How to Get Mucus out of lungs?

[BasM]

I have had chronic bronchitis for years, and I have used Spiriva Handihaler and Albuterol, but even with my insurance I only get them now and then. I have so much mucus in my lungs and it never comes up. I wheeze etc when I exhale. I wonder if there are some ways to get the mucus up. Coughing does nothing.

[valerieglasgow]

Have you tried huff coughing? I learned how to do that in pulmonary rehab. It really does help in getting it up.

[BasM in reply to valerieglasgow]

I just read up on it this evening, tried once so far and will do again. I was wondering about the Acapella device, think it helps also. Thank you for the reply, I need to get this stuff out.

[valerieglasgow in reply to BasM]

I truly know how you feel. I hope you can find something that works for you

[BasM in reply to valerieglasgow]

I started doing the Huff coughing, and it works. I never would have believed it, but tried anyway, THANK YOU!

[valerieglasgow in reply to BasM]

You're so welcome. Always willing to try and help. I'm so happy that it is working for you

[Mspatriot57 in reply to BasM]

Curious what us huff coughing?

[Babchi]

@basm+ I am able to get mucus out of my lungs by taking a dose of 600mg expectorant pill twice a day one in morning one at night

If I get really bad I use the nebulizer

Hope this is helpful

[Madonnalee]

Good morning, have you tried mucinex? Might help some. What does your doctor recommend?

[BasM in reply to Madonnalee]

Yes I have tried Mucinex twice. Lung doctor and also PCP just shake it off so that is why Im looking for answers myself. The huff breathing works, and I am getting an Acapella breathing device.

[Amadore in reply to BasM]

What is huff breathing? I need help to get the mucus up.

[Hidden]

I effectively use the "DM" cough syrups, any brand on sale. Doctor said I could use it up to 6 times a day, but 3 seems to keep my lungs mostly mucus free. I'm not fond of the taste, but I mix a dose with about equal parts of water and chase it with 6 ounces of water. I have chronic bronchitis also, and had bronchial flareups throughout my life, and am now on O2 24/7.

[BasM in reply to Hidden]

Its a pain isn't it? I just get rid of the stuff in my lungs and then I get a cold and cough and the lungs fill up again. It doesn't go away. I might try some DM again.

[Grav7338]

Can u ask ur pulmonary doctor to get the vest that u wear for 30 minutes twice a day to help with the mucus. The vest must be ordered by ur doctor.

[margaretmt in reply to Grav7338]

I have never heard of this,what does a vest look like

[Grav7338 in reply to margaretmt]

It is a vest that attaches to a machine and it inflates it and you are vibrating doing the 30 minutes u wear it

[BasM in reply to Grav7338]

I might mention this to him. Thank you

[nancye]

I have a vest. It looks like a life vest - attaches to a machine with a vacuum cleaner like hose. Vest inflates and then vibrates against back and chest. Mine does six different 5 minute settings. Said to have the effect of thousands of tiny coughs. I nebulize albuterol and then 3% saline, then vest, then aerobika (like acapella). It does work. Takes about 2 hours a day though to get the two sessions of all that done. The vest treatment itself I find very comfortable. My condition is bronchiectasis, for which it is important to keep lungs as clear as possible.

I also use spiriva and serevent inhalers.

These treatments have been added over the last two years, and my spirometry now tests normal or close to it, cough is dramatically better. SOB and fatigue are still troublesome. I am 78.

[Grav7338 in reply to nancye]

Yes this is the vest I have

[Hidden]

My husband uses a "pickle" it seems to help.

acapella® DM & DH Vibratory PEP Therapy System

Add to Inquiry

Add to Brochure

Positive Expiratory Pressure (PEP) therapy is used to mobilize secretions. PEP devices have been found to give independence to patients with chronic respiratory diseases as the therapy can be done when convenient for the patient and without the need for an assistant.

acapella® combines the benefits of both PEP therapy and airway vibrations to mobilize pulmonary secretions and can be used in virtually any position allowing patients to move freely and sit, stand or recline.

It improves clearance of secretions, is easier to tolerate than Chest Physical Therapy (CPT), takes less than half the time of conventional CPT sessions* and facilitates opening of airways in patients with lung diseases with secretory problems such as COPD, asthma and Cystic Fibrosis. Color-coded units (green for high-flow, blue for low) help customize treatment for each patient based on their clinical needs. You can adjust the acapella® frequency and flow resistance simply by turning an adjustment dial.

acapella® DM & DH Vibratory PEP Therapy System features:

•Color-coded

•Blue-DM <15 lpm for 3 seconds

•Green-DH ≥15 lpm for 3 seconds

•Inspiratory Valve

•22mm OD ambient end

•22mm OD patient end

•Expiratory resistance dial

•Patented rocker mechanism

* Mahimeister MJ et al. "Positive-expiratory pressure mask therapy: Theoretical and Practical Considerations and a Review of the Literature", Respiratory Care, 1991

Product Benefits

Use of acapella® DM & DH Vibratory PEP Therapy System has many benefits, including:

•Allows inhalation and exhalation without removing from mouth

•Prolongs expiratory airflow to increase removal of secretions

•Allows use with mask or mouthpiece attachment

•Allows use with inline nebulizer when fitted with tee adapter.

•Accommodates virtually any patient’s lung capacity.

•Can be used in any position - patient is free to sit, stand or recline

When he was in the hospital they used a vibrating vest. It worked great, but they are not for home use.

[AlphaZZ]

Have you been tested for Alpha-1 Anti-trypsin Disorder?

[Mr-W]

A "huff" cough is like what you do when you have to breath into the peak flow chamber... bringing air from behind the mucus to help expel it forward.

[teresa2268]

my husband using his breathig machine

[Wickerman38]

I find a small amount of apple cider in a glass of squash daily helps to clear mucus.

[Azcowboy]

Do you have a nebulizer. I have albuterol plastic ampules. I use to use it to help cough. But started day with shakes. A nurse suggested saline solution. Which I now use in nebulizer. It works for helping loosen up to cough up.

Damn. LOL just.realuzed the question was asked SIX years ago?? WTH???

[Putnam]

Don’t forget water. At least a gallon a day.