Phlegm in throat

[lync11]

Hi all, I was diagnosed with stage 2 copd last June and apart from becoming breathless when I walk upstairs I haven’t been too bad. I do get a lot of phlegm in my throat though which is difficult to shift and for the last few days that phlegm has caused my chest to feel a bit raw and I feel a lot of pressure behind my eyes, they feel heavy as if i’m Exhausted. Please can you tell me if this is an exascerbation? I don’t feel really ill and wouldn’t feel that a doctors visit would be justified, but as I am new to copd I don’t know what to do. I would appreciate some comments from you lovely people. I feel so afraid of this disease.

Lyn xx

[Damon1864 Volunteer]

Hi Lyn , all I can advise is if you are feeling a little worried and scared please go and see your GP. You will soon learn when you need medication for infections. But please go as it will put your mind at rest. Let us know how you get on please. Love Bernadette 😳 xxx

[lync11 in reply to Damon1864]

Thank you so much for responding to my post, I do feel that a lot of people with think that it is a trivial post but for me this diagnosis has been devastating and i’m Constantly worrying. I will see the doctor if there is no improvement tomorrow. Please take care of yourself too. Lyn XX

[cales in reply to lync11]

I think I can say most if not all of us were devastated when first diagnosed I know when I was back in 2012 o was terrified but here I am 6 years on and still here a little worse than I was but that’s my own fault for keep going back to smoking , which I have now stopped again , this site and all the lovely people here will help you cope and you will soon see it’s not all doom and gloom 😊

With best wishes

Cales xx

[lync11 in reply to cales]

Thank you for your kind message. I gave up smoking when I was diagnosed and started vaping. I must confess, two weeks ago I lit a cigarette and can honestly say that I didn’t enjoy it at all! I have become used to the vape now. It’s hard for 3 weeks but if I can give up then anyone can so best of luck and Cales and thanks again xx

[jackdup in reply to lync11]

Please don't ever think we will consider this a trivial post. There is no trivial posts and there are no stupid or dumb questions so if you have concerns or questions please feel free to post and don't think anyone will judge you or criticize you when worried.

That is what this forum is for sharing our experiences and supporting each other and offering advice when we can so when you have questions or concerns please ask or post.

[lync11 in reply to jackdup]

Thank you so much. Whenever I get worried I come on this site for reassurance, it’s like being part of a big family xxx

[Hidden in reply to lync11]

Nothing is too trivial to ask lyn, especially if you are worried about anything. There's always the BLF helpline too.

03000 030 555

Speak to one of the team over the phone.

The helpline is available Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm. If you contact them outside of these hours, they'll get back to you as soon as they can. Take care. XXX

[lync11 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you very much, I was not aware of that. I only worry about posting trivial things because I have read several posts from people who are much worse off than myself. I honestly don’t know what I would have done without this site. When I was diagnosed with copd I just googled it, bad mistake 😊

[janice01 in reply to lync11]

I was diagnosed 12yrs ago, only had minor deterioration since then....

But do need to keep control over breathing and plegm....

[lync11 in reply to janice01]

Ok, I will. I’m glad that you are controlling your copd. Take care xx

[Jollj]

Hi lyn, I have exactly same problems as yourself,my GP advised steam inhalation with menthol crystals or olbas oil in boiling water to keep your airways clear, if the phlegm blocks them that's what causes the infection in your chest, ( phlegm permanent greenish colour ) so you might be better seeking their advice.

[lync11 in reply to Jollj]

Thank you for the advice, I will definitively try steam inhalation. I hope you are well at the moment.

[Mandy6513]

The doctor can prescribe you something to loosen phlegm because it needs to be moved off your chest and he can check you over while your there. Don't sit and fret see your doctor

[lync11]

I will make an appointment to see my doctor. Thank you so much for the advice xx

[Nicholatracy]

Hi, I live in Texas even though I’m a Brit. I’ve found if I have mucous I take a Mucinex in the morning, it works like a charm. However, to put your mind at rest I do encourage you to go see your doctor. 🌸

[lync11]

Thank you for the advice. I have googled Mucinex but am not sure where I can purchase it in the uk. I will contact my doctor. I have been given a few good tips from you lovely people though. X