ACB!

[Jools7770]

Ok... so I’ve been told by the prof to keep sound ACB for my Bronc. Until he can, hopefully, come up with specific management for me. My question is what do you find best to bring up that dreaded green stuff from the lungs? Sometimes it makes me feel sick and gag! I’m drinking at least 2 litres of water a day. I am rattley in the chest but find it really difficult to bring up more than just a little bit! My head is thumping from coughing so much; I ache all over and feel pretty crap really. I thought you lovely lot can give me a kick up the bum, or some suggestions or something 😘😘😘🤣🤣🤣

[wheezyof]

Hello Jools,

Bringing up the mucus is a big part of our life so I'm sure you're going to get lots of help here.

Drinking, water is good. Only drink decaff tea or coffee, caffeine draws the water out of your body away from your lungs.

Try fruit juice, pineapple is good. If you are worried about sugar levels have a small glass at the end of a meal instead of pudding.

Try to avoid too much added salt or sugar.

Keep moving even though you are breathless, little and often will do.

If exhausted from coughing give yourself a little respite by sucking throat sweets occasionally.

Try to learn the huff n puff cycle. otherwise called the Active Cycle of Breathing technique.

Check out the British Lung Foundation website.

If you are in the UK, while on the BLF site look for a Breathe Easy support group near you.

Good luck x

[Jools7770 in reply to wheezyof]

Thank you wheezyof xxx

[Damon1864 Volunteer]

Hi as someone already said, drink lots of water and breathing exercises will help to bring it up as well. Ask your GP for some carbacistene to help bring it up. Have a lovely day 😊 Bernadette xx

[Hidden]

I am a little disappointed that you didn’t see the physio on the day. Never mind, it might be part of the plan. The lung clearance is actually the most important thing that you can do for yourself and you are in charge of its management. You will work out how many times to do it during the day and how long you need. Fit it around your activities so that you are comfortable when out in public. It is also easier to get up at different times of the day. I can not get anything out in the morning for example but was bullied all my childhood into trying for ages. You need to learn a cycle of breathing, huffing and coughing to get it out. There is lots of this on you tube. Again you will decide which way suits you best. You can also use a flutter device to vibrate your airways. An aerosure medic is very good for bronchs. More expensive because it has a motor but I wouldn’t be without mine. I also nebulise isotonic saline to make the mucus more liquid. The consultant can test hypertonic saline, which is stronger, on you and there is a drug called carbocysteine which helps some.Don’t forget good old exercise. A walk, or running or anything which shakes it all up. Good luck.

[Hidden]

Just to add that the cycle of breathing is a much more gentle way of moving and expelling the mucus than just coughing hard. Once you master it you you shouldn’t get a headache.

[Jools7770 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Littlepom x because it is early days for me I am struggling 😢 and feeling so weak atm I can’t move very much and certainly can’t go for a walk today! I have listened to what you’ve said and will try different times of the day xxx

[Whitechinchilla]

Carbocystein does the trick. Thins the mucus so not so much effort to clear it. Hope you feel better soon, non stop coughing is very tiring.