Excess mucous/cough: Wondering what others use... - Vasculitis UK

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Excess mucous/cough

Main1234 profile image
12 Replies

Wondering what others use to get rid of excess mucous, relieve the condition. Can be quite distressing at times as he can become breathless until the mucous is cleared . When he does manage to cough it up is thick grain of rice size. His voice is then mess horse and his breathing better.

He does stream but not regularly and has used saline washes again not regularly.

Is this something he has to just manage?

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Main1234
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12 Replies
citygirl1234 profile image
citygirl1234

Please mention this to his doctor if you haven’t already, this sounds quite concerning, and it sounds to me like he needs to be assessed to rule out an infection if he is coughing things up.

I have experienced similar symptoms myself and it is horrid. I used to have major problems with this particularly in allergy season, fortunately I now only get this when I’m flaring. My ENT said the key to dealing with it (it being chronic sinusitis for me) was:

- do the saline rinses (yes, they are quite tedious but quite effective and give minimal side effects - my ENT likes the NeilMed sinus rinses but other brands are available lol)

- if it’s a regular problem it may be worth discussing a nasal spray with the GP (likely one that contains a steroid)

Neither will give you immediate relief, but over a few weeks you should start to see some improvement. I dislike the saline rinses in particular because it’s such a faff but in my case at least, the ENT is right.

A short course of steroids / adjustment to your dose can also be helpful if it is sinusitis, and for more serious cases sinus surgery can sometimes help but an ENT surgeon can provide tailored advice.

If this happens to him a lot, I would suggest discussing an ENT referral with his vasculitis specialist or GP if he doesn’t already see ENT. The vasculitis specialist will hopefully be able to recommend an ENT specialist with experience of treating the ENT symptoms of vasculitis.

Main1234 profile image
Main1234 in reply tocitygirl1234

Thank you for your reply. Will try and get him to contact GP re steroid spray. He is due to see consultant soon ? August.

ElaineRH profile image
ElaineRH

I have EGPA and use carbocistine and A positive expiry pressie device such as a flutter or aerobika.... hope this helps

SandieB profile image
SandieB

Hi Main1234, i use a steroid spray and also have a flutter valve which the pysio gave me. When i visited the ENT department they told me it was a nazel drip and to use a saline wash 3 times a day it does help but doesnt cure it. Good luck

Main1234 profile image
Main1234 in reply toSandieB

Thank you seems a steroid spray may be the way forward

Mooka profile image
Mooka

He should definitely mention this to his consultant. I have Bronchiectasis, diagnosed by ct scan, which causes excess mucus. If the mucus turns green he will probably be getting an infection and will need antibiotics. If it is post nasal drip the nasal rinse should be done at least once a day. Of course the humidity and pollen don’t help at the moment either.

Main1234 profile image
Main1234 in reply toMooka

Thank you

LindaMRich profile image
LindaMRich

I get a 'productive cough' because of lung involvement from GPA. Following a bronchoscopy, stent. .. & then removal of a stent my thoracic surgeon prescribed 10ml saline nebulizer x 4 daily. I had to buy the nebulizer, the saline is in phials under prescription & after 4 years I use 5ml dose once daily. If my cough is getting more frequent, i'll use it more. It keeps the lungs 'moving' & helps the process of getting rid of mucus less arduous. 😃

Pollie profile image
Pollie

A physiotherapist should be able to teach him (and you!) Postural Drainage. I was shown this years ago (things may have moved on since) and it really does work, but you need to do it every day and you should be taught the technique. Hope this helps

Katie18 profile image
Katie18

I have churg Strauss & find carbocistine helps me to cough up pleghm. I don’t take it all the time - just when it’s problematic

Main1234 profile image
Main1234 in reply toKatie18

Thank you will look at getting this .

NacMacFeegle profile image
NacMacFeegle

Hi, I have GPA and often get post nasal drip, I find Sterimar congestion relief spray helps to keep my sinuses clear (it is available over the counter, basically it is sea water, I prefer this to saline rinses, I can use it with no fear of side effects and as often as I need it). I agree with others, let his GP know about his symptoms, he may need something stronger.

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