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Does anyone else have mucus plugs?
I went to my trusted pulmonologist last week after a CT scan. He said my left lung was full of mucus plugs. I've been coughing non-stop and always bring up yellow mucus. I'm exhausted. He did prescribe a CF (yes, I've been recently diagnosed) solution to nebulize once a day and continue my 7% saline once a day. Still coughing nonstop. The lab lost my sputum sample so I had to submit another one last week. I sat out in my car and spit in the cup. I'm sure I was a sight to see.
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I coughed up a bronchial cast once. Looked like a worm! I've actually felt a lot better since, although not long stopped treatment
Terrible when lab loses specimens. It's happened to me twice this year, one was urine culture the other respiratory. Like so many places I believe they are overwhelmed and don't have enough staff. The place is in the midst of transitioning to a new EHR.
Plugs have been noted on most of my scans. It seems to go with the territory. I've come to realize that the plugs take time to develop and therefore time to get out. Persistence pays off I hope. Taking both NAC and mucinex at the same time with LOTS of water, approx 32 oz., has helped quite a bit.
What about trying another 7% neb a couple hours before sleep? It might cut down on the coughing. Many here twice a day neb and it might help you.
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2 ReactionsI agree with Scoop. I'd add one more nebulizer treatment with the saline per day. I cough a lot and I find doing my second nebulizer tx later and evening helps clear my lungs as it greatly reduces coughing so I can get a better sleep. Guaifenesin (Mucinex) really helps thin the mucus so it comes up a bit easier. And, I too have mucus plugs. Best of luck to you!
Thanks everyone. The CF meds that I neb in the morning thin out the mucus and I may have a short period of time that I don't cough during the day. I neb with the saline at about 5:00. I then cough and get stuff out the rest of the evening into the night. I'm almost scared to add another session. I do take NAC too. Thank you for the input. This is wearing me out.
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2 ReactionsDid he mention Trikafta?
My CTs always mention numerous mucus plugs. I don’t cough, even with albuterol inhaler before the 7%saline neb.
No. What is it?
I’ve just talked to my doctor about using mucinex long term vs short term recommended for its use. He is in agreement so I’ve started taking it twice a day, as per instructions for mucinex 12 hours. It seems to be effective at thinning mucous/secretions in my lungs and (as a bonus) sinuses when I’ve taken it short term. I’m hoping it helps me get rid of the thick mucous (plugs) that continue to show up on my chest CTs if I take it long term.
I haven’t found NAC at 600 mg twice a day to be very helpful but I’m wondering about taking mucinex and NAC together and/or using NAC alone at a higher dosage.
Have you found it more helpful to use NAC with mucinex?
Also, I have read that it is safe to take NAC at a higher level than 600 mg twice a day but wonder if anyone is doing that?
Article below:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7892733/
Thanks in advance,
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1 ReactionI take Mucinex but not NAC. Can you tell me what is the best brand to use? I did some research and there are so many at various price ranges.
Thanks
For awhile I took Jarrow. They discontinued it and their recommendation was Life Extension. A Canadian brand has been mentioned here but I don't remember the name.
https://www.lifeextension.com/search#q=nac&t=coveo4A2453FD