Bronchiectasis & Silent Reflux

[Aljm]

I am a 52 year old with bronchiectasis and silent reflux. I use a fosair inhaler twice a day, take axithromycin over the winter. I am doing daily huffing exercises as recommended by a physio to remove the excess sputum from my lungs but it seems to then leave my throat irritated for the rest of the day and I’m coughing on and off throughout the day and have been for several months. Is this just normal and I just need to get used to it or is there anything else I can do? Would be grateful for any suggestions.

[RoadRunner44]

Hello, I suffer with bronchiectasis too and was shown how to huff to remove mucous.

I was also given an acapella to use.

I recently attended a Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programme which I would recommend highly. It's a 6 - 8 week cours which is, part exercise and part educational.

One session included ways and importance of removing the mucous from our lungs.You say your throat is left irritated after huffing. Have you beem shown how to huff properly by a specialised physiotherapist? I ask as maybe you are coughing rather than huffing which is a mistake many of us (including myself) used to do.

The physio said to gently huff until the mucous moves up closer to the throat. Only then, when you can feel it there you should cough to remove it. It worked for me. You have to do it properly or you will get a sore throat . It us something we sufferers have to learn.

Hope this helps, Chrys

[Aljm in reply to RoadRunner44]

I think you are right. I am coughing, not properly huffing. If I lie down at all on my back, it sets me off coughing. Will that ever clear or is that a permanent problem do you know.? Your course sounded very useful, I will look for one.

[RoadRunner44 in reply to Aljm]

Hello again,

How long ago were you diagnosed with bronchiectasis? I ask because it sounds like a recent diagnosis . If this is so you will have lots of questions you need answers to.

I also have silent reflux which is often associated with bronchiectasis. I find its unpleasant and take Omaprazole for it. Lying on your back could make it worse.

The cough is usually one of the things that is part of having bronchiectasis and it happens throughout the day.

As you find it particularly bad at night one tip I was given by my physio was to place something under the head of my bed to raise it up a bit higher. This works better than having a high pillow. I find I cough more when lying on my back too.

It is unlikely you will find a Pulmonary Rehabilitation Course during this lock down but when things improve ask your doctor, consultant or physio to arrange for you to attend one. It will answer many of your questions too.

In the meantime a member of this forum - cofdrop uk is extremely knowledgeable on this subject and has posted some links for you to follow. One leads you to a short video showing you how to huff and cough up the mucous properly.

If you need any further information we are all happy to help and if possible answer any other questions you may have.

Cheers for now.

Chrys

[cofdrop-UK]

It is normal to cough a bit throughout the day and it could be that you have managed to get the gunk into the large bronchie but if you feel it is excessive then things may have to be tweeked. I am sorry there is a problem with irritation in your throat and I would suggest you get back in touch with your physio about this problem. I note you mention reflux and that might be something else to discuss.

You could bring out the inner kid and try the bubble pep method to see if it makes a difference until you can contact physio. Please note there are precautions in yellow at the bottom.

cysticfibrosis.org.uk/~/med...

There are videos too on the Patient Priorities - Bronchiectasis which you might find helpful.

europeanlunginfo.org/bronch...

Good luck

Cx

[Aljm in reply to cofdrop-UK]

Thanks very helpful.

[cofdrop-UK in reply to Aljm]

You’re very welcome.

Cx

[Aljm in reply to cofdrop-UK]

Hi Cofdrop, Does it make any difference when you do huffing exercises. Is it better first thing in the morning when you wake up or after exercise when lungs have been working a bit, like walking the dog, do you know? Also is it better to do several small huffing sessions during the day or concentrate on 1 main one and not do it too often? Grateful for your thoughts.

Thanks

[cofdrop-UK in reply to Aljm]

Not only does lung clearance by whatever method you use make a difference, it is essential and the best thing we can do for ourselves.

It really is a personal decision as to the best time to do lung clearance. Personally I do it following nebulising first thing in the morning before breakfast and in the evening as I live alone and this way I don’t get as many interruptions door, telephone etc. However, doing it after activity is very useful and exercise is in itself helpful to moving the gunk about. I think I should do some clearance around tea time as that’s when it’s easier to get up.

Caution though I find if I do too much my lungs can hurt for hours, So it’s really trial and error and find out what’s best for you.

Good luck

Love cx