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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: August 26, 2026
4 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: August 11, 2026
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: August 11, 2026

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: August 11, 2026
d

Hi Diane78. I nebulize 7% saline. it helps get the mucus out. Sometimes it's a bit difficult and sometimes it's fairly easy. Good luck. Keep us posted

Latest Activity: August 12, 2026

Comments

d

I also use mucinex and I use flutter devices

Latest Activity: August 12, 2026
R

I use a nebulizer, first with levalbuterol,then 7% saline. I take a break from the nebulizer and use a VibraPEP. Then I go back to the nebulizer and use ohtuvayre, and lastly budesonide. TWICE a day. While using the nebulizer with the levalbuterol and saline, I also use a SMARTvest. So there is significantly more you can do. And I am still searching for additional ideas to help bring up my phlegm.

Latest Activity: August 26, 2026

Comments

K

Ron,

Thank you for sharing your airway clearance routine with the community. It takes time to figure out what works the best for our lungs but we do figure out an effective plan over time. 

Latest Activity: August 26, 2026
D

Thank you for the input. I will be seeing my doctor in September and will discuss more options. 

Latest Activity: August 26, 2026
K

Diane 78,

Wishing you the best at your appointment. Please keep us posted.

A review of questions to ask your health care provider: 

  1. What medicines will I be taking? What is the dosing level for each medicine?
  2. When and how should I take each medicine?
  3. What side effects are common for these medicines? What side effects should I immediately report?
  4. What airway clearance techniques or devices do you recommend?
  5. Should I take any over-the-counter medicines, supplements, or vitamins to help me manage symptoms?
  6. Can I exercise? What kinds of exercises do you recommend?
  7. How often should I schedule visits with you? How often should I repeat testing (e.g., chest x-ray, pulmonary function tests, sputum sample, lab work)?
  8. What precautions should I take? Are there any activities I should avoid?

Latest Activity: August 26, 2026

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 Bronchiectasis and NTM, please consult a physician before making changes to your own Bronchiectasis and NTM management plan.

Community posts are monitored by the 360social Community Manager, as well as staff respiratory therapists, educators, and other medical professionals.

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