I have long term Bronchiectasis. I do three 30 minute sessions a day to clear my lungs. The sputum is loose and clear and I keep draining throughout, but it can go on and on even after all that time. Why isn't there a cut off point?
Does this need to be investigated?
Do you take something to thin the mucus such as carbocysteine? Sometimes it can make the mucus too runny and some of it is retained in the nooks and crannies. If it is a little more 'gloopy' it holds together and it us easier to get moat of it out. Unfortunately, mucus production is a fact of life with bronch. It is tedious and tiring. We 'lifers' just have to find the best way to deal with it.
No, I don't take anything to thin the mucus. It is thin and loose already.
Is the fact it goes on and on new to you? If not I am just wonderding if you have done sterling work and worked the gunk into the large bronchie and it is still ready to get rid of. I have the same problem at night as I do ACT instead of pd and percussfion in the evenings but my gunk is never clear - never has been ever.
Maybe you need to speak to your consultant or physio as this is of concern to you. It’s a bummer when you do all you can to self manage and don’t feel as if you are keeping the status quo. Know that feeling only too well.
Good luck
Cx
Thanks for your helpful reply. I really appreciate it.
Best wishes
Cliff
PS I ought to have said that I am 82 years of age plus VAT. Does that make any difference?
I am moderately active when I don't have a Lung infection, which I have now.
I don’t know if being 80+ years young makes a difference. I know my lungs have deteriorated with age despite lung clearance compliance but we are all different.
I hope you start feeling better soon Cliff.
Love cx
I always clear until nothing comes out, sometimes this can take ages and it wears me out, it can be tiring don't you think.
The fact that your sputum is clear is good news, I would be dancing on the rooftops if my sputum was clear (if I could get on the rooftop that is lol)
Maybe a good idea to mention it the next time to see your Consultant.
I think what I am trying to say is better out than in and you seem to be doing all the right things by taking the time to get rid of it, which is the number one rule of living with Bronch, the drainage.
Good luck X
I guess I do 45 minutes drainage morning and evening and 20 minutes teatime . It just seems far too long. I can't get on with ACBT, having said that the specialist must have other options. I do have a AerobiKa to loosen mucus, but it is loose anyway, but just goes on and on. Thanks for replying.
Cliff
Yes skipwork, it's a palava for sure but you can try the new 'hand held lung clearing devices' . I use a mucus clearing lung flute and a pep device, they have also just given me an RC Cornet which is good, much stronger action than the Aerobika.
They all work really well but the big problem with them is your breath makes them wet - they stop working when wet and must be taken apart to dry so I find it's worth it.
Also steam, half a jug of hot water with a drop of Vick or olbas oil is really good to breath in before using devices.
Continuous mucus usually means there is infection build up, even with clear sputum it can be infection, send a sample in Cliff, and I hope it improves soon.
Susi
Dear Susi,
I will try neat vic on my neck and chest. Yes, you could be right that I have still got an infection when I'm producing copious amounts of sputum, even though it is clear.
Thanks
Cliff
PS I wish there was a self help group where we could meet and demonstrate techniques...in Croydon, Bromley or London.
Hi Cliff,
It does sound like you may still have infection.
Self help groups can be a bit problematic for us with Bronchiectasis because of cross infection, we tend to have similar bugs and share them too easily with each other! There only seems to be COPD groups where I am in The Forest of Dean, I find this HU forum is the best place for help.
Susi 🙂
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