COPD & Emphysema Support Group

Have you tried Mucinex?

Most of us here use it and you can get the generic version at your drug store. (Note: Mucinex itself comes in 600 mg. tablets - most generics come are 400 mg. but they usually scored and easy to divide, so with a pill and a half you have the 600 mg. It can help thin the mucus.

Perhaps an on-going sinus infection? Maybe post nasal drip....felt in the back of your throat.

My doctor told me to try to notice if the mucus seems to be coming from my chest or down from my head. You can usually feel it when you cough it out.

Do you have a vaporizer attached to your oxygen? This might thin the mucus and keep nasal passages moist.

Are you able to cough it up? You don't want that stuff sitting there growing nasty bacteria! (smile)

I have quite a bit of mucus in the morning, but once I cough it up, that's pretty much it for the rest of the day. I use generic mucinex before bed (but not DM that suppresses cough).

I am sure there are others who can relate and give helpful tips. As always it's best to check with your doctor and find out the cause if it doesn't improve.

You are wise to drink lots of liquids (although I understand too much coffee can be dehydrating).

Hope you're feeling better!

Thanks jamsnjazzy...just bought the mucinex Walgreen generic version but afraid to take as I don't have a cough. I've tried to cough it up,but nothing. After talking a bit, I get hoarse. I also have an extremely DRY mouth - when I go to bed (lay flat). It keeps me UP ALL night. Plus the mucous. I'm now not getting my proper rest. Yes, have vaporizer on oxygen to. Can't seem to get answrs from pulm, primary doctor. I keep my teeth (mouth) brushed/clean and even clean the tongue (bacteria grows there). Not sure if sinus infection. Thinking about taking an antihistimine.....maybe. Always SOMETHING. Thanks so much for your thoughts. Hugs...

Emberlee...

You should be okay taking Mucinex even if you don't have a cough. It will thin the mucus and actually, you may cough bringing it up. You just don't want that mucus clogging up the works, so to speak.

Your medications could be causing the dry mouth and I'd bet you're a mouth breather.... :o)

When I was on oxygen I found when I raised my bed, not just using more pillows, I slept much, much better. You can do this by putting blocks of wood under the corners of the bed frame, raising the head of the bed about 6". It's much easier to breathe this way.

The other thing I did was use a neti-pot - eternally grateful to Sue for this suggestion. I was having constant sinus problems due to oxygen (my sinuses would get so dry I'd have bloody noses).

And drink lots of lots of water during the day....this really helps keep you hydrated and more mucus free.

Other people, I am sure, will respond and can also help you!

(But don't forget to bug your doctor - sometimes they need to be bopped over the head to hear! LOL)

Thanks again...so sweet of you to be concerned! What's a neti-pot? Homemade hydrate, right? Guess I do breathe w/mouth....Have taken advair/spiriva for 2 years w/no problems (always wash mouth out & gargle too). I sleep on 2 pillows puffed up at night too. Much appreciated.Thanks so much.

embers, i know what you're talking about that thick stuff in the back of the throat! it won't come up or go down! i usually try to keep drinking it down...which it won't do! every once in awhilel i'll get a bit up...adn it is thick!

i'm starting to think it is the sinus. and i really want to use the neti pot stuff (i've made my kids use it!), but out of fear of drowning, i haven't used it myself! (i know how sick this sounds, but when you can't breathe, you dont' want to enhale water!!!).

i have started to use, sometimes, a nasal sprayer of saline solution. i'm hoping it does the same thing.

let me know if you figure anythign out!
margaret

Here is what an neti-pot is, answered much better than I could do.

Marg...

I was nervous before I tried it the first time, too. (I was on oxygen at the time). But, after I did it that first time, I discovered it was no big deal and it was a big help. So, m'dear, nothing to be scared of!

Joni



Question
Neti pot: Can it clear your nose?
What is a neti pot? And why would you use one?
Answer
from James T. Li, M.D.

A neti pot is a container designed to rinse the nasal cavity. You might use a neti pot to treat nasal allergies, sinus problems or colds. In fact, some neti pot enthusiasts say that regular use of a neti pot is more effective for nasal allergy and sinus symptoms than are over-the-counter medications. First, fill the neti pot with warm salt water or an over-the-counter saline nasal solution. Then tilt your head over the sink and place the spout of the neti pot in the upper nostril. The salt water will flow through your nasal cavity and out the lower nostril. Repeat on the other side. Neti pots typically cost less than $20 and are available online and in most pharmacies and health food stores. Follow the label instructions carefully. Consult your doctor if you have any questions about the neti pot or your nasal symptoms don't improve.

Could be throat infection from your meds? your comment of being hoarse made me think of thrush from the drug advair and others like advair. Good luck, I know what you mean it's always something.

Somewhere when I first joined this group I read that this helps, I have tried it and it does often help, hope you get some success from it.
Cough gently, almost like a fake cough, or put chin down a little and make like a huff huff huff sound a few times. I don't know how many times to cough or huff, but it seems to work for me.
I too get relief from Mucinex, I take it in the liquid from my doc prescribes for me so my insurance will pay for it.

Emberlees, do you have or have you ever been diagnosed with Acid Reflux (Gerd)? I have acid reflux and the problem you describe with the mucus is exactly what usually happens when I eat tomato products, eggs, onions, etc.
I also am hoarse and am on 02, Advair and spiriva but I am beginning to believe that the problem all stems from the acid reflux.

There is a definite difference between the mucus that is COPD related and mucus caused by acid reflux. Actually, I find it easier to control the COPD related. When it comes with acid reflux, you have to define what it was that you ate and try not to make it worse as you treat what you have.

I can't say that is the problem wit you but I would consider checking it out.

The best to you,
Anna

Good replies, I would make sure that it is not thrush from the Advair, then go on from there. Mucinex helps keep the mucous thin not only in the throat/lungs, but helps keep the sinues clean according to my ENT and as much trouble I have had with sinuses it surely has proven true for me.