Clearing lung technique I found by accident

Thank you so much for this method! I, too, have a very difficult time getting the sputum up and out. It's amazing that we must learn different success methods from others and not our doctors. My ID doctor know what a difficult time I have, and other, too, and yet she never has had any "helpful hints" such as yours. I find this disconcerting. Thank you so very much !

Yes. It's nothing to be alarmed about. My doctors said there's probably a small capillary that lets loose once in a while. But, when that does happen, slack off for a little and let it "rest"

I’m not clear on the postural thing. I have difficulty huffing up stuff after nebulizing. I’m confused as to how to do what you all are suggesting. Please give details if you would. I need help. Thank you Bon

Hello Bon, Postural drainage uses gravity to help mobilize the sputum upward making it easier to cough it out. Manuel percussion while doing this may help even more, followed by huff coughing. Here are some pictures showing the best way to position yourself depending on which lobes of your lungs are involved. https://www.physio-pedia.com/images/6/67/Postural_drainage.jpg Bill

Thanks for this helpful post but if you have GERD I thought these techniques cannot be used?

Wish I could find safe one to use if you have acid reflux? Any ideas?
I used to get lots of sputum and coughing after yoga class…

Sara, You might experiment with less drastic positions and make sure you have not eaten OR drank anything for 2-4 hours before.

I have bronchiectasis (mild, I think) and am awaiting cultures from Mayo. So far, only yeast and penicillium have grown and aren't thought to be responsible for CT findings. Mayo really emphasized airway clearance with me. I use neb, then Aerobika, then do postural drainage 2x daily. I huff cough afterwards. They gave me a patient booklet that showed the positions and area of lungs the position drains. There is similar and more specific info about positions on line. They told me to do 2 positions for 5-10" each. I looked at CT results and have concentrated on my worst areas. If I'm not in a hurry, I add a third less impacted area. I can't eat 2 hours before this. It's a time sink, but I'm pretty committed until next CT.

I've been trying to tell the respiratory therapists I've encountered over the past 13 years that this (with a slight variation) is the ONLY way I can get sputum up. After I nebulize with 7% for 15-20 minutes I lie down and do almost the exact same technique you use. And like you, I stumbled upon it myself. The only other thing that makes me bring up sputum - and is a far more enjoyable way - is a few good minutes of a belly laugh. I sometimes watch goofy stuff on YouTube just for the therapeutic effect.

This is all very helpful. I just received a bronchiectasis diagnosis last week and, so far, have had next to no help from the pulmonologist. So, I am researching in order to advocate.

A friend in the CF community recommends straight saline through a nebulizer 2x per day. What I am wondering is it it's better to start at 3%? Or even to stay there, vs. 7%? What are the reasons for one dose vs. the other? Thanks!

I started with the 3% and used it for several years. But it became ineffective with my cough being totally nonproductive. I found that the 7% works more quickly and is more productive. One has to be careful though with the 7% not to huff cough too aggressively in order to avoid hemoptysis. We're all wired so differently so perhaps someone else will have different, more helpful information. Good Luck!