Updated BE Treatment Guidelines

@jnmy The info is great. Where can the mucus color chart be found?

I just had major back surgery and cannot bend, twist or lift. I can’t do my daily clearance of mucus. Any hints?

@htolan Double up on hypertonic saline via nebulizer and use the huff cough technique in an upright sitting position. Hope you heal quickly!

@wolfplanetzero
Is there a key for this graphic, the little circles with the pluses?
Ty

Two green check marks is a strong recommendation, and one green check mark is a moderate recommendation. A red minus means they do not recommend it.

@amap2025 This is the original research article from 2009. It has been cited many times since then. If only it had been more widely read by pulmonologists or widely circulated to physicians.

Sputum colour: a useful clinical tool in non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis
M. P. Murray J. L. Pentland K. Turnbull Show More
European Respiratory Journal 2009 34(2): 361-364; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1183/09031936.00163208

@htolan in addition to what @scoop mentioned, can you use an aerobika or other device prior to the huff cough?

Hope you heal quickly!

I use my Aerobika three times a day after my breathing treatments. Anything else I can do ?

@htolan You may receive more answers to your questions if you post a new question on this site about ‘how to do airway clearance after a major surgery. ‘

I tried to open a new question for you last evening, but it wasn’t posted for some reason.

This question you ask about how to remove mucus from our lungs when we might be immobilized or partially immobilized is an important one!

Tips about clearance, other interventions or medications needed for prolonged post surgical recovery would be helpful. Some people may have missed your question because it is embedded in this conversation thread.
@scoop

An AI response. Clearance after back surgery.

Airway Clearance Techniques
Postural Drainage:
Lie in positions that allow mucus to drain from your lungs by gravity.

For sides: Place two or three pillows under your hips, then lie on your side, ensuring your chest is lower than your hips.
For back: Kneel over pillows with your arms placed by your head.

Breathing Techniques:
Diaphragmatic (Belly) Breathing: Inhale slowly and deeply through your nose, allowing your belly to rise as your lungs fill with air.

Huff Cough (Forced Expiration Technique - FET):
After a deep breath, use an open mouth to make a forceful "huff" or "huh" sound to move mucus from the smaller airways to the larger ones where you can cough it out.

Active Cycle of Breathing Technique (ACBT):
This involves breathing control exercises along with FET to clear mucus.
Manual Techniques (Use with Caution):
Percussion/Vibration: Lightly clap your chest with a cupped hand to loosen mucus. However, be very careful to avoid your spine. Your doctor or respiratory therapist can help determine if this is appropriate for your back.

Tips for Managing Coughing After Back Surgery
Supported Coughing:
Sit on the edge of a chair, lean forward, and support your back with your arms when you cough.

Controlled Coughing: After doing postural drainage and breathing exercises, breathe in through your nose, hold for a few seconds, then cough two or three times, pressing on your belly to help.

Consult a Healthcare Professional
Work with your Respiratory Therapist or Doctor:
They can teach you the most appropriate techniques for your condition and ensure you're performing them safely, especially given your back surgery.

Monitor for Side Effects: Be aware of potential side effects from any prescribed medications and discuss them with your doctor.

Regular Exercise: Gentle, consistent exercise can improve fitness and lung function, but you should discuss any new exercise plan with your healthcare provider.