Mac + lung cavity

Could you provide a bit more information on mucinex: What is your dose? Is it by prescription? Do you also do nasal lavage or use a nasal spray or do anything else along with this?

My ENT physician prescribed a steroid nasal spray, oral singulair and nasal lavage for thick secretions in my sinuses. Together they seem to help but haven’t resolved either the thick secretions in my sinuses or ear congestion and ear infections.

I will talk to him (ENT) about mucinex as an alternative but it would be helpful to have a little more information to make my case.

Thanks.

I use Mucinex LA 600 mg twice a day - it is guaifenesin extended release. I use the plain version without decongestants or anything else added. If you look in the stores, it is quite expensive, so I order mine on-line, often from e-Bay (where it comes in the factory-sealed boxes, often for 1/4 the price of the drug store) Most of the generic brands are not time-release, so don't be fooled by the lower price - you have to take it 4 times a day, and the action is not the same.

It effectively thins all the secretions - nose, ears, lungs... I have used it for over 30 years without any bad effects. My husband uses it too. I use the singulair and during bad allergy season a non-steroid saline spray. Years ago I was cautioned that incorrect use of nasal lavage can force germs deeper into my sinuses, so I don't use it - don't really need it with the Mucinex keeping things moving.

Sue

Thank you! This is so helpful. I feel the same way about the nasal lavage.

No I have not and he has not mentioned it.
Can this be done during an antibiotics 28 day cycle or must it be done once antibiotics cycle is complete?

Joann, it can be done while on antibiotics. My regimen was to do the inhaled albuterol first thing in the a.m. to open my airways. Once open, then do the inhaled 7% sodium chloride (saline) to clean out the now opened airways. When all lung clearance and coughing is finished, then you do the inhaled antibiotic (if you are on those).

I was wondering about the inhaled albuterol followed by 7% saline. Have been doing only saline, laying down but still seem to bring up mainly the white mucus. My oxygen seems to stay 92 to 93. Does that mean I’ve probably got a lot to clear? My oxygen used to be pretty steady at 97. I’d like to know more. Thanks

Can you tell me who your Dr. is? I would love to see his protocol. I am a newly diagnosed MAC patient.

Can you share what antibiotics you used and what other strategies your Dr recommended?

Hi Marilyn. I have been prescribed albuterol for most of my adult life to help open my airways. It is generally prescribed for those with asthma, but it helps with other lung diseases also. If you have heart palpitation issues; you can request to have levalbuterol instead. That formulation takes out the ingredient that gives you the jitters and heart palpitations. My daily regimen is nebulized albuterol to open airways, then nebulize 7% saline to cleanse the lungs. I do this twice a day. You may want to ask your dr about albuterol since your oxygen is a little diminished from the normal mark. On some days, my oxygen level is the same as yours, but I have very good days where it is at 97%. Before 2013, I went many yrs with it at 90-91%. Mine will drop to 86 when I climb the stairs. Back to your question, your lower oxygen level is most likely due to narrowed airways or your bronchiectasis. Albuterol may help that. I am not a medical expert, so you need to consult with your dr about that. (Some drs think that oxygen levels at 90-93 is ok.) You are in danger if it stays at 88%. Please let me know, if you don't mind, what your dr says about this. You can probably take care of this with a phone call and ask about the albuterol.

Hi Jan. Were you asking me this question? Also, is there an rn at the end of your name because you are a nurse?