← Return to Bronchiectasis what are the stages and symptoms

Discussion

Bronchiectasis what are the stages and symptoms

MAC & Bronchiectasis | Last Active: Dec 1, 2023 | Replies (106)
Comment receiving replies
@raney

Thank you Sue. I have so many questions and this group is a blessing. I have read about "flare ups" with fever, etc. But wondering if the thick clear mucus (large amounts) daily is to be expected forever or with right treatment will it eventually be less. That is another reason the airway clearance takes 3 hours each time. I never get all the mucus at any session.

Jump to this post

Replies to "Thank you Sue. I have so many questions and this group is a blessing. I have..."
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Oct 20, 2021

For many of us, the mucus is a forever thing, whether thick or thin. Clear is a very good sign. For others, it indicates a coming flare up.
I have never, in 3 1/2 years, even tried to "get all the mucus" in any session. When I use the 7% saline, I cough for 5-10 minutes - when it subsides, I quit or I too would be at it 3 hours a day. My mucus is always present, but in greater amounts if I am stressed, don't drink enough fluids, have a bout with allergies or asthma...

As for that thick mucus, I have found a direct correlation between the amount of water, broth & herbal tea I drink and thinning it out some. My goal is 64-72 ounces a day. If I miss for one day, it is thick like honey - miss more than that it is like glue. I just brewed up a 16 oz mug of Breathe Easy Tea to have with my early lunch. I will have another with my afternoon break, and water in between. Means a lot of bathroom trips, but that is better than choking on mucus.

What does everyone else do?

Sue
PS I was looking at the Heart Association web site to answer a different question and found something that was in the back of my mind regarding your Afib - beta blockers are not the only available drugs to moderate heart rate (https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/atrial-fibrillation/treatment-and-prevention-of-atrial-fibrillation/atrial-fibrillation-medications)
"Potassium channel blockers help the heart’s rhythm by slowing down the electrical signals that cause AFib.
Examples may include:
Amiodarone (Cordarone® or Pacerone®)
Sotalol (Betapace®)
Dofetilide"
Perhaps by using one of these you would be able to tolerate levalbuterol as part of you treatment regimen.

VIEW AND REPLY