Hi everyone - I am stage 3/4 - 32% lung capacity. No oxygen. I had my first scare with an exacerbation that lead to my first ambulance ride. I am struggling with phlem that is stuck. I'm trying everything and cannot get this glue like phlem to cough up. On prednisone, NAC, Humidifier, albut. neutralizer,flutter valve, hot water with lemon, mucinex.
ACK!! I cant stand this! My O2 is all over the place. ranging from 84-93
Any other suggestions?
Written by
ibecarolita
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Hi, have you tried the huff cough? You can read about it here copdforum.portalone.us/topi... and see demonstrations on YouTube. Make sure you are drinking plenty of water.
Hi mrsmummy - thank you for your reply. I am trying the huff cough, but everytime I do it the phlem gets stuck in my throat and my o2 starts to drop to around 82 and I feel like I'm suffocating
i found blowing bubbles very helpful also if you haven't yet tossed smoking please do i dont get phlem very often at all now its great as it really is hard to shift. The bubble blowing forces it up where its easier to cough up please try this simple act hopefully it helps you
Thanks for the advice - I have tried that - but it seems to work better when I'm not in a full blown exacerbation. I dont smoke. I tossed that poison 5 years ago.
i have Carbosisteine tabs (Mucroyn) which breaks the phelgm into easier pieces so can cough it up easier do get harder times so take extra tabs for a few days. Hope you can get something to thin the phelgm it can be heart wrenching to clear at times XC
A big problem. you have got a lot of ideas already. Get your GP to put you in touch with a RESP team, Contact the help line BLF, see the breathing methods with the huff technique. Find out about the aquapella which is a good help. mrsmummy's suggestion is excellent of course, and all of us will have many ideas to help you.
Some very good ideas on here for you. The huffing is the most important, and it's quite involved, to do the breathing beforehand, but very important, and worth persevering with. Also yes, water, water, water, and I personally find carbosisteine good. Good Luck
Hello ibecarolita, I know exactly how you are feeling because I have stage 4 Emphaseama in both lungs and 13% lung capacity and like you have had excaserbation and ended up in hospital which is very scary when you are desperately trying to breath. I also have bronchiectusis and coughing up a load of white sticky phlegm . But since taking Carbasisteen capsules it does brake it up and easier to get off your chest. If I were you I would mention this medication to your G.P. 🤒 please let us know how you get on? Take care 🤤
I'm wondering if this is something that is available in the US? That's where I'm at. I hang in this forum because this is the most helpful and informative forum
I have emphysema and my health status is very similar to yours. I agree with the suggestion of carbocisteine. I take two 375mg capsules every day, but when I have an exacerbation or phlegm is hard to shift after an infection, I increase the dose to 4-6 capsules per day. Sometimes I feel as though my throat is coated with thick phlegm and I've found that gargling with warm water helps clear it.
Hope you get the help you need at your appointment tomorrow.
Thank you for your reply Michele-Cat. I also feel the phlegm in my throat and upper airway. I will try gargling more with warm water and salt. Thanks again.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.