Carbocesteine

[Daisy55]

Hi , looking for some similar experiences , to understand and gauge where we are at really . My husband has COPD (Aspergillosis with Aspergilloma and Emphysema ) He is now classed as Palliative and attends our wonderful hospice as a day patient . Since last October he has been unable to clear his chest and has had a really distressing cough , there is no infection . He now has Carbocesteine to help clear his chest . No one has said it , but I do feel this is a further lung deterioration and progression . He had serious pneumonia in 2017 but survived and has had a few episodes since , but treated at home . He does not need oxygen .

[sassy59]

Hello Daisy, Carbocisteine works very well for some in thinning mucous thus helping it to come up. I’m hoping it helps your husband and it does sound as if he’s being well cared for.

Thinking of you both. Xxxx

[2greys]

Being prescribed Carbocesteine is not unusual at all, many here take it. Personally I was prescribed it on being diagnosed 3 1/2 years ago. I produce very little excess mucus but without Carbocesteine it does turn into a very thick jelly that is very, very hard to expel.

[astragal]

Hi Daisy

Sorry to hear about all you are both going through. When I had pneumonia my mucus became very thick, sticking in throat and causing me to cough a lot. I was given Mucodyne, which is Carbocisteine Syrup, it really helped . So hopefully your husband will find benefit soon. It may be worth asking your consultant or respiratory nurse if a nebuliser with saline would be suitable for your husband.

Very best wishes to you both and for better days ahead.

[sarcoid123]

I have a lung condition (sarcoidosis) and produce a lot of phlegm every day. I wonder if the following would help. To clear my lungs of phlegm every morning and before bed I do Active Cycle of Breathing technique (ACBT) - also known as huffing - which was taught to me by a physiotherapist to cough it up and then I don't cough during the day or when I lie down. If I don't do ACBT at nighttime my lungs "rattle" and can't lie down.

There is lots on the internet, especially Youtube, teaching Active Cycle of Breathing Technique (ACBT). I was taught by a physiotherapist to do it lying down on each side but it can be done sitting up.

Also you could ask to see a hospital physiotherapist who could assess your husband to see if you would be suitable for a nebuliser using 7% isotonic salt solution. You have to be tested to see if you are suitable. They are not very expensive to buy. After seeing a physiotherapist, I am prescribed individual ampoules containing 7% salt solution which I put in the nebuliser and which produce ‘steam’ to loosen the mucus and make it easier to cough up.

Or he could put his head over a bowl of very hot water with a towel over his head to loosen the mucus which I used to do before I had my nebuliser. I also have a Flutter device which I bought which helps if the phlegm occasionally gets stuck after I have done my ACBT (Look on the internet to explain what a Flutter is). There is also a device called an acapella which is similar. There is also an Aerosure Medic electric device which is similar, but costs a lot of money.

I never go anywhere without a packet of Fisherman's Friend (includes menthol and eucalyptus), as if I do feel the urge to cough I suck one (a very strong taste so takes some getting used to) and the urge usually disappears.

One last thing. My phlegm is white, but I have been told that if it goes yellow or green that may mean I have an infection and I should ask my doctor's receptionist for a little pot, cough in to it (in private!), and the doctor will send it to the local hospital for analysis to know which is the best antibiotic to fight it.

[Daisy55 in reply to sarcoid123]

Thank you for this useful information , I have mentioned it to him , and he can see his physio at the hospice . Fisherman’s friend is a good tip as he loves those , I will get him some xxx