Bronchiectasis Problem

[Clarice91]

Excessive mucus some times it's just like turning on a tap.If I don't get to the bathroom quickly I just bring it up over every were.Has anyone had the same problem I have bronchiectasis

[Alberta56]

I've never had it that badly, but I have got through an awful lot of tissues on occasion.

[Patk1]

It maybe worth using disposable plastic cups.i do.but ru sure it is mucous and not reflux

[B0xermad]

Hi clarice91,it's a pain having lots of mucus, I always do the clearance regime in bed with a box of tissues and a nappy sack until the worst is out with my acapella device 6 x 6 blows until less sticky mucus is present.I do take a mucolyte to aid this.

[Lynneypin]

I emphasise. I have so much coloured phlegm I really don’t understand where it comes from!! Once I start coughing I have to take myself off to the bathroom as I know it’s going to be ages before it’s all off my chest. I don’t stay with friends or relatives anymore as it’s too embarrassing.

[MoyB]

I imagine you have had a sample tested - if not, it may be worth doing. I also have bronchiectasis. The quantity of phlegm varies. Copious ammounts usually means I am having a flare up, especially if the colour is bad. These days, I take Carbosisteine which seems to have helped a lot and the quantity is much less.

Also, I expect you already know about the Active Cycle of Breathing - exercises to help clear the mucous which are recommended to be done daily. If not, there are details on the BLF site and plenty of You Tube videos to help get it right.

It can be embarassing when the 'tap' turns on and everyone will find their own way of coping with it. Swallowing isn't pleasant, but can often be done discreetly and quickly before anyone else notices, as long as there isn't too much. The stomach acid breaks the mucous down so that it doesn't cause any problem once swallowed. Otherwise, it's tissues and a plastic bag! And - yes - a trip to the bathroom to have a jolly good cough and get it all up!

xx Moy

[johnderby]

Hi. I don't have Bronchiectasis Clarice so don't cough up too much sputum but you have been given some good advice by the others that do. Keep safe. John😀

[Lfcpremier]

Hi. Grotesque isn't it. I have 2x2 carbocisteine daily, 7%saline nebuliser twice daily after opening airways with ventolin inhaler & lie on the bed for 20mins to try to cough it up. Also take azithromycin 3 times weekly.🤔

[Babyboy12]

Good morning clarice91 I have mild bronchiectasis but I still bring a lot of mucus. But lately I been have problems with swolling and got to have a camera on the 6th of October I had to stop my acid tablets for two weeks before haveing this done and I feel sick all the time. Since finding out last year in August I had not but chest infections. I hope you get sorted out as I know how you feel

[Clarice91 in reply to Babyboy12]

Many thanks it's always good to have someone else's opinion

[Clarice91 in reply to Babyboy12]

I agree with you it's such a problem and can be so embarrassing. I have two inhalers I take first thing in the morning then a Colomycin nebulizer

[Babyboy12]

Hi I have 3 ,inhalers and taken carbocisteine I think every one who as copd and bronchiectasis are on these. And your more than welcome as doctors do not explain much about bronchiectasis I found more on here and on line.

[BionicLady]

Hello Clarice91, I have had Bronch for such long time and it does really flare up&down so much and when it's bad, the sputum is non stop! I also find it embarrassing, especially when people can hear it on my chest, in a quiet office is sounds really horrid and I just want to hide under the desk!!

I am sure you have had it sampled for any nasty bugs and know your physiotherapy routine to clear as much as you can, that's the only thing that seems to help me on daily basis at the moment and drinking lots water to loosen things up.

I do hope you manage to sort it out and feel better soon, do take care 💐