just another quick question

[Collie4]

what do some of you friends do to clear congestion? I don’t often get it too bad but just lately it’s troubling me. I use an aerosure and i’ve tried a decongestant like benylyn( not sure it’s safe when on other meds).

look forward to any replies, thank you.

[mylungshateme]

I use a nasal rinse twice a day helps keeps bacterial infections at bay, sinus pains an allergies my consultant advised me to do it. I got my kit from boots but you can probably get it from Amazon.

[ladyn in reply to mylungshateme]

Is it the sinus rinse?

[mylungshateme in reply to ladyn]

Yes.

[Shrimpy-13-22-25]

There are various things to help, though none are helping much at the moment for me either! Chest tapping, box breathing (2 puffs in, hold for 2 seconds, 2 puffs out (i purse my lips while doing this) hold for 2 seconds- then repeat a few times. If you are able just increase the time doing each section. I imagine a box of matches while performing this. Circle breathing is another, instructions may be online as well as other useful tips. Using a flutter or similar device. Hope that is of some help. Good luck.

[Collie4 in reply to Shrimpy-13-22-25]

Thank you, yes i do breathing exercises and use an aerosure, but sometimes even that isn’t much help. It’s the humidity that sets it off, i’m much better when humidity is low.

[Shrimpy-13-22-25 in reply to Collie4]

Too true. The air quality was bad the last 2 days so on steroids again. Seems fresher now so let’s hope it makes breathing easier for everyone.

[garshe]

I use Sterimar congestion relief. Its only salt water but works fantastic. A few squirts each morning up nose and clear all day. Also protects from infections. Purchase Boots..xxSheila 💕😎🙌

[Collie4 in reply to garshe]

Thank you, i might try that.( good to read your post and lovely photo. Glad you’re feeling better.)

[garshe in reply to Collie4]

It was recommended by my Respiratory team and Consultant. Theres nothing other than salt water so no problems . Really does the trick for me and instant relief. Xx💕🙌

[Collie4 in reply to garshe]

Does it help clear congestion from chest? Because that is my main problem.

[garshe in reply to Collie4]

Well I use it for blocked nose which sorts out breathing problems. Think you need a nebuliser for chest xxSheila

[Collie4 in reply to garshe]

Yes i have a nebuliser, which if i get too bad i shall use with saline solution. Thank you anyway.🙂

[Patk1 in reply to Collie4]

The saline nebuliser should help to get it moving.do u do lung clearance sessions ea day? U will need to,to get it up.om prescribed carbocysteine to help thin it so easier to cough up.

[Collie4 in reply to Patk1]

Thank you for your reply. Yes, last year when i had an exacerbation i was prescribed carbocistine, but i’m not sure it helped. I stopped taking it because i was poorly with neuropathy( not caused by the carbocistine), the doctor said it was a virus( not covid), that attacked nerve endings. I might ask doctor about taking carbocistine again.🙂

[Patk1 in reply to Collie4]

Both the saline neb x2 a day,and carbocysteine shld help thin mucous and make it easier to great up.persevere with carbocysteine 2+ wks to see if helps.U would need to do lung clearance sessions twice a day,minimum,otherwise it will get infected

X

[lovejoyliz]

Hi Collie4, if you have a nebuliser l used PULMOCLEAR 2.5ml single vials, you can ask your doctor to prescribe them for you. I use mine on a daily routine to help keep the lungs clear.

[Collie4 in reply to lovejoyliz]

Yes i have a nebuliser and saline sachets to use. I might ask my doctor for what you have mentioned. Thank you.

[Alberta56]

Sorry you're so badly affected. My AeroBika helps me at such times, but obviously you don't get the same relief from your device. i hope some of the other people's suggestions are fruitful.

[Collie4 in reply to Alberta56]

Thank you, not too bad now the humidity has gone lower. People who aren’t affected don’t really understand how unpleasant it is do they.

[micox]

I used to use Anora which I found excellent for clearing the mucus as well as freeing my breathing. But after a slight breathing crisis my inhaler was changed to Trimbow (obviously for the cortico-steroid ). I do also have carbocistiene but it doesn't help much. I miss the

Anoro.

[Collie4 in reply to micox]

Yes, i use Anoro. I do find it good. It’s just when the humidity is high i get congestion and find it hard to clear.

[Beth1949]

You could have someone 'pound' on your chest: lie on your stomach, have the person cup his/her hands, and firmly, but not too hard, pound around on your upper back. The vibrations help loosen the mucus.

That was the therapy that was used years ago when I would be in the hospital, now they use a percussion vest (which I have one that I use at home).

Also, reclining with your head lower, gravity helps move the mucus.

[Collie4 in reply to Beth1949]

Thank you for your reply. Yes, years ago i was in hospital with a chest infection and the physio put a towel rolled up on my back and did the ‘thumping’ method. I have an aerosure which is supposed to loosen congestion but i don’t think i do it for long enough as i can’t seem to get rid of it.

[Beth1949 in reply to Collie4]

Somedays, I get raspy in the mornings or early afternoons. It seems like the mucus is just caught, it won't come up. So I drink a cup of fully caffeinated coffee (usually I drink mostly decaf). Then I wait for about a half hour then start to move around, like walking or going up and down the stairs. Soon after, I cough up the mucus. The caffeine helps open up the lung's airways.

[Collie4 in reply to Beth1949]

I drink decaf but i will try full caffeinated and see if it helps, thank you.