COPD & Emphysema Support Group
COPD is a progressive disease characterized by airflow obstruction or limitation. Emphysema is characterized by loss of elasticity of the lung tissue, destruction of structures supporting the alveoli and of capillaries feeding the alveoli. Both have symptoms that include shortness of breath, among other respiratory troubles. If you are a COPD or Emphysema sufferer, join...
Sounds like a nutty question but my mucus is stretchy...like you can pull on it and it stays together but can lengthen out.
When I quit smoking in 2013 I absolutely completely stopped coughing. But this year have a hard time trying to get stuff up. I am finally after using the Acapella Device getting stuff to move.
Is that normal for mucus to be like that? Seems like a crazy post but where else can you go and talk about mucus?
When I quit smoking in 2013 I absolutely completely stopped coughing. But this year have a hard time trying to get stuff up. I am finally after using the Acapella Device getting stuff to move.
Is that normal for mucus to be like that? Seems like a crazy post but where else can you go and talk about mucus?
One is exemplified by the Flutter (tm). These are flute looking devices that you blow into. They are usually very cheap, the only problem is it must be held at a specific angle, your body positioned just so, and your breathing measured for them to be effective. It takes a bit of trial and error to the hang of it. (This is also the primary reason many people give up on them as being useless they can work, but have to be used correctly.)
Another type of device is exemplified by the Acapella (tm). They work on the same principal but use more complex mechanics to allow it to be used at any angle, and are adjustable for difference in breathing. They cost a bit more, but are usually covered by Medicare and Insurance companies. I'm glad this is working for you because the next step in devices gets pricey. (grin)
The third alternative is a High Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation Device like the Vest (tm). This involves wearing a rubber vest that oscillates the chest wall which loosens mucous. You dont wear them all the time, just a few times a day. They have been proven to be very effective. However, they are also very expensive. They are also covered by Medicare and most insurance companies, but usually only with prior approval via your pulmonologist.
http://www.smartvest.com/hfcwo/
The newest device available is the Intrapulmonary Percussive Ventilation Device (IPV). It delivers rapid, small volumes of air to help loosen mucus. They are about the size of a microwave oven and impressive with dials and switches. You use a mouth piece with nebulizer medication, and you can adjust the strength of the pulse over the course of the treatment. You have to be trained on how to use it. The cost is just this side of Astronomical (Smile). They are not covered by Medicare or by most insurance companies. You can buy one, but most people even with deep pockets rent them.
http://www.ipvhome.com/whatisipv.asp
Yes, I know the lady has trouble with her vision. That's why I suggested she increase the size of the type.
The price varies from Mucinex to store brand. I bought 30 for .88 cents at Walmart but they are 4 hour tablets. Average store brand is 30 pills for $3.00 also 4 hour between doses. I seldom need more than one-4 hour dose a day. If I remember right, more expensive brands may be 24 hour extended release tablets. Somewhere in my brain fog I think I used an OTC product like this following a hospital stay.
I had a mucus plug. I didn't even realize I had a problem with mucus until one day I coughed up the plug and it freaked me out! It was bizarre looking!
My pulmonologist told me to take NAC 600 mg twice a day. NAC not only thins mucus, it is also an antioxidant.
He also prescribed a flutter device which works very well. I bought it at a medical supply place.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWK36ayTT4Q
I'll mention that I also tried the Lung Flute, but it did not work for me. I have emphysema and could not blow a sufficient amount of air to make the reeds vibrate.
Susan
I thought it sounded like a "scam" so it is nice to hear that a dr actually prescribed it AND that it does help.
I was wondering if I would be able to blow out sufficiently so I appreciate the info on the harmonica.
I wonder if there is a difference in the "accapella" device compared to the "flutter ball" that you show in how hard it is to blow.
Has anyone tried the "acapella" compared to the "flutter valve"?
I assume that since this article was written about the different the different types, prescriptions are not needed to buy one now days? Or has everyone here had it prescribed by a dr?
http://www.emphysema.net/mucus_clearing_devices.asp
Methinks I will still talk to my dr before trying one=ty for info :)
also, did medicare or insurance cover it if prescribed? (susan you say you bought yours so i assume it wasn't "covered"?)
The newer Acapella is adjustable so you can set a specific blow strength as well as it has a wider range of acceptable blow-outs. They use to come in two sizes so you might run into one them as vendors clean out their stock. There is over-lap so just pick which is most likely useful in your case. These devices are more tolerant of positioning. The newer Acapella also comes apart for easier more complete cleaning.
Its my choice, but everyone is different. Also Acapella is not the only Brand out there.
As for prescription requirements that is pretty much hit or miss. Some vendors simply ask if you have one, others require more documentation.
NOT COMPLAINING JUST WANT TO MENTION THAT I HAVE SO MANY ISSUES GOING ON THAT I TRY TO MAKE IT AS SIMPLE FOR ME AS POSSIBLE,SO I CAN SHARE. I HAVE COPD, AM ON OXYGEN 24/7 ,AM DABETIC, HAVE POLY MAYALIGA RUMATICA,, CHF. LOL, AND IT GOES ON AND ON!! I WAS PARALIZED AND AT LEAST NOW I CAN WALK. NO ONE CAN TELL ME THERE IS NOT A GOD, HE SAVED ME, AND FOR THAT I AM ETERNALLY GREATFUL AND FEEL VICTORIOUS AND JOYFUL IN MY LONG SUFFERING
I looked on amazon & they are "color coded" = blue is for low flow & green is for high flow.
and it does say they are "adjustable" also....
it sounds like they only help if i do it perfectly right.
they are kind of pricey, I think this is definatly something I will ask my Dr about---since i am such a "dunce" at these things I wish I had pulm therapy or someone to show me how to do it.
I guess youtube is the best for that :)
I'm curious how many people end up tossing these aside & how many actually use them because they work that well?---maybe a time for a new topic :)
SHOULD WE GET THE LOW OR OTHER ONE?
I THINK I WILL GET A SPIROMETER TOO
MY HUSBAND THINKS IT REALLY HELPS AS DO OYHERS
ALTHO IM at stage 3 I HAVE JUST RECENTLY DEVELOPED
COUGHING AND MUCUS BUILDUP. NO FUN
JUST FOUND OUT THAT RAW ONION HELPS BREAKS UP MUCUS IN LUNGS, SO GOING TO START TODAU EATTING WITH A LITTLE SUGAR, WILL LET U KNOW IF IT HELPS IN ANYWAY.
HUGS
ELEANOR