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expectorant not working on excessive mucus without cough

Posted by fnglover @fnglover, Mar 28, 2021

hello to all! struggling for some time with excessive mucus without cough. expectorant (mucinex) is not working at all. quality of sleep is deeply affected. I drink water regularly, tried honey, but the issue is still there... not sure what to do next! I am thankful in advance for your messages!

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thomason | @thomason | Apr 14, 2021

@fiesty76, It is difficult to know which to believe! The Covid-savvy-Pulmonologist that stated I don't have COPD or Emphysema--as diagnosed by my local Pulmonologist--told me my lungs were "naturally large' for a person of smaller stature. He said that is why I was misdiagnosed. Before this, I have never heard of such a thing. Thank-you, for reply.

REPLY
Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Apr 14, 2021
In reply to @otter2154 "Exact same situation for me. Here’s what I’ve done and I am improving; Be sure you..." + (show)
@otter2154

Exact same situation for me. Here’s what I’ve done and I am improving; Be sure you are taking the Extra Strength Mucinex (1200 mg, 2x daily). Lots of water. I’m also taking NAC and I think that is helping. Pulmonologist did a strong prednisone blast with a long taper (and that really helped). He also had me on doxycycline for a week (ended yesterday) and that has seemingly improved things even more. I’ve also upper my exercise lately. And I’m drinking a Breath Easy tea that one of the moderators recommended. With all this, I’ve seen great improvement over the last month. (Plus there is vodka.)

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@otter2154- NAC should be taken with caution. It is a supplement even if you need a prescription for it. This has nitroglycerin in it and might not react well with other medications, treatments, or surgeries that you are taking or have planned.

lol, Vodka is good for many things, especially bloody mary's at brunch on Sundays. I think that it is more for pleasure than ridding yourself of mucus. It actually helps produce mucus. And it can also lead to short-term nasal congestion as the many blood vessels in your nasal cavity expand. And, sorry I have to say this, but excess drinking can cause a lot of damage to all your breathing tubes and lessen your ability for fighting infections.

Merry

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2 replies
otter2154 | @otter2154 | Apr 14, 2021
In reply to @merpreb "@otter2154- NAC should be taken with caution. It is a supplement even if you need a..." + (show)
@merpreb

@otter2154- NAC should be taken with caution. It is a supplement even if you need a prescription for it. This has nitroglycerin in it and might not react well with other medications, treatments, or surgeries that you are taking or have planned.

lol, Vodka is good for many things, especially bloody mary's at brunch on Sundays. I think that it is more for pleasure than ridding yourself of mucus. It actually helps produce mucus. And it can also lead to short-term nasal congestion as the many blood vessels in your nasal cavity expand. And, sorry I have to say this, but excess drinking can cause a lot of damage to all your breathing tubes and lessen your ability for fighting infections.

Merry

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Ironically I was in my pulmonologist’s office this morning (to review my first CT scan, which was good) and I mentioned the NAC supplement. He frowned and rolled his eyes saying that there is no proven benefit to the OTC supplement. I may drop it. And I have noticed extra mucus the morning after a few cocktails ... so I’ve cut back a bit and have been watering down my vodkas *smile*.

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1 reply
fiesty76 | @fiesty76 | Apr 15, 2021
In reply to @merpreb "@fiesty76- Good morning. How wonderful it is to hear the good news! No lung changes are..." + (show)
@merpreb

@fiesty76- Good morning. How wonderful it is to hear the good news! No lung changes are the best! I also love my pulmonologist. He's been rated the best in RI and my surgeon used to work with him before he moved to his home state.

We need a flag or something to celebrate. What do you think?

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Yes, @merpreb, we are very fortunate to have the trusted pulmonologists we have directing our lung care!

I occasionally have a small glass of wine with dinner. After my exhilarating report, I celebrated with two glasses that night! Flags would be good or maybe a sky waving banner???? lol

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fiesty76 | @fiesty76 | Apr 15, 2021
In reply to @merpreb "@otter2154- NAC should be taken with caution. It is a supplement even if you need a..." + (show)
@merpreb

@otter2154- NAC should be taken with caution. It is a supplement even if you need a prescription for it. This has nitroglycerin in it and might not react well with other medications, treatments, or surgeries that you are taking or have planned.

lol, Vodka is good for many things, especially bloody mary's at brunch on Sundays. I think that it is more for pleasure than ridding yourself of mucus. It actually helps produce mucus. And it can also lead to short-term nasal congestion as the many blood vessels in your nasal cavity expand. And, sorry I have to say this, but excess drinking can cause a lot of damage to all your breathing tubes and lessen your ability for fighting infections.

Merry

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@merpreb, your response to @otter2154 regarding bloody mary's at Sunday brunches brought a huge smile. I rarely drink more than a glass of wine occasionally but started celebrating holidays spent alone with a "special day" Bloody Mary! Although it has become a tradition, one bottle of the mix can last a long time! Smiles

REPLY
kathyhg | @kathyhg | Apr 16, 2021
In reply to @otter2154 "Ironically I was in my pulmonologist’s office this morning (to review my first CT scan, which..." + (show)
@otter2154

Ironically I was in my pulmonologist’s office this morning (to review my first CT scan, which was good) and I mentioned the NAC supplement. He frowned and rolled his eyes saying that there is no proven benefit to the OTC supplement. I may drop it. And I have noticed extra mucus the morning after a few cocktails ... so I’ve cut back a bit and have been watering down my vodkas *smile*.

Jump to this post

I’m sorry to say that Mac has spoiled my taste for wine or really any alcoholic beverages so I can’t attribute extra mucus to having one or more drinks. However, I have been struggling with post nasal drip since about a year after being diagnosed with Mac. Nothing has really helped to thin the secretions, which often lead me to cough and/or clear my throat (and possibly snore) at night. I’ve tried Mucinex and Breath Easy tea but use a nasal steroid spray and steroid rinse (with saline) which are only minimally helpful.

