Constant "Sputum" Possible Fungul Infection Thrush

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

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

Barbara, my mind is blown. This - “hiatal hernia can also cause one to have an overproduction of mucus” - is an incredible insight. This morning I have been reading about this and I will now pursue remedies for this.
I have an upcoming NJH visit and have "MyChart" talked to my gastroenterologist. I thought that because I had the Bravo capsule test with result = No GERDS that I would let him know. This is what I wrote to him today. (below) And, please know how grateful I am for your further discussion with me! ----
Dear Doctor,
I’m coming to NJH for the team approach to help me and I really want to just put myself in your investigative hands. This morning in my Mayo Clinic BX/MAC support group I read - "hiatal hernia can also cause one to have an overproduction of mucus". A year ago pulmonology considered my annual CT scan and it revealed "small hiatal hernia" it was 100% skipped over as a contributing factor. So, please forgive me for second guessing what I need. After discovering this hiatal hernia link this morning, I'm hopeful that my excessively productive mucus might not all be due to BX/MAC.
I'm hopeful that you will be able to investigate/diagnose and treat! Minimally invasive hernia repair? or, therapeutic exercise to strengthen the specific muscles of the diaphragm? I appreciate your attention to my case! Sincerely, Pat

@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

@blm1007blm1007 I'm just trying to find out about the bacteria after reading your comments, I guess the bacteria can be found via a sputum sample? Also, I'm just guessing - perhaps coughing up the mucus caused by the lung bacteria caused the hiatus hernia, and the bacteria need to be treated. Do you have any experience of this? Aside from the Diaphragmatic Breathing Technique to treat hearburn and reflux (see youtube), there is a new keyhole surgery for treating hiatus hernia called the LINX procedure, but I wonder if treating the bacteria instead would resolve the symptoms.

@blm1007blm1007 I'm just trying to find out about the bacteria after reading your comments, I guess the bacteria can be found via a sputum sample? Also, I'm just guessing - perhaps coughing up the mucus caused by the lung bacteria caused the hiatus hernia, and the bacteria need to be treated. Do you have any experience of this? Aside from the Diaphragmatic Breathing Technique to treat hearburn and reflux (see youtube), there is a new keyhole surgery for treating hiatus hernia called the LINX procedure, but I wonder if treating the bacteria instead would resolve the symptoms.