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Why do daily airway clearance?
Before I started clearing my airways, I never coughed up anything. But, then, I started using an Aerobika as well as experimenting with other methods and now I am able to remove mucus from my lungs almost every day.
It didn’t happen right away. First, I needed to get to know my body and figure out what was most effective because we’re all different and airway clearance is as much an art as a science.
Are you wondering why we need to set aside time for airway clearance every day, sometimes twice a day? Because those of us with BE have scarred lungs, and mucus can accumulate in those challenged areas. Then, bacteria, viruses and fungi can feed on the mucus and grow. Airway clearance is our way of preventing this from happening. We are in essence, power-washing our damaged airways with a potent mix of forced air, vibration and sometimes saline solution, making it so unpleasant for pathogens they have no choice but to leave.
The best part is, once the infection is gone, daily use of an Aerobika and other methods of airway clearance will continue to create an inhospitable environment. It’s a permanent “no trespassing” sign that will help decrease inflammation and infection in our lungs and allow for healing.
Do you clear your lungs every day?
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Yes! And thank you for this wonderfully descriptive reminder. Your message is reassuring…empowering…especially to those of us who albeit…diagnosed with BE & MAC have no cough and no sputum to send off to lab. We still are exposed daily to human & environmental “bugs”…our personal efforts & care routine do make a difference. You reinforced my habits with this note…appreciate it.
Regina
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1 ReactionI go to USF Pulmonolgy as well. My husband and I both see the APRN who is amazing and a little easier to get in to see if you are having problems.
Hello @debbie68 , Could you tell me the name of the pulmonologist in charge of your care and are you happy with him/her? I have bronchiectasis and have had NTM infection in the past and have been going to Mayo clinic in Jacksonville. I am happy with the care there but living in Spring Hill, FL it is quite a drive. Looking at changing to USF/TGH. Are your appointments at the pulmonology clinic at USF or do you go to Tampa General? Thanks, Bill aka poodledoc
Hi Bill!! We see Joseph Ashmore who is the APRN with the USF Pulmonary group. I think they fall under Internal Medicine when you try to find them. 813-974-2201. There are lots of prompts to get you to who to the right place. That said, I did tell someone else about Joseph and for whatever reason they could not get in to see him. May have been insurance related. I recently retired from Tampa General so we have always gone to USF/TGH for our care. I have always been impressed with Joseph as he has a great bedside manner and explains things very well. He or is MA also respond quickly when I message them through MyChart. Others, not so much. My parents lived in Springhill/Brooksville for years. Lovely area.
The groups all have offices at the USF Building at TGH on Davis Islands, The Morsani Building which is on the USF campus and also the Brandon TGH HealthPlex. I think the Morsani place is the easiest to maneuver and a bit closer for you. Of course, go wherever you can get in the quickest. I can't speak as to the other people in the group but really hope you can get in to see Joseph if you decide to change. Best of luck!!
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2 ReactionsThanks Debbie, that is good information for me. Bill
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1 ReactionI do airway clearance every day using 3% (just started using 7%) hypertonic saline....once in the morning and once late afternoon. I also use the Aerobika after I nebulize the saline. I also take the Big 3 antibiotics 3 days a week even though my last sputum culture was negative for MAC. I also use Albuterol when needed. Within the past week I have not been expelling a significant amount of sputum. Some days there is hardly any mucus. Should I be concerned or is the daily use of airway clearance having an impact?
Hi. I am wondering if most of those with Bronchiectasis (but not necessarily NTM/MAC) use saline twice a day, or sometimes just once? I am slowly (slowly!) building up a tolerance to the 3% and only once a day so far. I have both asthma and VCD (vocal cord dysfunction) so am very "twitchy" in my airways. I have found using the Aerobika at the same time as the nebulized saline helps, but it also really tires me so not sure I can go to twice a day!
Hi!
I have Bronchiectasis, and my doctor prescribed nebulizing 7% saline once a day. First, I nebulize some of the saline. Then I attach my Aerobica to the nebulizer cup. I do all this while wearing my vest. It takes 15-20 minutes to clear my lungs.
Cavlover can you tell me how you managed to do all three at the same time. I’ve tried to do the saline and vest at the same time but I find it impossible to take a breath in while the vest is pounding my chest. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Hi Ivalenti. I do my vest and nebulize the 3% Sodium Chloride at the same time with no problem. I've actually increased the strength of the vest from what it was originally set on. I'm wondering if your intensity/power of the vest could be lowered so you can tolerate it better and hopefully you'll be able to build it up as your tolerance level improves. The brand of vest I have is Smartvest SQL. Seems there are several brands.
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