How to time airway clearance after eating/drinking?
How long do you need to wait to do nebulizer and Aerobika airway clearance after eating or drinking something? I've been told to lessen ther possibility of aspiration by giving it some time, so I've been waiting a couple of hours.
But, I'm having a hard time fitting in two airway clearance sessions. Clearance before breakfast is too hard. Waiting a couple of hours after dinner makes clearance so late that's it.s hard to sleep afterward.
What are thoughts and advice about this timing thing?
Maybe the
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We shall see if mine has progressed when I see the pulmonologist in September.
I am preparing to send sputum samples, and I think she is ordering a CT.
I produce only very small amounts of clear sputum at this time - probably less that 1 tablespoon a day. When I have an exacerbation, that increases, and the color is generally yellow or grayish. I do not have the throat-clearing problem as long as my allergies and sinus drainage are kept in check.
My CT and PFT is scheduled for October with my visit to Tyler and Dr. McShane.
Sue, you indicate clear sputum.
When I clear my throat or do a huff cough and release into a clear solo cup I see what the repiratory therapist called mucus plugs at the bottom of the cup. This is all under other types of body fluids in the cup..(mucus, moisture from water in a bubbly white form and as well saliva).
You speak of clear sputum meaning mucus???? Can you tell it is mucus???
Can you tell if you are bringing up mucus plugs????
I can only see, identify, what I bring up at times as colored if I release into the white sink. It is pale yellow to darker yellow and sometimes with a tinge of green to it. As I said I feel fine...no fatigue ( just some short lived tiredness if I don't drink enough water and take my vitamins) and as well no fever, chills etc.
Tyler doctor did not start me on anti biotics yet. My sputum tests come back MAI. Hard to know how bad it is via the sputum vile tests...due to no real response to the test results from the pulmonologist after I see the results in the portal.
I may give thought to asking to try anti biotics (even at my age 81 + 9 months) to see if it makes a difference with what I am experiencing. Two other doctors I had appointments with who have practiced for many years, OKC ID and Dallas pulmonologist thought I should have been put on anti biotics in October of 2023 when MAI was diagnosed at NJH. Different philosophies. They thought "nip it in the bud" vs the "watchful waiting." My monthly sputum tests continue to say MAI.
Decisons, decisions.
Barbara
Sorry, I meant mucus. I don't have, and as far as I know, never have had plugs. After 18 months of antibiotics while in my 60's, I hope never to have to do that again.
I am not surprised by the differing opinions of pulmonologists. If I had 3 of them disagreeing with one another, I would be very inclined to go with the experts - such as NJH, Mayo, UT Tyler and others. They are at the forefront of research and rely on the most current protocols.
Now that the effectiveness of daily airway clearance, especially with hypertonic (7% or 3%) saline, is well-established in limiting the severity of MAI, doctors are not nearly as quick to jump to antibiotics. Unless your symptoms worsen, the CT shows worsening infection, or your colony counts increase, I doubt Dr McShane will advise antibiotics.
Don't underestimate the rigor of taking 3 antibiotics, 3 or more times a week, for 12 months or more. Maybe just concentrate on the airway clearance to help rid you of mucus plugs?
I hear you Sue. Just so frustrating, time consuming and life changing after 79 years of easy living. Of which I am grateful for having had...but....but darn what a life changer with this constant need to clear my throat and especially after eating.
Hopefully I have the same results in October 2024 at Tyler that I had in October 0f 2023 with NJH....minimal showings and minimal bacteria via CT Scan and sputum testings.
Thanks Sue for the time you give me and all the needed information we all need.
Have a pleasant weekend.
Barbara