← Return to Starting MAC treatment with "big three" drugs: What to expect?

Discussion

Starting MAC treatment with "big three" drugs: What to expect?

MAC & Bronchiectasis | Last Active: May 8 5:56pm | Replies (192)
Comment receiving replies
@karissy

I have tried a percussion massager on my chest and back morning and evening. I have tried the AirPhysio and the Doctor has given me an inhaler to try and bring up mucus. I do the huff coughing but I have not been able to bring up any mucus what so ever. I thought maybe I should try the best since it was totally covered by insurance.

Jump to this post

Replies to "I have tried a percussion massager on my chest and back morning and evening. I have..."
karissy | @karissy | Jan 28, 2022

Sue I see I spelled vest wrong. I am trying to find something that will help . I can hear it in my chest but can not bring it up so I swallow it.

VIEW AND REPLY
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Jan 29, 2022

There are a few things you can try adding to your airway clearance that might help.
Here are some things many of us here use - nebulized saline solution (7% has been shown to also fight the growth of MAC, but lower concentrations can also help thin the mucus & "tickle" your lungs to move mucus)
Anti-mucolytics - the best known is guaifenesin - Mucinex LA (without a decongestant) is what I have been using for 35 years. Recent research in Cystic Fibrosis had also shown that N acetyl cysteine (NAC) is useful to thin mucus.
Liquid - lots of it. I also drink and herbal tea called Breathe Easy by Traditional Medicinals that helps.
Do you neb with saline before trying to bring up the sputum? Are you taking anything to help thin the mucus? And are you drinking enough non-caffeine, non-sweetened liquid?

Sue

VIEW AND REPLY