Mucus questsion?

after what I've read here mucus production must be almost constant over time
and should be cleared regularly.
Not for me (so far).
I wonder what "triggers" mucus production, especially at night
when I wake up coughing.
Can't be that it just accumulates and "waits" for coughing, clearing-vibration-attempts -
because the daily differences are just too big.

One day I thought drinking a lot reduced mucus but now it's reduced with little drinking as well.
Lying down after eating often got me coughing/mucus
I used to lie at my computer for prolonged time, stopped that, better now.
But I may be an atypical mucus producer because of GERD/reflux/fundoplication.

My understanding is that reflux can contribute to the volume of mucus. It also is suggested that it can cause Bronchiestases through aspiration of the acid into the lungs.

I am in a similar position,
and also have asthma which complicates treatment as steroids are recommended for asthma but not for Bronchiestases, as you may know.

@jsblair
I developed over time a constant drainage down back of throat as a result of 3 sinus surgeries.

After growing up with habitual smoking parents who could care less about their children and second hand some I got constant colds as chid and then into my 20 and later constant sinus infections.

My bronchial problems started with so many sinus infections that would lead to bronchial infections. Now I have tremendous amount of mucus in bronchia area that I cough up. Some times it is very bad at other times not a all.

Some of the things you mentioned I have noticed and been told can cause increase in mucus. Dairy products is one. My PCP says many people are allergic to pine trees, environmental conditions, dusts, and many things that are not tested in allergy testing. So you kind of have to do what you are doing and rule out them by avoiding or not doing things you think maybe causing it.

One poster mention acid reflux causing it. That is correct. My ENT told me there is a silent acid reflux. So you don't even experience the acid and thus don't know it is occuring. I think I have this and one thing to help with this is keeping your head up when you sleep and of course the acid reducers.
Goo luck!!

oh wow, your comment is really helpful - I've had terrible allergies in the past in August due to Chinese Elms in my backyard. I've been so focused on MAC and bronchiectasis I hadnt even thought about seasonal allergies! Will take note if mucus lessens in fall and winter. Fingers crossed!

Do you have post nasal drip? I have allergies and problems with excessive post nasal drainage and one theory is that is cause of my bronchiectasis. I am being treated pretty aggressively with nasal sprays and medicated sinus rinse to control it. That and asthma treatment helped my coughs tremendously.
The other possible cause mentioned was that I had MAC and cleared it spontaneously.

Get a good quality wedge pillow with at least a 7” incline

Yes I have explored those and do have one under my mattress...probably not quite high enough but seems to help.