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expectorant not working on excessive mucus without cough
Lung Health | Last Active: Jul 27, 2023 | Replies (20)Comment receiving replies
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?
Replies to "I’m sorry to say that Mac has spoiled my taste for wine or really any alcoholic..."
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
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@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.