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new to the group

In: Airway Clearance
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D

Hello. I'm new to the group and have bronchiectasis which was found in an x-ray and I have the Alpha-1 deficiency. I've been using a nebulizer with medication once a day and the Aerobika once a day. I also walk and cycle a few days a week. I have a hard time getting up any mucus and I don't produce much at all because I have a drier form of a cough. I also have esophageal reflux and take a med for that. I worry whether my condition is worse even though I feel fine. I do feel more tired, and I wonder if that's my condition or because I exercise a lot as my pulmonologist has told me it's very important. I see a pulmonologist every six months for breathing tests and sometimes a CT scan. Just wondering if anyone else has a similar situation like mine when it pertains to lack of mucus clearing. Is there anything else I should be doing?

Latest Activity: 1 hour ago
3
2 Replies

Replies

K

Diane,

Hello! Welcome to the community. I am so glad you found us. Many of us deal with similar symptoms. Fatigue is a common symptom- regular airway clearance helps a lot to get mucus up and out. Have you tried normal saline nebulizers or a mucolytic medication such as Mucinex to assist to bring up the sputum? We are @ here” for you. 

Latest Activity: 5 hours ago
1
D

Thank you for the welcome and advice. I am using a nebulizer and two medications. I just don't create much mucus, but will work on doing mucus clearance. I'll ask my doctor about Mucinex. 

Latest Activity: 3 hours ago
1

Comments

K

Diane,

Hello! You are most welcome! Guaffenisin , over the counter liquid is another medication option that helps loosen mucus.  Check drug interactions with your current medications-Guaffenesin  may bother acid reflux in some individuals. I took Mucinex for quite sometime in the past. Below is information on airway clearance: https://social.bronchandntm.org/resources/detail/11

Below is information on medications that can assist to loosen mucus: https://www.bronchandntm.org/For-Patients/Learn-More/Managing-Symptoms-and-Daily-Living/Airway-Mucus-and-Symptom-Support/Medicines-for-Airway-Clearance

Katie 

Latest Activity: 1 hour ago

It is not our intention to serve as a substitute for medical advice and any content posted should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. We make every effort to support our members, our medical professionals cannot and will not provide a diagnosis or suggest a specific medication; those decisions should be left to your personal medical team. While we encourage individuals to share their personal experiences with COPD, please consult a physician before making changes to your own COPD management plan.

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