Airway clearance and how I feel throughout the day

Posted by @ling @wangling, May 4, 2023

Hi everyone,
I know it might be a diffuse question, but let me try.
My pulmonologist told me if I do the airway clearance correctly. I
should feel clear of mucus during the day. I spend almost 30 minutes
doing it (flutter + autogenic drainage in the morning and evening). But throughout the day, I have to constantly clear out mucus most days. I am wondering what your experience is, is it normal for you? Maybe I am too sensitive about it.
Your experience is greatly appreciated.
Many thanks!
Ling

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the MAC & Bronchiectasis Support Group.

I don’t think your Pulmologist or any of them for that matter have experienced the type of mucus problem that some of us have. I’ve been fighting this for 2 years now ACT twice a day and have NEVER had it last over 6-7 hours, when I have to do it again. I think that the Pulmologist HOPE arhat it will last all day, but it doesn’t.

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When I was at Mayo recently to get a diagnosis (bronchiectasis, MAC was neg) and and hey gave me info on postural drainage as part of the ACT. Do most people do postural drainage?

The educator told me 2 positions per session and I looked at my CT for worst areas and picked positions (and alter them) to drain the various areas.
I get little up and with med changes for asthma and sinusitis, my cough is 90% better.
Good luck to you!

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@spider109

I don’t think your Pulmologist or any of them for that matter have experienced the type of mucus problem that some of us have. I’ve been fighting this for 2 years now ACT twice a day and have NEVER had it last over 6-7 hours, when I have to do it again. I think that the Pulmologist HOPE arhat it will last all day, but it doesn’t.

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I think you are right that most pulmonologists don't have this kind of experience. That is why I like to reach to this group with people who are experienced. Many thanks for your info.
Ling

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@wangling

you can get it through Google play app store for android phone.

Ling

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Nope. I went to google play and to Polemics. It is not available in android. I wish it were. I looked up other apps but there appears to be nothing.

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@equanimous

Nope. I went to google play and to Polemics. It is not available in android. I wish it were. I looked up other apps but there appears to be nothing.

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That is strange, I have a Google phone and I installed the autogenic drainage app from Google store.

Ling

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Hi, I’m new to this group so please forgive me if this question belongs somewhere else? But as far as clearing mucus, do any of you use the Aerobika machine?

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I use it, either at the same time and/or after nebulizing with 7% saline. I think you’ll find that many people use the aerobika or another flutter device to assist with airway clearance.

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@leimakamae63

Hi, I’m new to this group so please forgive me if this question belongs somewhere else? But as far as clearing mucus, do any of you use the Aerobika machine?

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Yes many do including myself. I could not do without it. It is very effective.

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Hi Everyone!

World Bronchiectasis day (Who knew?) Is fast approaching on July 1st. They have a patient “tool kit” available on website:
http://www.worldBronchiectasisday.orHave a Great day!
Dee

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Thanks to all the members who responded re: My dilemma of “Constant Non-stop Coughing”
Finally after weeks of consistent airway clearance, nebbing and aerobika which brought up tons of mucus, I’m beginning to feel relief from the non-stop coughing. I still use the Tussin DM Cough Med and will now begin to reduce the dose but up the Airway Clearance Regime to two times a day instead of once a day. There may be a light at the end of tunnel with the Crazy Cough being reduced to a few times during the day and not every 45 minutes during the day and waking me up at night multiple times.
I will keep tracking my crazy cough which has been the symptom that has been unbearable and I will continue reviewing our Daily Digest for more tips and strategies that have been helpful to others. Thanks again to you all and to Sue and her comments that always seem to comfort me more than any words from my very smart and compassionate Pulmonologist.
Flo at frankie160

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