don't drink it quickly just sip on it and keep heating it in the m'wave. Also sometimes I have a flavoured ice block and it has surprised me by suddenly shifting stuff. Go to a physio and learn 'huff' technique. In Australia I went to physio students at learning hospital- they assess and give you breathing exercises. Very cheap.

Ask about flutter device too.

[lKeith in reply to Fionab67]

Fiona67,

Hi,

Someone mentioned on this forum that a gargle with warm water mixed with a little salt might help to clear the tubes. I know what you mean with the waterworks too much liquid plays havoc. I still find carbocicteine the best formula.

Keith

[Fionab67 in reply to lKeith]

Made my appointment with the doctor for 6th June so will be asking lots of questions then.

Fiona

[soulsaver]

If it's in your throat (not your lungs) then avoid additional drugs first - potentially cause more problems, Try gargling before bed with a cup of hot water with a teaspoon of salt dissolved in it. And again in morning if necessary. Use up the whole cup at first, and if it improves you can use less.

If you're not on omeprazole or the like, consider whether it could be caused by acid reflux, it's a common adjunct with copd and/or steroid/inhalers..

Best wishes

[Fionab67 in reply to soulsaver]

Will try gargling thank you! Acid reflux?

[soulsaver in reply to Fionab67]

Heart burn - not everyone feels it - then known as 'silent' but it can do serious damage if left untreated... google GERD (US spelling, or 'GORD' UK..)

[Fionab67]

I certainly don't feel like I have acid re flux, how would you be able to tell?

[soulsaver]

You'd get symptoms that could be caused by acid reflux - like mucous in your throat...

[Fionab67 in reply to soulsaver]

Hmm, I have that...