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Discussions
How to manage coughing/ clearing mucus while working
Hi All, I have had bronciatais all my life and I am full time working, I am finding it difficult in work to clear my lungs so I am suppressing my cough cause it sounds horrendous. I am very self conscious of going into the toilet I ususlly wait until everyone is gone so I can clear my lungs. Can anyone relate to this? Or have anyone suggestions on managing this condition while working?
Many thanks
Replies
Hi Gembob! It's great that you are able to work full-time. I hope the work is enjoyable for you :)
I can relate a lot. I am currently suspending my study in uni. When I am going to cough in toilet campus, I usually see whether there is someone in there or not.
When I am in group discussion and feel some mucus in my breath, sometimes I hold it and not coughing. It's not good and I don't want to do that again.
Coughing are great for us. It feels so great to release mucus. Some people like to cough in a cup or plastic.
thank you Pramana for your response. I'm not sure how much longer I will be able to continue working as surpressing the cough is not helping with chest infections which are reoccurring a lot lately.
Hope you don't have to suspend your uni for too long.
Comments
Hello Gembob,
Yes, I totally agree w Made's comment that coughing is good for us; it is do important to release the sputum. We all feel socially uncomfortable, outside our homes coughing up the sputum.
Do you take mucinex, or generic guaffesin?
I take it upon rising, with a glass of water w lemon and or honey. It releases sputum from lying flat at night. I also would recommend taking low dose,? 300 mg mucinex a few hours before bed.Please check w your doc if this is ok.
Are you using the accopella or other airway clearance device in am and pm?
If you get alit of mucous up in the am, you may have less in your chest when you get to work.
If mucous is excessive, I suggest getting a culture and sensitivity test ordered.
Drinking plenty of water helps loosen the secretions.
I hope this helps. All the best! Katie
Made,
Great point to inform , then remind co- workers that your cough is not contagious. Many hear the words " non tuberculosis mycobacterium and get paranoid, not understanding that NTM is a non contagious disorder. My own mother was so worried when she heArd the words NTM since she closely associated it w TB.
A relative of hers had TB when she was young which made her overly cautious.She would not use any silverware, cup, dish I used...
She learned over time to understand NTM, to a degree
Hence, the public needs to be reassured that we are not contagious.
I hate coughing in public myself. I did cough out and someone gave me a funny look and told them its not contagious. I have bronchiectasis. That really makes them wonder!! haha
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