phlegm

[ibecarolita]

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?

[mrsmummy]

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.

[ibecarolita in reply to mrsmummy]

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

[mrsmummy]

Try this:

youtube.com/watch?v=XvorhwG...(Not working as expected?)

[ibecarolita in reply to mrsmummy]

Thank you! I will try that

[mrsmummy]

Why not give the BLF nurses a ring tomorrow for advice? The number is 03000 030 555 and they are there during office hours.

[ibecarolita in reply to mrsmummy]

Thanks - but I'm in the US. I post here because this is the more helpful forum.

[ibecarolita in reply to ibecarolita]

I have an appointment with my doctor on Tuesday.

[mrsmummy in reply to ibecarolita]

I hope he is able to help.

[ibecarolita in reply to mrsmummy]

Thank you so much for your help - breath well my friend.

[jlc72 in reply to ibecarolita]

Besides Carbocisteine drink plenty of water

[Ramy22]

Have you tried carbocisteine capsules? They may do the trick! Get well soon!

[ibecarolita in reply to Ramy22]

I haven not - I will ask my doctor about it tomorrow when I see her - thank you for the advice

[Ramy22 in reply to ibecarolita]

I hope you can give them a go!

[Leemose]

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

[ibecarolita in reply to Leemose]

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.

[Christabella153]

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

[donut43]

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.

Dan

[Lynzilou]

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

Regards

Lynne

[tjlabey in reply to Lynzilou]

sparkling water helps me...like an Izzie or some such fruit infused **carbonated** derink.

[treesie]

Maybe your pulmonologist can recommend an airway clearance vest to shake the phlegm up.

[Stumpy55]

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 🤤

[ibecarolita in reply to Stumpy55]

Thank you Stumpy - I def will ask my pulm. doc tomorrow when I see her.

[Alfiebax2]

Maybe you could ask your doctor about a tablet called Carbocisteine.It helps loosen the phlegm and cataarh so you can bring it up .Good luck .x

[ibecarolita in reply to Alfiebax2]

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

[Posative in reply to ibecarolita]

I agree I use Carbocisteine and it does work good luck or maybe you could buy them from manufacturers

[Alfiebax2]

I don't know honey if it's available in the US it could be under another name , ask your doctor or maybe a pharmacist .Good luck .xx

[ibecarolita in reply to Alfiebax2]

Thank you

[Alfiebax2]

You are welcome 🤗

[Michele-Cat]

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.

[ibecarolita in reply to Michele-Cat]

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.

[Christabella153]

Carbocisteine not available in USA very expensive if could be bought online best to ask doctor/nurse etc what is available instead XC

[ibecarolita in reply to Christabella153]

Thank yu Christabella153

[Ramy22 in reply to Christabella153]

That’s a real shame!

[Ramy22 in reply to Christabella153]

That’s a real shame.

[Ramy22]

If it isn’t then it should be!