need to bring up a sputum sample and having no luck

It is difficult. I did one the other day and had best results using the huff cough method. There are quite a few you tube videos that give instructions on the proper way to do this. It did take about an hour and it just wiped me out. Best wishes for being able to get the sample.
Miriam

Geez that sounds pretty difficult. What about breathing in steam over a pot of water?

After taking antibiotics sputum production often lessens or "dries up" for a while. Is your husband nebulizing with saline for airway clearance? I don't know his diagnosis but if he had Pseudomonas I suspect he has Bronchiectasis and should be doing airway clearance. Airway clearance practices involve a number of different practices to be used that help keep damaged airways clear. Any of these can be done in order to help produce a sputum sample for testing.

Curious what antibiotic he was given. Cipro? If he has Bronchiectasis the mucus production will likely build back up over time so he can give a sample. The fact that it is not there now is a good sign since Pseudo causes a lot of mucus production.

When I was having a problem getting the mucus up I got a tip from one of the doctors at my hospital. Drink a warm glass of water before trying. For me it works like a charm. Give it a try because if it works for you it is an easy solution. Good luck!

My dr said nebulize with 7% sodium chloride and if one tube doesn’t do the trick nebulize a second one. Good luck.

Thanks for your help - I'm not sure he can do the huff cough method correctly.

Thanks for your reply. Yes he is nebulizing daily, but he cant seem to get a sample and yes he does have Bronchiectasis.

Thank you for your reply. He will try nebulizing a second time and he does use 7% sodium chloride.

Thank you for your reply. I will tell him to try drinking a warm glass of water first.