Sputum bugs and OSA/COPD

[MollyMoo53]

HiI have COPD, asthma, severe OSA, hypothyroid and a few other things.

I am 62 and have had these challenges for a good few years now.

Last year I had 2 sputum samples 6 months apart. 1st was staph aureus, 2nd was coliform species. Treated with 1 and 2 weeks of ciprofloxacin

As soon as Cipro finishes I have almost immediate return of extra secretions.

Last month I had sputum tested again due to amount of sputum problems.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (heavy growth) this time. Ciprofloxacin again, 1 week this time. Finished Cipro and 48 hours later secretions back with a vengeance.

I feel rubbish all the time and have great difficulty clearing the secretions.

Being on CPAP is difficult with high secretions and I wake up constantly because my throat is 'blocked' with gunk and I can't swallow or cough it out.

Respirologist prescribed home nebulisation in August and alternate days of azithromycin

I really do not want to be at the GP regularly as I don't feel that they are bothered or up to speed with more complex presentations.

Getting the phone answered, getting past receptionists and then waiting for a GP to phone you back is frustrating and negative.

I assume that CPAP use may be the underlying cause of repeated lung infection as I don't venture out often.

Anything I can do myself to alleviate?

Any advice gratefully received.

Molly

[garshe]

Are you on Carbosisteine (Mucodyne) tablets to clear or thin mucus. I also take supplements to boost my immune system etc. Hope you feel better soon xxSheila 💕⚘

[MollyMoo53 in reply to garshe]

Hi GarsheI tried Carbocistiene but it made things worse. Respirologist put me on Azithromycin instead. I bring more gunk out on the days I take Azithromycin (alternate days).

On the days I don't take Azith I struggle more.

Molly

[garshe in reply to MollyMoo53]

I take Azithromycin 3 times a week. This is an antibiotic and not for mucus. 👍xxSheila

[MollyMoo53 in reply to garshe]

Hi GarsheYes I was aware Azith is an antibiotic. Resp. Doc gave me that instead of carbo which I didn't tolerate well. I did ask for an alternative mucus specific alternative to Carbo a few years ago after a locum COPD/Asthma nurse suggested that there was an alternative to Carbo. I asked GP about an alternative and he said there wasn't one..

Molly

[Gardeningdays]

Respiratory physio is what you need, they will teach you airway clearance which is absolutely essential, I also use an aerobica flutter device there are different kinds. I nebulise using the aerobica and then Colomycin as well as doing other airway clearance exercises twice a day, I do additional just air clearance exercises as and where needed. I have colonised pseudomonas, I started with staf A then pseudomonas. I have had ABPA for many years which is what’s behind the bronchiectasis. I am also hypothyroid which does not help the tiredness. It is a pain but the airway clearance is the only thing to really help with breathing. I am also taking carbocistiene for thinning mucus.

[MollyMoo53 in reply to Gardeningdays]

Hi GardeningdaysI will need to check about respiratory physio. I am sure the respirologist mentioned that in August but not heard anything since. I will chase up.

Molly

[Patk1]

I'd reiterate gardening days.do chase up on lung physio but meanwhile,read up on lung clearance techniques - active cycle of breathing, postural drainage.getting rd of mucous is a must.takes q bit of commitment to do it,+ keep on top of it,but necessary.do sleep propped up + drink plenty

[MollyMoo53 in reply to Patk1]

Hi Patk1That's interesting about sleeping. I wonder if that's possible whilst on cpap? Lung Function /sleep clinic stress the importance of lying as flat as possible on cpap. I went down from 3 Pillows to 2 on the back of their advice.

I will look into that a bit more and also lung clearance techniques. Thank you.

Molly

[Alberta56]

Best wishes. I hope you can get some relief soon. xxx

[MollyMoo53 in reply to Alberta56]

Thanks Alberta

[VELoce21]

hi MollyMoo53 I also have had lots of chest infections with E. coli, coliform pseudamonous etc. lots of antibiotics, I have a nebuliser with sodium chloride to loosen my secretions. I aspirated a few times with gunk from my stomach reflux into my lungs.

I’m now on azithromycin for the second time, three times a week. This has really reduced the number of infections.

My main condition is bronchiectasis plus asthma.

The downside is fungal infections, on my skin, my mouth and vagina. I am lucky I have a good respiratory team at my local hospital. They prescribe quickly.

Good luck, feel better soon