We can’t stop the mucus....

[DeeSending]

Hello everyone

I have IPF and organising pneumonia amongst other diseases. I work with a scientist whose speciality is lung diseases. Mucus plug is a common feature for those with lung diseases. Mine is white and thick and I’ve had it since my IPF became more evident. I drink lots of hot water and have a cup ready to get rid of the gunk each time. There are several theories or thoughts about clearing the mucus but none get rid of it. It seems to be the body clearing the build up in the lungs each day. I have had an adjustable bed for the last year which really helps the gagging at night.

I am constantly amazed how the medics don’t know about this mucus problem. I know several people with lung diseases who have the same issue.

[Daisy55]

Hi Dee

Yes I can relate to this with my husband . He is constantly coughing with mucus build up . He has now been prescribed Carbocisteine to thin the mucus and is going to have a physio treatment to help too , as there seems to be no clearing it , as it just rebuilds . It seems it’s just a case of finding the best ways to manage it , as we know two others who are the same . I hope you find some relief to help you manage it all , from the carer side I do understand x

[Oshgosh in reply to Daisy55]

Mucus clearance is a constant necessity for lungies

I use nebuliser two daily,take carbocysteine.make time for a goodcough and a huff! I did t pulmonary rehab course whichhelped.

I usually have a-cough before i go out always carry tissues

It’s really unfortunate that unusual clearance isa Constant necessity for us you can’t get away from it.

[ssafa in reply to Daisy55]

Carbocisteine has been a great for. I take it 3 times a day and the change it has made is fantastic.

[ajay]

Thank you for the hot water tip, I will be trying that too.

[Hacienda]

Morning Dee, Been on Carbocisteine for a few Years now, Worked for me. Good Luck. XXX C.

[DeeSending in reply to Hacienda]

Thanks Hacienda!

[pete511dog]

Hi Dee I find if I nebulise with 2.5Ml of salbutamol and then neb with Hypertonic Saline 7% I clear my mucus before I have I have used all the saline still use Carbocisteine

[Elpojohn]

I put a couple of chamomile tea bags in the hot water . It helps to relax too and clears the throat.

[sassy59]

Pete has mucous every day and uses his nebuliser which helps. He sometimes gets a big build up which causes him to choke depending on how thick it is. He was prescribed Carbocisteine but that thinned the mucous so much, he was bringing it up all day.

Pete copes pretty well though but you raise a good point. Xxxx

[Hidden in reply to sassy59]

That's a very good point. It can be too thin and hangs around in the pockets in the lungs. I'm sure that you and Pete and many of us long timers, know that it us all a matter of timing. Spending the time and effort before going out and at times which are convenient to us without the gunk boggart taking charge.

I liken it to the trials of Sisyphus - We just keep rolling that rock up the hill! 🤣

[sassy59 in reply to Hidden]

That’s correct Littlepom but Pete does manage pretty well thank goodness. The nebuliser drugs certainly help.

That rock is hard to roll sometimes! 😂

Take care. Xxxx

[Lindawhite in reply to sassy59]

I use nebuliser but just recovering in hospital after a really bad virus since have been home my nebuliser is not working for me anymore which leaves me really struggling to breath with my copd

[sassy59 in reply to Lindawhite]

Your nebuliser may need a service and filter replacement. It’s not hard to do if you have a spare filter. Try and get it working again if possible. Feel better soon. Xxx

[Izb1]

I am sure if they could find a way of controlling this all lunggies would have a better life and maybe the disease wouldnt be so debilitating. And I am more amazed that the medics dont know about this problem, they obviously need better education x

[GinnyMa]

This is so familiar. I have bronchiectasis. I wake up every morning, and often during the night, filled with mucus. I take an allergy pill, sleep on a bed wedge, and use a humidifier....none of which makes a difference. I use an Aerobika instrument to clear lungs. But during the day, with mucus still running, I get an itch in esophagus and go into a violent dry cough. It seems like I cough all day and it wears me out. Neither my Internist, nor my Pulmonologist has been able to help with this problem. Any helpful ideas out there???

[58Lancer in reply to GinnyMa]

GinnyMa

Have you had a sinus scan. Recently found fungal infection in sinus cavities. After surgery, breathing and mucus are improving. Just presenting a possibility. Good luck!

[DeeSending]

Thanks for all the input about Carbocisteine everyone. Unfortunately, this is not a good solution for me as I have IBD and this type of medicine gives me severe trots and vomitting. I'm on a load of drugs for IBD which work well and keeps me stable so I'll use other methods to tone done the mucus. I find that exertion including stairs and walking up small inclines sets of the mucus run and air-conditioning in cars starts the coughing. Everything is a balance - whatever works for you.

Cheers to you all.

[Ergendl]

People in my singing group who have mucus issues, start coughing about 20 minutes in as the diaphragm exercises and increasingly demanding singing gets the lungs moving and the cilia in them pushing the mucus up. We just reassure newbies we're not worried about the coughing; there's a toilet nearby if there's lots coming up. It shows the singing exercises are working!