Constant "Sputum" Possible Fungul Infection Thrush

Posted by blm1007blm1007 @blm1007blm1007, Feb 8, 2024

"I have what I believe is called catarrh, the build-up of mucus that is constantly in my throat and especially worse after I eat and almost too thick, and lots more of it, after each sip of a protein powder drink. I have tried all types of protein powder to see what might not cause it. All cause the same thing.
I am going to try different amounts of the protein powder to place in the shake to see if that will help and maybe more liquid. Any thoughts?
Does anyone else have this problem after eating...... and more so when sipping a protein powder shake?"

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the MAC & Bronchiectasis Support Group.

Profile picture for blm1007blm1007 @blm1007blm1007

My understanding is that what we are doing by nebulizing is working moisture into our lungs to help loosen the mucus. I believe that what does come up as white foamy bubbly is the moisture we put into the lungs to loosen the mucus and hopefully also mucus with it. I maybe wrong but we are probably bringing up some mucus and moisture at the same time. An infectious disease doctor did say to me, when I showed him the urine specimen cup I carry around with me in case I have to clear my throat, the white, foamy, bubbly, "is moisture". So for me my conclusion is/was mucus and moisture that comes up is due to the nebulizing to bring up the sputum/mucus with our huff coughing to clear it out immediately after nebulizing and/or during the day. Yes, for me it is an almost all day thing of having to clear my throat of sputum/moisture/mucus.
Had you asked your pulmonologist what he/she thinks it is? Other than the Infectious Disease doctor no pulmonologist doctor indicated or informed me that it is "moisture" when I showed them the same thing, they had no comment. Go figure.
Barbara

Jump to this post

@blm1007blm1007 Can you ask your GP if you can do a sputum sample test to check for any lung bacteria or infection because of your ongoing symptoms?

REPLY
Profile picture for blm1007blm1007 @blm1007blm1007

Hi- I have known this and again the more I read the more it confirms, it appears, our stomach and gut health is related to the lungs as well as our overall health. It does make sense to me.
I very much do stay away from the foods and treats we are told to avoid if we have Acid Reflux. I'd rather do that since it isn't that hard for me to do. Now, having said that, I do have a small piece of chocolate once in a blue moon.
The one thing I was told at NJH in Denver after the gastroenterologist tests is that I have a small hiatal hernia but not Acid Reflux. It appears, from my reading and information I have listened to, that the hiatal hernia can also cause one to have an overproduction of mucus and cause one to want to and have to constantly clear the throat of sputum/mucus. I hesitate but I would like to possibly have all the same tests done again but no matter what the cause there is no good true fix and cure just avoidance of certain foods and PPI's that cause other problems and can actually worsen the problem if you have acid reflux.
So far for me, also, the MAI infection is staying at a low level. I believe I have had the infection for at least two to three years before I found out about having BE and then the infection. My Oct. 2024 tests showed I had some improvement, as shown on the last CScan, with the BE, less inflammation in one area of the lungs but new plugging in the lower lung. Somewhat the case of "Can't win for losing".
I keep having to talk to myself and encourage myself because this is so frustrating and life changing. I truly am fortunate and tell myself constantly, "At least I have no aches and pains."
I really have no answers for you or I except keep clearing it with all we know to do. What fun! I am trying to help myself to do as Sue suggested and as well as my pulmonologist said, swallow it. So when I can I will swallow but I psychologically feel better when I get it up and out and can see what I am bringing up. I use a clear Solo cup to see what it is that comes up and is somewhat encouraging when I do see mucus and mucus plugs. Much also appears to be moisture in the way of white foamy, bubbly coming up and out....the moisture in the lungs.
Hope this was not too long of sharing "thoughts and experiences".
Barbara

Jump to this post

@blm1007blm1007 Hi, what is the BE diagnosis that you mention (it's probably on the thread but I can't seem to find it)? Many thanks

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.