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getting mucus out of multifocal areas

Posted by @ling @wangling, 5 days ago

Hi Everyone,
My recent CT scan report says that I have multifocal areas of mucous plugging, and central airways clear. Does anyone have a similar problem? What are your experiences of getting the mucus out of multifocal areas? I thought I was doing the airway clearance diligently. I don't know what I am doing wrong. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!

Ling

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lilianna | @lilianna | 4 days ago

Hello ling. When I asked my pulmonologist and dr Griffith at NJH about it( I have the same issue) they said that mucus plugs pop up here and there, some disappear some new form, bubble like champagne, and except of airway clearance I do ( albuterol vest 7% sodium and Budesonide and my husband clapping on the most dense areas) I still have very little coughed up, some clear staff only, and the new ones form) there is not more I can do. I have a new cluster formed and dr Griffith said if time comes it will be removed surgically. Scary? Yes. May be it’s people who don’t cough up anything or very little. In the meantime I just do what I do and go day by day with my life probably like all of us. If others have heard something different on this issue please post a comment. Thank you

REPLY
2 replies
scoop | @scoop | 4 days ago

Sometimes when things don't seem to be working, it's useful to go back to basics. Perhaps revisit https://bronchiectasis.com.au/physiotherapy and learn the theory behind airway clearance. Try different things to see what works. It takes lots of time and concentration.

For me learning to relax while exhaling gently was key. I found the stronger or harsher the exhale the worse. I wanted to get through the clearance as quickly as possible and I guess I sped things and there was more force, which was a hindrance. Once I took things down a notch things seem to move more freely. And it goes without saying lots of water and lately I've added brand name mucinex, which is helping to move the gunk. Hope this helpful.

PS - I find autogenic drainage and active cycle of breathing most effective

REPLY
2 replies
@ling | @wangling | 4 days ago
In reply to @lilianna "Hello ling. When I asked my pulmonologist and dr Griffith at NJH about it( I have..." + (show)
@lilianna

Hello ling. When I asked my pulmonologist and dr Griffith at NJH about it( I have the same issue) they said that mucus plugs pop up here and there, some disappear some new form, bubble like champagne, and except of airway clearance I do ( albuterol vest 7% sodium and Budesonide and my husband clapping on the most dense areas) I still have very little coughed up, some clear staff only, and the new ones form) there is not more I can do. I have a new cluster formed and dr Griffith said if time comes it will be removed surgically. Scary? Yes. May be it’s people who don’t cough up anything or very little. In the meantime I just do what I do and go day by day with my life probably like all of us. If others have heard something different on this issue please post a comment. Thank you

Jump to this post

Hi lilianna,
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with me. I wonder if the mucus plugs come and go, do they always form in the same area or like your Dr. Griffith at NJH said they appear here and there.
I had an infection recently, since I could not figure out where I was missing in my airway clearance, I think it might have to do with the mucus plugs which I could not clear out. For your newly formed cluster, could you target the area to get the plugs out? I have not talked to your pulmonologist yet. I will see what he has to say.
Best luck and take care.
Ling

REPLY
@ling | @wangling | 4 days ago
In reply to @scoop "Sometimes when things don't seem to be working, it's useful to go back to basics. Perhaps..." + (show)
@scoop

Sometimes when things don't seem to be working, it's useful to go back to basics. Perhaps revisit https://bronchiectasis.com.au/physiotherapy and learn the theory behind airway clearance. Try different things to see what works. It takes lots of time and concentration.

For me learning to relax while exhaling gently was key. I found the stronger or harsher the exhale the worse. I wanted to get through the clearance as quickly as possible and I guess I sped things and there was more force, which was a hindrance. Once I took things down a notch things seem to move more freely. And it goes without saying lots of water and lately I've added brand name mucinex, which is helping to move the gunk. Hope this helpful.

PS - I find autogenic drainage and active cycle of breathing most effective

Jump to this post

Thank you so much Scoop for pointing out to revisit https://bronchiectasis.com.au/physiotherapy.
It is always a good idea to reevaluate what we do and to make necessary improvements. Right now it is the time for me just to do that. I also learned that to relax when breathing and huffing helps. By observing what you all do, I just started Mucinex to see if it helps me.
Many thanks again and take care!
Ling

REPLY
sweethighland | @sweethighland | 4 days ago
In reply to @scoop "Sometimes when things don't seem to be working, it's useful to go back to basics. Perhaps..." + (show)
@scoop

Sometimes when things don't seem to be working, it's useful to go back to basics. Perhaps revisit https://bronchiectasis.com.au/physiotherapy and learn the theory behind airway clearance. Try different things to see what works. It takes lots of time and concentration.

For me learning to relax while exhaling gently was key. I found the stronger or harsher the exhale the worse. I wanted to get through the clearance as quickly as possible and I guess I sped things and there was more force, which was a hindrance. Once I took things down a notch things seem to move more freely. And it goes without saying lots of water and lately I've added brand name mucinex, which is helping to move the gunk. Hope this helpful.

PS - I find autogenic drainage and active cycle of breathing most effective

Jump to this post

Thank you. May I know how much mg of mucinex per day? Some pills are 1200mg and they tend to dry everything out.

REPLY
1 reply
scoop | @scoop | 4 days ago
In reply to @sweethighland "Thank you. May I know how much mg of mucinex per day? Some pills are 1200mg..." + (show)
@sweethighland

Thank you. May I know how much mg of mucinex per day? Some pills are 1200mg and they tend to dry everything out.

Jump to this post

I use Mucinex 1200 mg guaifenesin extended-release bi-layer tablets.

https://www.mucinex.com/products/mucinex-se-max-strength-extended-release-tabletshttps://www.rbhcprofessional.com/s/research-and-clinical-studies?scroll=Mucinex
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2 replies
scoop | @scoop | 4 days ago
In reply to @sweethighland "Thank you. I assume one per day." + (show)
@sweethighland

Thank you. I assume one per day.

Jump to this post

Directions say not to exceed 2 tablets in 24 hours. One tablet every 12 hours. I take 1-2 tablets every day but have only been using it for the last week!

I hope the diminishing returns others have posted about does not happen. The only other supplements I take are calcium with D3.

REPLY
2 replies
sweethighland | @sweethighland | 4 days ago
In reply to @scoop "Directions say not to exceed 2 tablets in 24 hours. One tablet every 12 hours. I..." + (show)
@scoop

Directions say not to exceed 2 tablets in 24 hours. One tablet every 12 hours. I take 1-2 tablets every day but have only been using it for the last week!

I hope the diminishing returns others have posted about does not happen. The only other supplements I take are calcium with D3.

Jump to this post

Thank you.

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