Recommendations for home devices please.

[emma695]

Hi, I’m looking for recommendations for home treatments for my dad who has bronciectasis. Maybe some devices that can help him to clear his mucus or help strengthen his lungs . He’s currently recovering from a recent exasperation.

[Damon1864 Volunteer]

Hi Emma if you look on Amazon there and type in disability aids you will see lots of of devices. You could all lso ask his GP or respritory team for a flutter valve they don't cost you anything. Hope this helps , let us know how you get on. Have a lovely day and take care 😊 Bernadette and Jack 🐕 xxxxxx

[Hidden]

Hi emma

I would suggest checking with your Dad's doctor or respiratory nurse who can prescribe such a device that may be suitable to help your Dad.

You could ask about;

the Flutter device

The acapella device

query which would be more suitable.

You could also ask if your Father would benefit from a nebulizer.

In addition the medication to help thin the mucus so that your dad can more easily clear his lungs each day. A medication such as Carbocisteine, always drinking plenty of water each day will help with this too.

A referral to a respiratory physiotherapist to learn the Active Cycle of Breathing technique along with the Huffing technique. So that lung clearance is more successful each day.

I hope your Father is soon breathing much easier.

Best wishes BK

[Nula2]

Hi Emma, I have bronchiectasis and although I couldn't get a flutter on NHS I bought one on Amazon (cost about sixty pounds - if I remember correctly). Definitely helps me - although it took me a few attempts to get the technique right 😅. Has your dad been tested for asthma? I was tested recently and seems I have that too. They gave me an inhaler which also has helped with mucus clearance. Take care both of you. 😊

[peege]

You could call the BLF helpline if you're in the uk., they may be able to give you any current advice. 03000 030555 office hours. Many members here take a medication called Carbocysteine (or brand name Mucodyne). It helps to soften the lung mucus making it easier to expel. It's prescription only and your father shouldn't have difficulty getting it. If refused there's an over the counter remedy in uk known as NAC, N-Acetelinecysteine (perhaps not spelt correctly). This is prescribed in other parts of Europe instead of Carbocysteine.

Another two things to do are drink plenty of fluids to help moisten mucus and have a look for a youtube clip of the huffing technique which some find useful for expelling mucus. P

[B0xermad]

Try physio nurse in respiratory department, see if they will send him one

Acapella device is a good one

[Shrimpy-13-22-25]

Hi Emma, That is good advice from Bkin, but in the meantime your dad could try just tapping his chest to loosen the sputum. Perhaps someone could gently tap his back. There is a mucus clearing device, Air …… ( sorry can’t remember the name) that I’ve heard people say is good and readily available online. Perhaps your father needs a nebuliser as saline nebules can help. Again, it’s a case of a respiratory doctor or nurse to advise. I hope he gets the help he needs.

[asafoetida2020]

Hi Emma,I have written a bronchiectasis self help book which might help your dad. It is titled 'Bronchiectasis: Taming It & Feeling Better' and is available through Amazon or the charitable link to the BLF. It containing info on my programme including the benefits of asafoetida oil inhalations, pulmonaria tea, exercises and my special breathing methods.

I have also started a Facebook bronchiectasis self help group which might interest you/ him.

My own results have been great and my GP and consultant each have a copy of the book and neither have criticised any of it.

Good luck to your Dad ( and to you as well)

[bazcranleigh]

Hi Emma, I was prescribed Carbocysteine to relieve stubborn mucus. It seems to work well. As a backup I have a supply of Cough Candies, which increase saliva and dilute the mucus that way. No problems with stubborn mucus now. Keep well.