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NAC does it work?
Now I’ve read a lot of people on this forum saying they use NAC to help thin the mucus for us who have Bronchiectasis. I would like to know how long using it before people started seeing a difference in the thinning of the mucus. Now again I know the old cliche everyone is different, and I realize some members also regularly take mucinex. So how can you tell it’s JUST the NAC that’s helping to thin it? There must be a rough idea of the length of time taking it before you see a difference. I have a Pulmonologist in Vermont that I see when I’m up North and also one at Mayo Jax, when I’m in Florida, and both will only say that”It’s generally considered safe to use” I think a lot of providers are timid of recommending it because it’s NOT FDA approved, and just that reason alone is why alot of providers won’t recommend different treatments. Anyway a rough estimate of using before seeing a difference would be appreciated. Again just your experience with it. Thank-you we all take enough pills now as it is, no sense taking another one if it’s not working.
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Thank you. I am glad that you found the inhaler effective for you. Do you have to match the dosage of the neb solution?
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Let us know!
I too started with albuterol, then switched to levelbuterol. But also found it less effective after about 1-2 months of using it. I will try the levelbuterol inhaler instead to see if that makes a difference. I have never been told I have mucus plugs, but will ask at my next PFT, 4/24/25. Do you also nebulize hypertonic saline? either 3% or 7%?
Hi Jill-
I missed your message of 4 days ago. Thanks for your input.
Yes with what I have been doing for myself, and noticed after months of doing the therapy and routines, it has shown me that we need to be getting moisture directly into our lungs, warm moisture helps greatly, to loosen the mucus and mucus plugs.
So yes, it just goes to show us that we need to go with our gut feeling that comes with our thinking through things. No doctor has told me what we have discussed here .....want to make it "juicy".
My theory is that before our knowing we had this problem it was stagnating, sitting there, and caking so to speak (mucus plugs etc. etc.) when it finally surfaced that sent us "packing" to the doctor(s). Now with getting moisture into the lungs and knowing about what to do for clearing it out...over time it finally and gradually loosens and the therapy keeps it moving out as we continue with our daily therapy and routines. I find it is later in the evening hours that I, for me, get the most mucus plugs up and out after the morning therapy routine and the days movements. Most of the morning and hours before the evening I need to, nearly constantly for me, clear loose mucus and some mucus plugs.
Overall, I think when you and bayarea58 go up to NJH you will know a great deal more than most of us when we made our first visit to NJH. That's going to be very helpful in terms of knowing what questions you need answers to.
Cold here but thank goodness warm, moist air, inside. I try to keep enough moisture in the house with keeping the house temperature low but comfortable, layers of clothing for me even in the house. I also find that it never feels as cold as it is when I venture outside because of the temperature of the house I keep it on. Every little change helps. It's cold there also from what I understand.
Barbara