Can anyone tell me what carbocystien caps actually do I'm having a terrible time damned if I do damned if I don't, my mucus is as a lot of you know relentless partly reflux part lung they think !, started at 7am bringing thick white chunky gloop up all day till 10pm then so exhausted slept woke up at around 5am got up the Muke was so dry and stuck terrifying could hardly breath stuck in airway from back of nose and throat , went to gp told me o up dose of carbocystien to 2 morning 2 eve , dear god it's just flowing out in huge mounds been bringing out for up to now 12 hours only having 10/15 mins rest in between bouts, does carbocystien make mucus or just thin existing down, I'm beside myself, my breathing is ok till the Muke builds in the throat/airway ?., so desperate xx
Carbocystien???: Can anyone tell me... - Lung Conditions C...
Carbocystien???
Pete had problems too as the mucous was thinner by flowed a lot more than normal. It is meant to just thin the mucous but Pete can't get on with it so no longer uses it. Take care xxx
I take them, 2 capsules twice a day. When I have had a flare-up I take 2 capsules three times a day. They are to thin down the mucus so you can bring it up.I don't produce a lot of mucus with Emphysema but it is like gelatin without taking Carbocisteine and plugs up my airways, scary, so I can empathise. It does not make mucus but thinning it does make it seem more.
I have been taking it 2 capsules 3x a day for 5 years, and it was bad to start with but now I hardly have mucus problems at all, thank goodness.
Hi carnival, when you say it was bad to start with how do you mean ? Its literally pouring up with me so easily and not sticking fast, does that mean I'm having a massive clear out it's like a mucus factory absolutely loads but my breathing is becoming so much easier, just keep running to the toilet to expell. Xx
Certainly not as bad as that, just more that I seemed to be coughing all the time, and bringing up mucus. I hardly cough at all now, perhaps because it has been overtaken by obliterative bronchiolitis. Frankly the whole thing is mystery to me! I hope you feel better soon. I have given up wondering what they can do for me, they just seem to find something new every time I go near a hospital. All the best xx
I know it's endless I don't think half the medics have a clue how scary and disabilitating it is never no real answers as to why there is so much of the damn stuff at minute my stomach and chest feels full of it I dare hardly move, it makes me feel so light headed too, thanks for trying to help it is appreciated xx
It sounds a lot like the post nasal drip I suffered from for years because, you say it is stuck at the back of your nose/throat. It used to really distress me, running back and forward to the toilet to spit out. Has your Docter tried you on a nasal spray?
I use Carbosistiene on a daily basis and it "manages" the mucus flow except when I have an exacerbation, then I use a flutter device to assist with clearing the excess.
Have you thought about trying a Flutter? amazon.co.uk/Clement-Clarke... (seems very expensive but gives an idea of them ... Google for a cheaper one)
A flutter device needs to be prescribed though as it needs to be set at a particular rate 😊
My flutter was prescribed. It has no settings or adjustments, only 4 parts to it but it did come with a physiotherapy session to ensure used correctly. Just blowing through it doesn't do the job.
Ok, I guess you have tried the huff method ?
Despite the numerous references to huff method on here I've never been totally sure what is meant. The info I got from the physios with the flutter included a booklet describing "controlled active breathing technique CABT". This includes clearing the mucus without coughing which I think is the huffing part.
Yes, the Huff method is very similar to CABT.
Here is a video from You Tube which you might find useful ?
Do you take plenty of water during the day?
That can help as well.
😊
Yes, I see from video that it is similar, a cut down version.
And no, I don't drink enough, always struggling to get it over 1 litre a day, sometimes I will get to evening wondering why I feel so bleagh and it is because I actually havn't anything to drink at all all day. Bozo or what?
Yes I know it is hard to begin to drink enough fluids in a day....
Perhaps think of it as medicating yourself with water ?
I sometimes add a slice of lemon to my water intake to make it more interesting ...
Do you use Facebook? There is a brilliant page on there called COPD UK.
Loads of helpful people on there with lots of good advice 😊
Look up the Huff method on line. They may have a video showing you how to do it.
A flutter device looks like a short pipe with a cone holding a ball bearing in it, and you blow through it and it loosens mucus. Is that what you mean, because I have never had any setting on mine?
Ok I have never had one ! I just yet use a glass of water and a straw to generate positive pressure.
Is yours like this ?
Oh, Derbyshire refuse to supply Flutter devices and, based only on the one I have, there are no settings available ... just get the technique right and your chest vibrates like crazy! Shakes all the gunk free!!
I have a flutter which was prescribed by my then GP as recommended by the physiotherapist. Worth asking.
Seems the postcode lottery is at work again. Derbyshire don't offer Glitters whilst k know come county's still do!
That was in Lincolnshire, I have moved to Gloucestershire now, but GP is Welsh. When I left it behind after a holiday last year I was going to replace it myself. I was shocked at the price, but fortunately hotel sent it on.
Are you in UK. If you are get in touch with your consultant and physio. Physio has devices they will let you have like a flutter to use and you won't have to pay for it. I also have hypotonic saline that I nebulise to help thin and bring up sputum.
Hello carolg1 .
I have to say casper99 's reply was somewhat how I felt reading your post. Has post nasal drip ever been ruled out? I had it for a few years and what you describes reminds me of my experience. It was truly awful. I did get an operation and since then I've been so much better. Of course we are just speculating.
I know how frustrating and frankly distressing it can be. I am sorry it's so uncomfortable.
Thinking of you.
Cas xx 🌹
I have been to ent twice and both times they said my nose is ok !! But I know i can feel it running down in big globules like a tap sometimes it's horrendous then eventually my stomach and chest is full of the damn stuff and wretching up all day so disabilitating and exhausting thanks caspina xx
It's okay carolg1 . So what did they put it down to all this mucous?
I've got bronchiectasis so there is a lot of mucus. Carbocistein thins the mucus making it easier to get rid of. Not pleasant but the drug seems to prevent choking
Hi All,
I have COPD and EMPHYSEMA, Also Chronicle Bronchitis, i am using the carbocisteine 375mg and take 1 tablet 4 times a day,or supposed to,but with working very long hours and stuff, i have had to reduce to just 1 per day, as otherwise i would not be able to work, o.k at moment i am off with Pleurisy and my Emphysema, can anyone recommend a different tablet that i can request from my doctor. Also i am allergic to penicillin so please bare this in mind. Thanks for advice in advance
dale
I was told by the Respiratory Physio that I can take my Carbocisteine 3 tabs twice a day, or 2 tabs 3 times a day 😊
I I doesn't matter which!
Thanks PollyP,
I hope that the dosage works for you, but i can't take the prescribed amount due to i will and do then constantly need the bathroom,and when i am back at work this will not help as i am a community carer and lots of hours and driving lots of miles, also patients don't all allow to use their bathrooms and i would feel very uncomfortable, so i need a better solution for me, but thank you again for your comment
Dale
Just read everyone else's replies. I just think I am confused.com!
Hi Carnival567,
I quite understand your comment as everyone is different,and has different abilities to cope with all medication etc. I think personally though i will ask my specialist for more advice,but in general everyone's comments are a very good insight into what can and does happen, hope you also get better soon.
Dale
Weird scary cough, not covid
Wondering as a newbie
Anyone else get bad hand and foot cramps ?
