Asthma and phlegm

[Lyndel]

Hi,I was wondering if anybody also suffers from a lot of phlegm on a daily basis. I have asthma and now its getting worse I can't walk much more than 100 meters and I have to try and cough up the phlegm. It as got gradually worse. It's white and very thick. I am planning on going to the doctors next week but was just wondering if anybody has any good tips. I drink a lot of water but would appreciate some natural remedies if any.Thanks. ..

[Chip_y2kuk]

Not a natural remedy but carbocistine when you see the doctors it's a bit like a marmite medication... my gp said to me some people feel like there drowning and can't tolerate it but it's only purpose in life is to make mucus really thin so if you can tolerate it .... thats what it will do for you..... I can tolerate it and it does make a difference

It's not commonly used for asthma though, but there are loads of us in it

[Lyndel in reply to Chip_y2kuk]

Hi, thanks a lot for your reply I will definitely ask the doctor about it.

[Truckerclark]

Hi , like you I have asthma and lots of phlegm ,,,after seeing consultant at clinic my inhalers were changed a few times ,,but the only thing that has helped was going on carbocistene tablets ,it’s at least help break it up a bit so I can get it up ,,,

[Lyndel in reply to Truckerclark]

Hi, thanks for your reply.

[Lol1944]

Agree that carbocisteine does the trick

[Lyndel in reply to Lol1944]

Thanks for replying

[Lynneypin]

I was prescribed an Aerobika device which I use morning and night to get the gunk up. It definitely helps. I have loads of the revolting stuff.

[Lyndel in reply to Lynneypin]

Hi, never heard of this but sound good I will definitely check it out.

[Alberta56]

I agree with Lynneypin- my AeroBika helps a lot. You need to discuss this with your GP. Have you got a respiratory consultant? and have you been referred for pulmonary rehab? It sounds as if you need to see a consultant. Active Cycle of Breathing helps me, for which there are instructions on the BLF/ Asthma-lung site.

[Lyndel in reply to Alberta56]

Hi, thanks for your reply. Yes I have a lung consultant I am planning to make an appointment this week. That sounds like a good thing. Will also look into the site for breathing.

[katieoxo60]

Hello Lyndel, sorry I do not have an answer for you but recently developed a similar change in my symptoms following a prescription for Doxazosin , The drug has been stopped and I have had a course of antibiotics as a precaution but I am still left with a problem and would like you appreciate any suggestions that have worked for others. There are some cough medicines for mucus I wonder if they work might be worth a try.

[Lyndel in reply to katieoxo60]

Thanks for your reply. I hope you find something soon to help you. Its an awful thing. I sound like a heavy smoker when I cough ..I have never smoked. All the best..

[katieoxo60 in reply to Lyndel]

Thank you for reply, funny I felt the same the last three months like I was a smoker with a persistant cough when in fact the flare was caused by BP tablets . Since the antibiotics its eased but not completely gone and I guess the covid infection did not help either. Will have to try to find an answer in case it happens again . What I can't understand is why DRs , consultants and paramedics say my chest sounds clear. When even I can hear it wheezing and like you it sounds like a winter chest cold or a smokers response to having a cigarette. Good luck with finding something for yourself to ease the cough as its so tiring when its constant .

[Lyndel in reply to katieoxo60]

That's funny I was put on BP tablets last autumn that's when it all started, first my breathing got worse and then the phelgm started. I have had asthma since my 30s I am now 69 and always had it under control and could go on long walks which I can't now. All the best.

[Alberta56 in reply to katieoxo60]

I find Benolyns Chesty Cough with Guaifenesin helps a bit. My husband likes it too .when he's wheezy. The magic ingredient is the Guaifenesin. xxx

[katieoxo60 in reply to Alberta56]

Yes it is the added ingredient in the cough and cold remedies that soothe the symptoms

[Daisyrob]

Yes carbocistene works for me. May be worth asking the GP if it could be bronchiectasis if your bringing up lots of mucus. You will need A CT scan to diagnose

[Lyndel in reply to Daisyrob]

Thanks a lot.

[ekim1020]

I'm 75 and have the same problem, what I've found that seems to help me is intermittent fasting. I do a 16/8 something you might read up on. Good luck and God bless

[Lyndel in reply to ekim1020]

Thankyou. Will do.

[Valsha]

I had similar and had a cough with it for several years. I was eventually diagnosed with cough variant asthma and prescribed omeprazole which I still take. It solved the problem almost immediately. Silent reflux is often associated with asthma. I hope you find a solution as phlegm like that is horrible.

[Lyndel in reply to Valsha]

Hello, last time I was at the doctors he also said that and have been taking parazole for the last half year. It stopped the heartburn which I had a lot but the cough and phelgm started after.

[Perrythomas]

I use NAC crystals to thin mucus (alternative medics that’s tried and tested) and I have an airPhysio device which makes me cough and clears airways very well - there are cheaper devices that may help too - good luck

[Lyndel in reply to Perrythomas]

Hi, that sounds very interesting will definitely look that up. Thanks a lot.

[poppyshola]

Hi Lyndel ... as mentioned on another post my GP has started to recommend that an Air Purifier with a HEPA filter is proven to be beneficial to all with breathing problems but NHS don't prescribe them .. they range from £100-200.. but if your having that much trouble you really need to see your GP for some better inhalers ...

[Lyndel in reply to poppyshola]

Hi, thanks for the info. Yes I think I need different inhalers, at the moment I am on Spiriva and Symbicort. Ventolin when needed, but nothing seems to be helping with breathing..

[Lynneypin in reply to Lyndel]

My consultant told me to drop the Ventolin and use Symbicort when I needed a reliever. He said mucus = inflammation, and I needed a steroid along with the bronchodilator. You should ask your specialist.

[Lyndel in reply to Lynneypin]

Will do, thanks. Just seems like nothing is getting through with all this phlegm.