small study: high dose NAC might help bronchiectasis patients

@ssieber
4 a day? 2400 mg total? That is alot but your CT shows improvement! Do you get tired from the NAC? Any side effects from taking that much?

I went to a Naturopath dr who reviewed my supplements and increased my NAC plus a bunch of other things. Highly recommend finding one in your area.

@wangling I don't think NAC can replace the anti-mycobacteria effect of saline. It primarily thins mucus and has some anti-inflammatory properties.

@wangling When I was using NAC, I used the NOW brand because it was independently tested and certified.
Look for the NSF or USP logo on the container, not just in the advertising or description. Some companies have certified facilities, but not every product they sell is manufactured by them.

@ssieber Do you believe it was the NAC that helped with less inflammation or a combination of all that is recommended for clearing the lungs.....Exercise, Nebulizing, Air Way Clearance Techniques, Huff Cough, Vest or Self Percussion.
Sometimes it is hard to know what has done the job we want done.
Barbara

@sueinmn , thanks Sue. Yes. Now is the brand I will use.

Ling

@blm1007blm1007

Hi Barbara
Have been thinking of you. We both have had excess mucus from memory...I was producing up to 3 cups a day.

Recently I started Pulmonary Rehab at a local hospital where a couple of physiotherapists run groups. I do lots of exercise anyway...but I had an appointment with them last week and they gave me a thorough going over...questionnaires watching my breathing and had me lay down and do some breathing exercises. It seems I have a shallow breathing disorder and they told me a lot of my coughing did not sound necessary. That I should stop and think before I cough. They thought my hypertonic saline use and constant coughing were part of a vicious circle creating more inflammation and consequently more mucus.

For the last week I have cut back on nebulising, consciously vetted my need to cough and have found at least for now, I am beginning to feel almost normal again.

I know this may not be relevant to you, but thought it worthwhile mentioning.

I was working too hard to correct the mucus issue and it seems inadvertently making it worse!!

Hope you are going well. 🙏

@irenea8 no side effects

@wangling That's the brand I use too

@narelled23 Here is a lengthy discussion from last year on the topic of too much clearance.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/is-too-much-airway-clearance-damaging/
Remember, our airways are meant to be ''bathed'' in mucus for lubrication, trying to eliminate all of it means the body will rebel and produce even more mucus, setting up a vicious cycle. The goal of airway clearance is to remove some of the excess mucus, making it easier to breathe and giving bacteria less of a breeding ground.

I am glad you finally got respiratory therapy help. It was very valuable to me. What suggestions do you have for others at this point?