devon

[devon29]

i have been told i have empysemia the dr has given me 750mg og CARBOCISTEINE 3 CAPSULES A DAY , has anyone been given these capsules . ONE DY ITS copd THEN LAST WED 15TH TOLD ITS Emphysemia knock in the head . nem mind keep strong lots love Sanda xx

[Mellywelly]

As far as I know chook I had trouble clearing the gunk on my chest with copd and a bad virus, and they asked me if I wanted them as they are for thinning mucus so it's easier to cough up. They should be explaining all this to you. Makes my blood boil. It's your body and your life so put your foot down and tell them you want to have a proper conversation about your condition. Good luck 👍

[Theweehighlander1 in reply to Mellywelly]

thank you,

i feel the same. i come from and live in Scotland. i find the level of support hear is diabolical .

the support is almost non existent . i,m struggling , with stage 4 copd i,m trying to find out about Zephyr valve . dose any one know anything about this.

thank you

joseph

[Mellywelly in reply to Theweehighlander1]

I've heard of it but not exactly sure but someone probably will know about it here. Good luck chook 😉

[jackdup]

COPD covers a few diseases and emphysema is one of them.

[PaulineHM]

Hello,

COPD is an umbrella term usually for chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It is a form of obstructive lung disease. Often either one of those dominates the symptoms, sometimes both.

Carbocisteine is a common medication many of us use to help to thin and shift the mucous which builds up in our lungs. Taking plenty of clear fluids can also help with it.

The Asthma + Lung UK website has lots of information about COPD - you could take a look at that.

Go well

Pauline

[Alberta56 in reply to PaulineHM]

Hi Devon, A lot of us on this forum are on Carbocisteine. I've been taking it for 5years now, 4 tablets a day, with no side effects. Best wishes.

[gingermusic]

Yes Emphysema is just one of the conditions under the umbrella of COPD. I take Carbocisteine but have 2 x 3 times a day and it does help.

[kev60]

hi, I to have emphysema (COPD) started top of lungs now also bottom and rear of lungs. I was given a box but have not used it as I only bring up one lump every day. It’s supposed to thin the mucus so it’s easier to remove. My gp ordered it after I told them I coughed up one lump a day but didn’t give information. I don’t feel the need to use it yet as I clear ok and I take lots of medication already. Good luck hope this helps. Kevin

[Patk1]

Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are copd x

[katieoxo60]

Hi devon29, the tablets you have been given are to clear the mucus which should result in less cough. I was recently given them by cancer nurse but no follow up dosage. You can buy these tablets which is what I do. As for change of diagnosis not uncommon but they are all part of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or in the old days it was called chronic obstructive lung disease (COLD)what is important is that Emphysema is a lung disease not an upper respiratory disease. I have COPD /asthma and have managed quite well since 1992 with inhalers. Take care of yourself avoid triggers that make you feel iller.

[suzy-lou]

HI Devon. Yes I take this (2 capsules three times a day) and it has certainly helped me. I was told by a physiotherapist that I needed to keep the mucus moving to stop bacteria getting hold and so I take Carbocystiene along with drinking plenty of fluids and daily exercise . (The execise bit doesn't always happen, though!). Keep well x

[Loopylorre]

I have COPD & emphysema, I was also given carbocisteine to take two twice a day, does help to clear chest at times, can also take a little while to feel the difference from it, hope you get on with them ok 🌷💐🌸😊 x

[Offcut]

I am on CARBOCISTEINE 2 tabs 3 x a day! Best thing that has happened to me. I had similar experience I was diagnosed with RLD and COPD it was sometime later they enhanced it with emphysema! I have a number of Cronic conditions and was surprised by the use of Lung and Heart Failure for me. But it is liveable know your limits and sometimes push them! But know your limits.

Be Well

[peege]

Hello, Carbocysteine is very useful to us and as others have said it softens the lung mucus making it easier to expel - which we all must otherwise it's the perfect breeding environment for bacteria to develop into an infection. 2 capsules three times daily (ie every 8 hours) is the usual start up dose. It might lower to 2 capsules twice daily like many of us take unless we're severe.

There's just lots to learn if you're newly diagnosed however, you've come to the right place for support from other patients with various lung diseases at various levels of severity.

In the UK emphysema and chronic bronchitis are COPD. Different terms in other countries.

[Flutey2]

Hi, I also take Carbocycsteine for bronchiectasis, which also comes under the COPD umbrella. Like others have said they are to help thin mucus and help us lift it so doesn't stay and get infected. I also have breathing exercises that help and try to keep regular exercise.

The GP did not explain how the tablets work or anything and I stopped taking them for a while but I went to pulmonary Care group who were very good and explained things much better.

[devon29 in reply to Flutey2]

its a mess flutey i am taking 3 a day 10am 2 pm 10pm but i think its too late last night i never had a bed time it was rough cough then try to breath then bring up the mucus it went on for ages , i am going to sleep in other room tonight its not fair to my hubby. i omly saw dr last wed 15th so soon i hope i will get help especially pulmory classes ,i spoke to lady yesterday at hospital so just got to wait ty keep warm keep safe xxx what are the breathing excersises

[Flutey2]

ACBT (Active cycle of breathing Technique), my GP told me to look up online but then I was worried about doing it wrong! the pulmonary care team taught us. I do find it helps. Similar to the carbocysteine it makes me cough but I feel clearer. They did say not to take tablets too late in the evening. I hope you feel better soon.