Begin coughing up mucus before I even get out of bed in the morning
Do others have this issue? When I wake up in the morning I am already coughing up lots of mucus for about a half hour or more before I even get out of bed. While I know it’s good to get out as much as possible, I dread the morning. I am exhausted before I even start the day. I also wake up at least five times during the night so I am very tired all the time. I doubt there is anything I can do about this, but I just wondered if I am alone or are others in this kind of situation also. Thank you.
Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the MAC & Bronchiectasis Support Group.
So glad you asked this question with your explanation of how things are for you. I was somewhat under the impression I was the only one with the all day problem.
Yes, mornings begin with much need to clear the sputum. I also nearly cough all day long and as well have to clear the sputum when I wake up at night. I wake up at least three times a night. Hard to know if it is my bladder awaking me or the sputum that comes up to my throat. For me, I chew tiny piece(s) of stick gum (throughout the day and for a while upon waking at night before going back to sleep) and it seems to loosen it all and helps me get what I can up and out before trying to fall back to sleep. My choice of gum is the Extra Polar Ice. Never have I chewed gum but, for me, it does give me some relief...not sure why. I chew the heck out of the small piece of gum and try not to have more than a stick and a half within 24 hours. I don't drink water through the night with one reason being the possibility of GERD/Acid Reflux and another reason, water seems to cause more mucus to form and the need to clear out the sputum.
I find it all is worse after I eat, and I understand that a couple others mentioned in another thread, it being worse after eating.
I have noticed that after the day of all I have done I bring up more mucus plugs early evening.
Yes, it does cause one to hesitate from being with others and I hope with time and all we do to help clear the lungs daily, that will change.
The local pulmonologist I "ran" to first in my journey to find a pulmonologist specializing in BE, Bronchiectasis, also did not mention anything to do other than to buy a PEP devise and learn to use it. He did not mention nebulizing or any method to clear the lungs of the mucus/sputum.
How long have you been doing the routine you started with? I find it has taken me much time to find my way to what is best for me. I am still learning with the help of those here on Mayo.
Is it worse for you after eating?
Have you had to take antibiotics for a MAC infection?
Barbara
Is it normal to cough up sputum all day? I use nebulizer 3% saline and smart vest twice a day and usually get up lots of sputum. I still find that I am coughing up a lot of sputum all day. Good? Bad? Change in routine?
According to my RT, phlegm can vary from day to day. Some days more, some days less. The key is keep on top of twice a day airway clearance. In addition to nebulizing with 3% and using a best are you also employing airway clearance techniques?
I have not been very efficient at air way clearing techniques but I am seeing g a respiratory therapist next week.