LESS MUCOUS NOT LOOSE PLEASE ?

[1carus]

I started generating significantly more mucous about 5 years ago - none of the usual allergy subjects - and have since been diagnosed with bronchiectasis with borderline COPD. My Gp gives me various medications to loosen the mucous to help me get it up and stop the endless infections but is there not something I can take to help me make less in the first place just like I used to ? Any ideas or thoughts gratefully received from someone who is now endlessly coughing and blowing his nose !!

[Hidden]

Hi 1carus. When did you last see your consultant? There are those of us bronchs who regularly produce a lot of mucus and manage it by very strict daily lung emptying routines. However, it could be that you have an ongoing colonisation with a bacteria which the oral antibiotics you are being given don't handle.

In this case bronchiectasis specialists often opt to do a 'clear out ' by giving IV antibiotics, usually for 14 days. When this has reduced the amount the patient can then continue on permanent nebulised antibiotic to keep the bug down. There are several of us on here who do this. Emptying your lungs is still the most vital thing to do but this kind of treatment may make life easier.

I suggest that you get to see your consultant. If they are a general respiratory consultant and not a bronch specialist, find one close to you on the internet and tell your GP that you want a referral

Don't take no for an answer.

I hope that helped a bit.

[1carus in reply to Hidden]

many thanks - am waiting for an appt with a Consultant as my first one disappeared without trace, the second - a locus - forgot she had seen me and the GP is now referring to a new hospital - fingers crossed - but your suggestion gives me ammunition when my appt comes along

[joke in reply to 1carus]

Hi I have COPD. UIP. And I have reduced all lactose. Milk etc. Has reduced my production substantially!

[1carus in reply to joke]

thanks but already very low lactose intake

[Hidden in reply to 1carus]

good, at least something is moving on. If you aren't happy that the consultant is a bronch specialist insist on seeing one that is. Many consultants don't know much more about bronch and its specialised treatments than GPs ( although your GP sounds cooperative) but don't like to admit it. Unfortunately with bronch we have to be our own advocates. Good luck, do let me know how you go on.

[Tweety78]

Hi what I going to tell you hand on heart is very very true I was so tired with coughing all the time I would fetch up a placstic cup of mucos a day they put on antibiotics 24/7 then I read a book called about cayenne pepper and how it can stop a heart attack in 30 seconds I have not tried that but I did try a tip of the powder on a tea spoon in a cup of walm tea three times a day it made me cough at thirst but a week later it did I had stopped coughing one month later I am up to a tea spoon a day I don't fetch up any mucus and I have stopped my antibiotics please start little and build it up if you catch a cold put a little in some soup next day cold gone I get it from h an Barrett it comes in a packet for under 3 pounds please try it as soon as you can you will be so glad all the beast Brian.

[carolg1 in reply to Tweety78]

I am def going to try this, I've tried everything else, il be a real guinea pig I've been bring 2 an 3 pints a day up for nearly 2 years !!! It's wearing me to a frazzle , so I hope your right thanks xx

[lKeith]

!carus

Hi, coughing up mucus can be a pain, have you tried Carbocisteine tablets. They don't get rid of it but help to make it easier to get up. Also try "huffing" thro' a small tube one way blow made by Clement Clarke International especially before you take your meds, it brings up the mucus meaning that the meds get more to the lungs. Hopefully with better intake of meds they will help to clear the rubbish out in time.

IKeith

[1carus in reply to lKeith]

thanks - yes am on Carbocisteine and it does help a bit but the issue is not getting it up it is making less in the first place

[carolg1 in reply to lKeith]

I've been trying to find out why I'm making so much for more than 2 years it's a nightmare !! That's never yet been solved I think I'm allergic to myself !! Lol xx