Mucus clearance and breathe easy tips

[NickD211]

Hi guys, I thought this would be a lovley topic for a Monday morning 😁. I am after advice please I have bronchiectasis and use a saline nebuliser and accapella to clear mucus, usually once a day each. For me it’s the key to how easy I can breathe and therefore really impacts my wellbeing (mental and physical) So I was wondering if people use/do anything else as part of your routine that you would reccomend I try, either to clear mucus or breathe a little easier.

I have done the above routine for about 5 years now and it does work but I’m open to trying new things.

Yours in coughing and spluttering

Nick

[sarcoid1234]

I thoroughly agree that mucus (phlegm) clearance has a real impact on my well being. I have a lung condition (sarcoidosis) and also bronchiectasis and my lungs produce a lot of phlegm every day. I wonder if the following would help you. To clear my lungs of phlegm every morning and before bed I also use a nebuliser with 7% saline solution prescribed by the doctor. I had to be assessed by a physiotherapist before i was prescribed it. I then do Active Cycle of Breathing technique (ACBT) - also known as huffing - which was taught to me by a physiotherapist to cough up the phlegm 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.

You use an acapella; I use a Flutter which is similar, if some still seems to be stuck. 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. I hope this all helps.