A quirky manifestation of bronchiectasis

I am treated at National Jewish Health in Denver. My understanding is that if you visit the Bronchiectasis dept., you can be treated by their doctors and then go to remote treatment if you have a pulmonologist on hand where you live. This is perhaps the best place to go for your condition.
Still one must be cautious with any doctor. There are therapies that help with airway clearance --- the compression vest (where settings can be lowered) and a new machine called the Volara (another way that aids in clearing mucus).
After 2 spinal compression fractures, I discovered that perhaps my settings for the compression vest (mine is the SmartVest by Electromed) were too high. So as I say, caution in the by-word and a second opinion is always worth it. There are some Physical Therapists that have BE themselves who can give good advice.

Thank you for this lead! All the best to you also.

Makes sense.

Hi paxmundi. On one pulm visit I brought up the subject of my taking guaifenesin and he said he did not recommend it. I asked what were his concerns. He did not answer and after a few seconds I said, are you concerned it might dry me out and he said yes. Personally, I don't take it regularly but when I feel I need to "loosen" up my airways I do take it. I believe it helps.

Very helpful comment. Thank you. That was my concern. Can’t quite understand how it both loosens mucus and dries one out, though. Isn’t hydration, moisture the thing that loosens mucus?

Some say the generic is not as helpful for them as the named-brand. I haven’t used either (yet), so have no opinion myself.

Mucinex is one brand of guaifenesin, I'm glad it helps you.
Have you been referred to a spech therapist for help in strengthening the area around your trachea? I am finding it very helpful for my vocal chord dysfunction, also caused by chronic coughing.

It is a misconception that guaifenesin or Mucinex dries out the mucus membranes - it serves to thin the mucus, making it easier to lubricate the tissues and easier to clear excess mucus. For me, that means I don't always notice the thinned mucus clearing out easily via a cough or throat-clearing. Without Mucinex, the mucus feels "stuck" in my lungs/throat and I have to work hard to huff and cough it out.

Yes, I figured you had tried the Aerobika etc. etc. however, thank goodness you found your way to what has helped you without causing more damage.
I agree with liquids (warm moisture in general) it helps me, also. I still am trying to get more liquid intake in each day. I will often use fresh cut ginger in the warm water and at times honey also. I for sure have soup every night and a salad...my evening meals.
Moisture is the key, I think. As I have posted here before I try to also keep the humidity in the house at a better level.. Gas forced air heating and summer air conditioning extracts the moisture and I lived with dry air most of the time and I don't think that helped through the years. I therefore, now, keep the heat at a lower level setting and the cooling at a higher setting and with boiling water every day I think it helps.
I am worried about the possible damages that can further come about with how we clear out the mucus, I just hope I am doing it correctly and not on my way to causing injuries.
Barbara

Thank you so much. I hadn't thought of that and I really want to try it. Thanks.