Discussions
Discussions
Airway Clearance
Mucolytics are medications that thin or break up the sputum in your lungs, making it easier to cough up and out. These medications assist one to clear out the mucus as much as possible. Below is a link to the different medications. Please let us know if you have any specific questions. Medicines for Airway Clearance | Bronchiectasis and NTM Association
Hi. My diagnosis is mild bronchiectasis. Typically I have to clear airways every 4 to 5 days. But it takes me up to 3 hours to clear airways start to finish. From what I read on this blog, I am slow! Currently steaming for 15 minutes, nebulizing with saline for 15 minutes, postural drainage on one side in 2 positions each about 15-30 minutes with huff coughing which clears that side of my lungs Then back to a little steam, 10-15 more minutes of nebulizing, and then the other side with 2 postures and huff coughs for another 15-30 minutes. There has to be a better way. I've had a lot of recent flares so I am doing this every day to every other day lately. Please advise.
KB
I've been through all processing for the Airtivity clinical trial, and all good so far. Now the stumbling block for me is to produce a good sputum sample. Apparently I won't get on the trial if I cannot produce two good samples. I am not allowed to use hypertonic saline to induce one either. I'm not a good sputum producer, I even tried the Madison & Dale sputum collection method this morning. I'm drinking plenty as well. I can only get lots of little "good" bits, but I don't think collecting throughout the day into one pot is acceptable.
Any other suggestions please. What works for you?
As the cold weather begins to roll in, we must face the fact that flu season is around the corner.
Doing airway clearance regularly may assist you in lessening the chances of respiratory infections.
Hopefully, you were able to get the flu shot- whether it is the basic flu shot or the Fluzone
The link below reviews the different devices and medications for airway clearance.
https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/Learn-More/I-am-a-Patient-or-Caregiver/Coping-with-Airway-Mucus
Please let us know if you have any questions.
I found out that I have bronchiectasis and probable NTM last December, and my pulmonologist recommended just watching it for a while. I had a follow-up CT in June and then a bronchoscopy in July because I have never produced any sputum. One of the cultures identified acid fast bacilli but they are still trying to identify the specific one. I feel like I should probably start airway clearance at the very least, and I'm wondering how much time is typically required to do that because I am still working full time and only have 2 -3 free hours per day. I was thinking about cutting back to part time as I transition towards retirement. I'm 65 so that is a possibility, but I do like my current health insurance and worry about the stability of Medicare (I'm currently only on Part D). I'm scheduled to see my doctor on 9/12 so I'm trying to think about how I want to proceed. Thanks for your input!
The link below reviews the most commonly used meds to loosen up sputum: https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/Learn-More/I-am-a-Patient-or-Caregiver/Coping-with-Airway-Mucus/Medicines-for-Airway-Clearance
Airway Clearance
I have used the acapella, the flute, the aerobics and the vest in the past. There are pros and cons of each device. Below is information on airway clearance devices. https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/Learn-More/I-am-a-Patient-or-Caregiver/Coping-with-Airway-Mucus/Airway-Clearance-Devices
I had some blood issues when nebulizing 7% saline, so I started diluting it about 50/50 with .9% saline. Since then there has been little or no blood. Coughing blood can be scary. My docs want me to go to the ER if I cough a tablespoon or more. I don't currently use an Aerobika or an acappella, but I do use an incentive spirometer, which helps strengthen the lungs without vibration. Best of luck to you.
The link below provides the basics on airway clearance: https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/Portals/0/DownloadsLibrary/Files/Quick_guide_to_airway_clearance_Web.pdf
Please let us know if you have any questions.
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