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Coughing every day???

Posted by zscline @zscline, Dec 26, 2023

I'm still new to this group and seem to come up with questions every day. My Pulmonary doctor is helpful and listens well, but having others who are actually dealing with this condition (BE) is extremely helpful. My question today, just somewhat out of curiosity, is whether you find yourself coughing most every day, as I do. Regardless of inhalers, nebulizers, techniques to expel mucus, the chronic cough is always there for me. More in the morning and later it the day, but never gone. Do you have a similar experience?

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zscline | @zscline | Dec 30, 2023
In reply to @becleartoday "Yes, my cough went away. I would say my throat is a little hypersensitive so when..." + (show)
@becleartoday

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

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Very interesting and helpful. Now I've seen two or three people refer to this Aerobika device. Just when I think I'm doing everything short of using a vest, something new pops up for me to consider! I also have that throat sensitivity to things like vinegar, some spicey foods, some wines, etc. It's probably not uncommon for people with BE. So glad that your coughing is pretty much under control. That encouraging that it can be possible. Thanks again!

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becleartoday | @becleartoday | Dec 30, 2023

Always wonderful to share and learn!

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barbfit | @barbfit | Feb 19, 2024

Yes,every single day, I guess for the rest of my life. Cough worsens about 5 hours after nebulizing. If I don't neb 2x a day, it's horrible. I also get up during the night now and then with a violent cough attack so bad I go donwstairs and get a cup of hot tea and honey and wait it out. The cough worsens when I have an exacerbation.

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zscline | @zscline | Feb 20, 2024

So sorry. It sounds as if your conditions is pretty bad. I also cough every day and need to use the nebulizer, but I don't think mine condition is quite as severe. Nebulizing and drinking tea with honey and also using Ricola cough drops have helped me the most. Oh! also doing the yoga-like floor position where you raise your legs above your chest. It's pretty effective in helping to drain out phlegm, if you feel comfortable enough in doing it. Good luck to you.

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dorothybrown | @dorothybrown | Feb 21, 2024

Mine is the same as yours. Tried everything and it is worse when I go to bed.
I have been taking mucinex cough and chest congestion and that helps . Only lasts four hours.

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Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Feb 21, 2024
In reply to @dorothybrown "Mine is the same as yours. Tried everything and it is worse when I go to..." + (show)
@dorothybrown

Mine is the same as yours. Tried everything and it is worse when I go to bed.
I have been taking mucinex cough and chest congestion and that helps . Only lasts four hours.

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Have you tried raising the head of your bed? We sleep with ours at about a 15 degree angle and it helps a lot.
Sue

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elizabethy | @elizabethy | Feb 22, 2024

Nebulizing with 7% hypertonic saline solution once a day has helped me the most with the coughingand gettingrid of the mucus. Prayers 🙏

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squire123 | @squire123 | Feb 22, 2024
In reply to @equanimous "Hi Zscline, I began with 3% saline to test it out. I used it for a..." + (show)
@equanimous

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

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My aerobika has another part attached for saline or Albuterol. I can nebulizer and use my smart vest at the same time.

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