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What am I doing wrong? How to get a good sputum specimen for a culture
MAC & Bronchiectasis | Last Active: Feb 19 11:40am | Replies (51)Comment receiving replies
@gagaka No, Mucinex does not affect the validity of sputum samples.
Early in my journey, when I had trouble getting an adequate sample, the respiratory nurse gave me 10% saline - I tasted salt for days, and it irritated the heck out of my bronchial tubes, but it brought the mucus up.
Then I learned about the effectiveness of exercise (thanks to Dr Pamela McShane.) Now if I need to produce a sample and my lung are reluctant, I drink a bunch of water, nebulize 7% saline and MOVE. Most effective for me are Yoga or a 30 minute brisk walk or strenuous yard work - mowing, pulling weeds, etc.
What techniques have you tried?
Replies to "@gagaka No, Mucinex does not affect the validity of sputum samples. Early in my journey, when..."
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@sueinmn
I exercised before taking my sputum sample, but I’m still having difficulty producing a good one. I tried steam inhalation, which helped a little, but I still can’t produce enough sputum. It’s really frustrating.