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.

lindenflower | @lindenflower | Aug 2 3:48pm

In reply to @lindenflower "I already have the system.The tubing is 4/16 of an inch in diameter." + (show)

Just looked up the website. The prices are very affordable. Thanks again!

lindenflower | @lindenflower | Aug 2 3:57pm

In reply to @sueinmn "If you contact Just Nebulizers, they are very helpful in determining what will work for you...." + (show)

Thank you! I will contact them on Monday. 🙂
What about the auto-cleaning mesh nebulizers? Has anybody tried them? They don't have tubing, must be easier in that regard.

Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Aug 2 9:32pm

In reply to @lindenflower "Thank you! I will contact them on Monday. :-) What about the auto-cleaning mesh nebulizers? Has..." + (show)

The auto-cleaning mesh nebulizers are not a good choice for us because there is no way to sterilize/sanitize them.
Unless you find one with a removable head for sterilizing, they should get a pass. I know they are tempting because they are so portable and easy, but infection risk is there

There is one newer light weight portable (but not hand held) nebulizer called the Pari eRapid. The head, with the mesh insert, comes apart for sterilizing. it is fast and quiet. The head is connected to the power source by a slender cord, and I can put it in my pocket and move around as I neb, but is's so fast I don't feel the need. It operates on batteries AC adapter (included.) It is expensive and my Medicare would not pay for it, but I got one because we travel a lot and I needed the compact size and flexibility. I am hoping it proves to be as durable as most of the Pari equipment I have owned over the last many years. My first big green Pari Vios lasted over 15 years.

irenea8 | @irenea8 | Aug 3 7:14am

In reply to @lindenflower "I already have the system.The tubing is 4/16 of an inch in diameter." + (show)

Sue is correct. You can go to their website justnebulizers.com and search for tubing https://justnebulizers.com/search?type=product&q=tubing*
After looking if it is still not clear which one would work you could call them. Then order.

lindenflower | @lindenflower | Aug 3 5:00pm

In reply to @sueinmn "The auto-cleaning mesh nebulizers are not a good choice for us because there is no way..." + (show)

Thank you!
Yes, we need one that we can disinfect, for sure.
I’ll first learn my electric one and then venture out to a mesh one.
Thank you for being so helpful!

lindenflower | @lindenflower | Aug 3 5:01pm

In reply to @irenea8 "Sue is correct. You can go to their website justnebulizers.com and search for tubing https://justnebulizers.com/search?type=product&q=tubing* After..." + (show)

Thank you! Will do.

annsnj | @annsnj | Aug 4 2:18pm

Ling,

Maybe pay attention to what you eat. I notice if I am less full or eat more vegetables and less carbohydrates, I produce less mucus. And I remember someone said eat gluten free will help.

scoop | @scoop | Aug 4 3:02pm

In reply to @annsnj "Ling, Maybe pay attention to what you eat. I notice if I am less full or..." + (show)

I thought for a long time what foods we eat with bronchiectasis impacted the amount of phlegm we produce. Yet Dr. Harris (NYC Langione, Bronch & NTM specialist) commented what foods we eat make little difference in how much (less or more) phlegm our lungs produce. The phlegm, she purports, is produced by the bronchiectasis pockets and/or infection we have in our lungs. If you notice a difference by all means keep eating or avoiding foods. Eating more veggies sounds like a good idea anyway. Just sharing what I picked up on one of the webinars about bronchiectasis. Personally, I was relieved as I love yogurt!

lilianna | @lilianna | Aug 5 2:48pm

In reply to @sueinmn "The auto-cleaning mesh nebulizers are not a good choice for us because there is no way..." + (show)

Sue I got a prescription for pari rapid and want to buy it. Is it easy to clean? I read all pages of instructions on line how to clean disinfect etc. I am not sure I can follow all this to keep it working.

Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Aug 5 7:07pm

In reply to @lilianna "Sue I got a prescription for pari rapid and want to buy it. Is it easy..." + (show)

It's very easy to follow the direction with the help of a kitchen timer. I rinse under running water (mine is filtered), soak in soapy water then rinse in filtered water. After 2-3 nebs, after washing the pieces go in a pan of distilled water over a very low flame, and I set the timer for 10 minutes (about the time it takes my small saucepan to boil.) When it rings I check to be sure it is boiling, set the timer for 5 more minutes then turn off the burner when it rings and let it cool. I remove the pieces and dry on a clean paper towel. I save the distilled water (covered) to use 2 more times. My kitchen is in the center of my house, and is also my office, so I do the boiling when I will be nearby or while cooking. I use a round silicon trivet in the bottom of my pan to make sure the parts don't rest on hot metal, but I'm not sure it is necessary.
I not only love the speed of it, but am coming to love the very fine mist - it seems to act pretty fast.