Think of your mucus as Louisiana Mud. It needs the water drastically to move.

Is plain sparkling water okay or does that negatively impact the mucus too?

Soda and diet soda are generally not healthy for anyone so it's wise to try to cut back. I don't know that they're any worse for those of us with bronchiectasis. Water or if you wish sparkling water area better choice. Just avoid the waters with artificial sweeteners and colors. I don't notice any bad effects from using sparkling water, and I drink the ones with a touch of natural flavoring for variety. Herbal tea is another option.
Sue

I usually drink water or sparkling water , but every once in a while I like to have a glass of soda, (Coke). I do notice when I drink it that I have more mucus and cough more. I think it’s the sugar that does it. I recall reading once that sugar is not good for bronchiectasis/NTM patients. I could be wrong about that, not sure. But I do notice the increase in mucus in myself.

@painter2 Great analogy!

@kaypost2 Hi there. I have noticed that I get more phlegm when I drink sodas. I cannot even drink Mountain Dew because the yellow dye just tears me up. Coke causes me to make more phlegm. I was drinking the coke sparingly with my occasional cocktail with rum in it. Then I switched to fruit juice instead; and now I have quit drinking alcohol altogether. The coke was just a vehicle to drink the rum, I do not miss it at all.

I hear you @kaypost2! I had given up so many things I liked to eat (as I have some severe gut issues as well), but soda was my toughest – my addiction ran deep and I didn't even drink ones with sugar or caffeine 🙂 ! I'm embarrassed to say I would drink between 3 – 6 sodas a day!! It took me many months to completely get off it, but now it has been years since I've had even one, so it is doable. And my gut thanks me for it for sure.

I am wondering if many people on this forum also have gut issues? I have lymphocytic colitis as well and have to watch my diet closely and it is terrible when I travel. Am afraid to eat or drink until the vacation is over…..wonder if this goes hand and hand with many people?

@gej53, Yes, I believe many on this forum have or had gut issues. I had terrible GERD and acid reflux and my local pulmonologist believes that's how I got bronchiectasis because I'm a stomach sleeper and when you sleep on your stomach the acid aspirates into your lungs at night. Hence, I sleep on a wedge now. I try not to eat at least three hours before I go to sleep (which is hard for me) and don't ever turn over onto my stomach until 5 or 6 am…..I love sleeping on my stomach so that part has been hard. Nan

Looks like I need to work on my Soda problem. I just started eating more fruits and veggies also. I also purchased
a Book called Beating Bronchiectasis. I just started reading it.

Yep, me too. GERD, severe upper gut pain, food sensitivities, now have super strict diet, ZERO food or drink after 7 (which is difficult for me), adjustable bed and only sleep on my back. Though the adjustments were difficult, I will say that it has made enough of a difference that it is definitely worth it to me.

@gej53 I also have lymphocytic colitis and I have found diet (gluten free) and no alcohol and no soda help; along with lots of water….trips make it more difficult due to eating out…..my gut does not like the frequency of restaurant food, so I find myself packing food for short trips occasionally. And so it goes for us…..but we find our way and what works best….take care❤️

Thanks for the reply! Between the lungs and gut it does get tiring but I am thankful that it can all be handled….you take care too 🙂

Any hints on how to get comfortable sleeping on the wedge? I have neck issues and find I’m extremely restless until the point in the middle of the night when I give up and revert to my regular pillows. I don’t have huge issues with GERD since I started using Omerapazole but never know if it’s a silent issue that just doesn’t wake me.

@mrf5629 My husband uses a wedge with a “My Pillow” on top. That has been helpful for him for a long time. irene5