Coughing every day???

Hi Zscline,
I began with 3% saline to test it out. I used it for a few weeks and it was fine. I the graduated to the 7% and have not had any problem with it. Breathing in the saline mist causes me to cough which helps clear my lungs of mucus. I nebulize and use the Aerobika together. The device hooks right into the nebulizer. Below are links explaining about Aerobika. It has been a real game changer for me. Best of luck to you!
https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/patient-education/how-use-your-aerobika
https://www.nationaljewish.org/conditions/medications/airway-clearance-techniques-devices/using-the-aerobika

I get a lot more mucus up since switching to 7% saline. I cough less since then, but still do cough. I drink herbal tea with honey to help with the throat irritation from the saline. Since my last bronchiectasis flare up I have become extremely sensitive to fragrances and strong smells. I go into coughing fits and have to leave the room. It’s embarrassing, especially at work.

The Aerobika is what is referred to as an oscillating positive expiratory pressure device (OPEP).

It helps to vibrate and then shear off the mucus from the airway walls and make it easier to cough out. When I was first diagnosed five years ago, I coughed all the time. Once I started using the Aerobika and added 7% hypertonic saline, my cough went away. I rarely ever cough now. I do airway clearance every day, so I am in control of getting the mucus out. Then I can go to the movies and sleep well at night, knowing that I will not have a coughing spell.

Some of us attach a nebulizing up to the back of our Aerobika. This way we cut down on airway clearance time.

There’s an excellent YouTube video by the makers of the devices. You’ll have to skip pass the discussion on the Aerochamber unless you have asthma and are also interested in that device. The discussion about the Aerobika and the nebulizer start about 10 minutes in.

I cough mostly in the am when I get up and during the night. During the day I cough very little. I find the Aerobika is very helpful and also have found 7% saline more effective than 3%. At first it feels strong but you get used to it. For me airway clearance being thorough is what decreases coughing.

Thank you so much. This is interesting. I will definitely watch the video.

It’s very comprehensive and the q & a is excellent!

Thank you Linda. So, your cough really went away after 5 years? I'm still struggling with cough. I do ACT twice a day but saline 3% mixed with 7%, I am a bit careful with it as it gives me coughing fits.

Yes, my cough went away. I would say my throat is a little hypersensitive so when something like vinegar hits the back of my throat the wrong way, it could make me cough. But other than that I don’t cough. It’s a combination of using my Aerobika device along with the nebulizer. I also use postural drainage because it’s the only way I can get stuff out. Some bronchiectasis centers like National Jewish health don’t like postural drainage because it might increase reflux. But for the most part, I don’t have a problem with reflux. And I make sure that I put a couple hours in between eating and airway clearance. Also, I often have a half a piece of bread before clearance because a carbohydrate will absorb any water that’s left in the stomach and help prevent it from sloshing into the esophagus. Linda

@becleartoday Linda, what type of postural drainage do you do and for what part of your lung?

I do a series of postural drainage positions, listening to the autogenic drainage app on my phone. My favorite is a supported bridge pose. I use a yoga flaxseed bolster to support me while focusing on my breath.