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What are the stages and symptoms of Bronchiectasis?

MAC & Bronchiectasis | Last Active: Feb 24 4:06am | Replies (112)
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I want to try NAC to try and prevent COPD exacerbations. Has anyone had success with it for that?

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Replies to "I want to try NAC to try and prevent COPD exacerbations. Has anyone had success with..."
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Feb 22 11:15pm

@morningjoy74 Welcome to our MAC & Bronchiectasis support group. Do you have one of these in addition to COPD? If not, no worries, I know some doctors also recommend similar measures to deal with COPD and Bronchiectasis.

Are you familiar with NAC (NAcetyl Cysteine)? It is thought to help thin mucus, to make it easier to cough out. It may also reduce inflammation in the airways. Some people take it in the form of an oral supplement, other as a nebulizer solution.

When I had a lot of mucus, I tried the capsules and it seemed to help some, but then I got my asthma and allergies controlled better and it didn't seem to be doing much so I stopped it.

I use extended release Mucinex (the version with only guaifenesin) and that seems enough for me. When I get congested, I nebulize 7% saline before doing airway clearance. This has kept me free of exacerbations for several years.

What kind of routine do you use now to keep your lungs clear?

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