Update

[Jake25]

Update from last week regarding exacerbation. After taking steroids I am now taking my antibiotics because I have phlegm on my chest and lots of wheezing. Informed GP and I've to finish course, if I don't feel any better to contact them again. I've decided to buy myself a nebuliser to use just when I'm full of phlegm. This infection was caused by my sinuses which I've suffered for years, the nebuliser has a nasel wash on it too. In 2020 I asked the nurse practitioner about having a nebuliser and she said I'm no where needing one, but I've decided to try it and see if it helps, I will just be using saline solution. Has anyone found nebulisers to be helpful when they have infections would love to know. I've tried huffing and I've also got an air physio but not finding these methods helpful. I don't have a cough with my emphysema so I hardly have any phlegm when I'm well. But I can feel it thick on my chest. Grateful for replys thanks 😊

[Damon1864 Volunteer]

Hi Jake I use a nebuliser when I I have an infection it certainly helps me, I hope it helps you also, have a good day and take care 😊 Bernadette and Jack 🐕 xxxxxx

[sassy59]

Pete uses his nebuliser twice a day to help him bring up mucous. It may well help you, especially the saline but Pete uses a Ventolin nebule first to open up the airways. Speak to your doctor perhaps. Xxxx

[Oshgosh]

Have you been prescribed with Carbocysteine.It helps thin the mucus and makes it easier to get up.I hope you get some relief

[Jake25 in reply to Oshgosh]

Hi OgoshNo I haven't been prescribed carbocistein as I don't really want to take tablets, I don't usually have much phlegm when I'm well, it's this sinus infection which is now on my chest which is the problem. But thanks for your reply much appreciated 😊

[Patk1]

It takes time to perfect the active cycle of breathing with huffing .if u have mucous,u muust persevere to get it up,at least twice a dayU shouldnt really use a nebuliser without gp say so.they won't prescribe medication for it unless u talk to them about it

[Jake25 in reply to Patk1]

Hi Patk1Thanks for your reply. As I said before I am using saline only mainly for my sinuses. I don't suffer with phlegm when I am well, my sinuses have caused infection on my chest, I won't need medication for the nebuliser as I am taking steroids and antibiotics. My sinuses cause horrific headache due to thick mucus this is why I'm opting for the nebuliser. Thanks for taking time to reply.

[flicky1 in reply to Jake25]

Hello again Jake, I have been using sinus rinses since just after I was diagnosed - I haven't had a lung infection since then. I also take carbosystein as I did have quite a lot of mucus - I don't seem to get any unwanted side effects. I am not a fan of taking unnecessary medication either, but sometimes they are needed.

[Jake25 in reply to flicky1]

Hi flicky1Thanks for the info I will ask the GP or nurse about mucus relief medication next time. 😊

[Patk1 in reply to Jake25]

I do sympathise as I've had chronic rhinosinusitis all adult life+ allergies which make it worse.yes headaches+face pain are awful.i use steroid nose spray+ prescription antihistamines plus sudafed whn need it.they also said - don't blow nose hard as it forces mucous into sinuses.

.ive done sinus washes whn extremely bad,which helps . Ive been told by hospital to inhale steam too.hope this may help.

I hope ur saline is sterile x

[Lol1944]

My congratulations on getting what you feel will make life easier irrespective of the nurses opinion. Exactly what I did and yes in times of need it is very helpful. I reckon over time we tend to find ways of self medicating to our advantage.

[Jake25 in reply to Lol1944]

Thank you lol 😊

[tavymaid]

Hi have you tried Sterimar there,s different ones and can buy pretty much anywhere now its a salt water saline spray used to help clear sinuses mostly. I use the orange congestion Sterimar i also since Emphysema and collapsed lungs iv suffered with blocked sinuses and blocked saliva glands, give Sterimar a go it,s helped very much.

[Jake25 in reply to tavymaid]

Thanks 😊