Brinsupri follow-up

@sueinmn
Yes Sue I use 7 % saline when I can but because I have asthma it can cause spasms at times so then I revert back to 3% saline twice a day. I have also used mucomyst in the past but its hard to inhale at times.
My last bronchoscopy showed fungus so I'm waiting to see if my pulmonologist will put me on the antifungal medication voriconazole again. Perhaps there is a fungal component to these plugs. 🤷‍♀️

Yes I use 7% saline twice a day. I have tried mucomyst also. Since I have asthma also I need to use the 3% saline at times

@sueinmn I've been busy going between Texas and Oklahoma seeing doctors, so sorry to just be answering your question to me about the mucus plugs. I am going to paste and copy what I said to scoop due to what has been said and not said by us or the pulmonologists.
Scoop - I had my visits with the two pulmonologists and showed them and told them what I was bringing up...the soft yellow/green tint pieces. Both said to me....yes they are mucus plugs.
Also....AI info said....for what it is worth: "Yes, mucus can change from soft and pliable to hardened and even solidify over time in the lungs. This hardening can occur due to a variety of factors that cause mucus to become thick, stagnant, and dehydrated, such as infections, certain medical conditions like cystic fibrosis, and dehydration. In severe cases, this can lead to the formation of hardened "casts" that block airways."
Sue my 'mucus plugs' are soft light yellow and sometimes the yellow with a light green tinge. They can be spec size, short elongated, small globs with or without edges to it, and never hard. They are soft and pliable. They are no larger than, and are smaller than, an eraser on the end of a pencil, basically tiny.
I bring the mucus plugs up most every day and with some days more than others. My mucus that is not in the form of a mucus plug is clear.
Hope this helps explain what it is for me and what the pulmonologist confirmed as mucus plugs. I clear all that I huff cough up into a clear solo cup and all that comes up shows clearly. I took pictures of the cups from different angles, etc. and showed the doctors.
Barbara

I have been on brinsupri for about two weeks for bronchectisis- developed a itchy skin rash on hands - applied a cortisone cream, which helped it - doctor put me on medication due to mucus plugs shown on CT scan - I’m afraid to be on medication because it’s so new - anyone else feel this way?

@starlight1 Yes, it's anxiety provoking being on a new medication. The list of possible "adverse events" [side effects] reads a little scary. Some will experience side effects right away, some months into treatment, and others not at all. Among the reasons I decided to start Brinsupri include: my doctor recommended it, so far it's the only FDA approved drug for bronchiectasis (the only kid on the block!), and I knew if I experienced untenable side effects I could stop and those side effects could be reversed.

Brinsupri is supposed to help with mucus plugging, a common finding on CT scans in bronchiectasis. Mucus plugging can lead to lung damage. So it becomes a trade-off. What did your doctor advise given the new rash on your hands? Did you see a dermatologist? I know it's early but have you seen any improvement in your bronchiectasis?

I’ve been on brinsupri about two weeks - I feel fine - no breathing problems - exercise everyday with no problem - I use the vest also twice a day - I don’t usually bring up any phlegm- I have lung nodule and mucus plugs - side effects so far is itchy red rash on hands - lasts a few minutes and goes away after I use cortisone cream - because the drug is so new, I worry about long term use-

My doctor said to check with dermatologist and can always stop taking medication if it gets worse or persists

Thank you for responding

@lilianna
Ask doctor about Smartvest. Have been on it 5-6 years and not hospitalized once. Usually every 2 years I'd get an infection that required 2-3 day stay. The SV loosens mucus so easier to cough it up. I use it 2x a day as well as a nebulizer 1x a day and an inhaler. Medicare paid for it over 13 months and now I own it. The rep who showed me how to use it said they have patients 1 month old (!) to 99. Good luck.

@broncmac yes I have been using the vest for almost two years- however whatever I do I cannot expel mucus , just tiny specks, sometimes a small blob of greenish brownish but on a regular basis just clear mucus. But I know the thick bad stuff is there - rarely it comes out suddenly. Somebody said no matter what, move it. So I do it yet my BE progresses- more mucus plugs and one consolidation area. I have been on brinsupri for 6 weeks- my blood pressure went up from my regular 110 to 120-130. It’s still fine but I watch it.