Humidity as a KEY trigger.
Has anyone else thought or experienced that humidity is one of the key triggers they have for an increase in mucus? Not necessarily a full exacerbation . I know there are many other possible triggers for us with BE, and we have to figure them out. For me it seems as though humidity is a major one.
Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the MAC & Bronchiectasis Support Group.
Not as hard as it sounds! I volunteer 4 hours at a time to answer horticulture questions - so much fun to meet the public. Sometimes we even get to sit and chat.
For the past 3 years we are seeing a huge surge in young gardeners who want to replace bluegrass lawns with friendlier alternatives, and to raise fruits and vegetables for their families. And a huge turn away from pesticides to more friendly ways of handling bugs and diseases. It's a fun change from talking about lungs and airway clearance.
Plus I get to hang out with Master Gardeners from around the state that I only get to see once or twice a year. And sample all of the new foods and chat with vendors from all over the country, some we have been visiting for 10-20-30 years. So sad, Monday is the last day - but I get to work with my daughter, and get one last glimpse of the lighted-up giant ferris wheel I have always been too chicken to ride.
Sounds like a very pleasant four hours of being with people who have and show an interest in your same interest, horticulture.
I have always believed in "What goes around comes around". Meaning our seeing, in the last several years, more people return to the soil and small local farms..... and they do so for various reasons. My belief is that children should all be given an opportunity to grow vegetables etc. so that they can appreciate how much work and thought goes into it and hopefully learn not to waste precious food.
Ferris Wheel....I did it as a kid but you wouldn't get me on it now either.
What fun! I love the younger gardeners wanting to replace their lawns with fruits and vegetables. We need more of that! Unfortunately, those that live in "subdivisions" are stuck with the rules there which are not open to these ideas. Much of our lawn is "wild" with natural grasses and flowers and regular lawn in between which the bunnies, birds and pollinators love.
I have read that COPD flares are statistically highest during humid weather. I am sure the same is true for BE. My body hates humidity but total dryness does not work either. I think a certain amount of moisture makes it easier to expel mucus. The Ideal would be if we could all move to the beach!
In many cities and counties here, the governments are working with citizens and HOA's to allow more latitude in backyards. Our friends are in an HOA, but worked with neighbors to get permission to plant water-protecting natives in the back yards near ponds, and to allow pollinator friendly plants in private back yards (with fences or hedges.)
Developers are also being required in their land use plans to manage runoff, use native trees, and plant natives in their common area landscaping.
Humidity outside right now is 51% and I have very little coughing and mucus. Yesterday was terrible but wow what a difference. It's going to rain soon though....
Irene, I did that. Humidity is tolerable for me here at the Gulf. In Colorado, I was always dehydrated.
Not to mention the change in altitude! What a good move Rick.
Makes sense but I am wondering why my doc wants the humidity in my house above30%. I have a meter that lets me know when it drops.
Probably because below 30 is too dry. You need a certain amount to help with mucus expectoration or at least I seem to. But too much humidity seems to correlate with getting sicker.