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?
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.
Thank you for your reply. Will try and get him to contact GP re steroid spray. He is due to see consultant soon ? August.
I have EGPA and use carbocistine and A positive expiry pressie device such as a flutter or aerobika.... hope this helps
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
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.
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. 😃
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
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
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.
Really could use some reassurance, if such a thing exists
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