I have also been taking NAC on the recommendation of a naturopath for about 1.5 years and wondering if I should buy another bottle when I finish this. My respirologist knows I take it but hasn’t commented on whether it helps or not.

I’m wondering if anyone has suggestions for post nasal drip? Also, if others are taking NAC and whether it helps?

REPLY
2 replies
Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Apr 16, 2021
In reply to @kathyhg "I’m sorry to say that Mac has spoiled my taste for wine or really any alcoholic..." + (show)
@kathyhg

I’m sorry to say that Mac has spoiled my taste for wine or really any alcoholic beverages so I can’t attribute extra mucus to having one or more drinks. However, I have been struggling with post nasal drip since about a year after being diagnosed with Mac. Nothing has really helped to thin the secretions, which often lead me to cough and/or clear my throat (and possibly snore) at night. I’ve tried Mucinex and Breath Easy tea but use a nasal steroid spray and steroid rinse (with saline) which are only minimally helpful.

I have also been taking NAC on the recommendation of a naturopath for about 1.5 years and wondering if I should buy another bottle when I finish this. My respirologist knows I take it but hasn’t commented on whether it helps or not.

I’m wondering if anyone has suggestions for post nasal drip? Also, if others are taking NAC and whether it helps?

Jump to this post

@kathyhg- Good morning. There are mixed opinions about taking it, but most information says to take it with caution. It does have some unpleasant side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, or constipation.

Acetylcysteine (Inhalation Route) https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/acetylcysteine-inhalation-route/description/drg-20061456
– https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/acetylcysteine-oral-route/precautions/drg-20311314
– https://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196(19)30396-9/abstract

@sueinmn has experience with post nasal drip. @waterboy and @fracturedd and @otter2154 have experience with NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine).

For information about a medication or supplement, including proper usage, cautions, side effects, and potential interactions, you can go to this link and start a search: https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements.

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Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Apr 16, 2021
In reply to @kathyhg "I’m sorry to say that Mac has spoiled my taste for wine or really any alcoholic..." + (show)
@kathyhg

I’m sorry to say that Mac has spoiled my taste for wine or really any alcoholic beverages so I can’t attribute extra mucus to having one or more drinks. However, I have been struggling with post nasal drip since about a year after being diagnosed with Mac. Nothing has really helped to thin the secretions, which often lead me to cough and/or clear my throat (and possibly snore) at night. I’ve tried Mucinex and Breath Easy tea but use a nasal steroid spray and steroid rinse (with saline) which are only minimally helpful.

I have also been taking NAC on the recommendation of a naturopath for about 1.5 years and wondering if I should buy another bottle when I finish this. My respirologist knows I take it but hasn’t commented on whether it helps or not.

I’m wondering if anyone has suggestions for post nasal drip? Also, if others are taking NAC and whether it helps?

Jump to this post

NAC at the supplement dosage is generally considered to be safe, may reduce mucus production and inflammation. This article was published about 2 years ago, there is at least one on-going study:
https://bronchiectasisnewstoday.com/2019/05/09/n-acetylcysteine-potentially-beneficial-bronchiectasis-patients/
I have been using it for about 2 months, my mucus is a little less, and I think my ability to take deep breaths slowly is improving (used to be when I inhaled deeply my husband thought I was in distress - it's feeling better to me.)

As for post-nasal drip, it is generally related to the sinuses - mine was improved by surgery to repair the septum, remove polyps and stop an ever-present infection. I still must avoid certain things which cause it to worsen - exposure to pollens, mold and cats, tomato-paste/ketchup in large quantity, wheat...
Sue

REPLY
1 reply
SusanEllen66 | @SusanEllen66 | Jul 26, 2023
In reply to @sueinmn "NAC at the supplement dosage is generally considered to be safe, may reduce mucus production and..." + (show)
@sueinmn

NAC at the supplement dosage is generally considered to be safe, may reduce mucus production and inflammation. This article was published about 2 years ago, there is at least one on-going study:
https://bronchiectasisnewstoday.com/2019/05/09/n-acetylcysteine-potentially-beneficial-bronchiectasis-patients/
I have been using it for about 2 months, my mucus is a little less, and I think my ability to take deep breaths slowly is improving (used to be when I inhaled deeply my husband thought I was in distress - it's feeling better to me.)

As for post-nasal drip, it is generally related to the sinuses - mine was improved by surgery to repair the septum, remove polyps and stop an ever-present infection. I still must avoid certain things which cause it to worsen - exposure to pollens, mold and cats, tomato-paste/ketchup in large quantity, wheat...
Sue

Jump to this post

@sueinmn
I just saw this thread because I am having trouble coughing up lots of mucus.

One thing I have to add is a sleep solution for post nasal drip. It works, rub Vicks Vapor Rub ON THE BOTTOM OF YOUR FEET AND PUT SOCKS ON!
I don’t know why it works, but I can swear that it does. I find that almost immediately the coughing stops.

REPLY
spectrumcyclist | @spectrumcyclist | Jul 27, 2023

I was diagnosed with bronchiectasis /pseudomas a decade ago. The only way I can clear my lungs is through some sort of aerobic activity. I think it is so hard because I was active before the onset of the disease. In my case, I need at least 15 miles of cycling or about 45 minutes of a challenging walk, i.e. with hills or stairs, before I feel like I have cleared out everything that can be cleared. No amount of hypersal or flutter or vests work. I just got out of the hospital after a one week stay to pump me with prednisone and antibiotics for a Pseudomonas resurgence and I had to walk the hospital floor 3-4 miles a day to clear myself.

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