I believe this is my first time posting in this room, but, as you can see by my profile, Im no newbie
I have chronic bronchitis, I'm in the beginning stages of COPD and i also have bronchiectasis. I also have allergic and non allergic rhinitis and sinusitis. Recently I took a severe bronchial attack and felt like I was going to drown on the excess mucus. I have had trouble with larger quantities of mucus before, but never on that scale. I have since been on antibiotics and had my puffer renewed. It took weeks to get over it. I also take a prescription corticosteroid for my sinuses and rhinitis. Last night, I was exposed to exhaust fumes(it didnt seem to matter that it was outdoors) and my lungs reacted by producing a huge load of mucus this morning. So my question is....is there another way to control the mucus production aside from prevention, antibiotics and puffers??? I was told no but was wondering if I might learn a few tips or tricks here. Thanks in advance.
~ Good wishes from Dee~
Co-moderator for fibro
I know God won't give me more than I can handle, but there are times I wish he didn't trust me so much!
Fibromyalgia, GERD (hiatal hernia), IBS C&D, bowel and bladder spasms, Chronic bronchitis (COPD), Bronchiectasis, recurrent sinusitis, rhinitis, TMJ and Bruxism (fancy word for teeth grinding) , Allergies, Environmental allergies, Hypoglycemia, Anxiety and PA, RA, Osteo, Dysmenorrhea, fibrocystic breast disease,
blocked fallopian tubes, Cysts on ovaries
"It looks much worse than how it makes me feel, honest "
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Hi Dee! Mucous is our bodies way of eliminating irritating things in our lungs or body. Obvious you are having an overreaction to the exhaust fumes. I am not sure of a way to stop the mucous, I only know of ways to help your body to get rid of it. My hubby suffers from chronic brochitis and he uses Broncaid (sp?) or Mucinex. It helps him cough up the phlegm easier to clear his lungs. I don't recommend you use any of these OTC drugs unless approved by your doctor since you are on other medications.
Maybe someone will come along that has more knowledge in this but to me it sounds as if you are trying a lot of things already. Good luck :)
Ps........excessive mucous is highly annoying isn't it?????
~~Sherry~~ Diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis in 1992 Currently taking: 9 Colazal (750mg) daily, Diagnosed with Reynaulds Syndrome in 2004 Currently taking: Niacin-500mgs Please help Healingwell continue to help others: http://www.healingwell.com/donate
Highly annoying????? Well, I suppose you could call it that. although I've had more "colorful" words for it . Thank you for replying. I sure hope I get some ideas.
~ Good wishes from Dee~
Co-moderator for fibro
I know God won't give me more than I can handle, but there are times I wish he didn't trust me so much!
Fibromyalgia, GERD (hiatal hernia), IBS C&D, bowel and bladder spasms, Chronic bronchitis (COPD), Bronchiectasis, recurrent sinusitis, rhinitis, TMJ and Bruxism (fancy word for teeth grinding) , Allergies, Environmental allergies, Hypoglycemia, Anxiety and PA, RA, Osteo, Dysmenorrhea, fibrocystic breast disease,
blocked fallopian tubes, Cysts on ovaries
"It looks much worse than how it makes me feel, honest "
Please help Healingwell continue to help us - donations can be made at
Do you take these meds on a regular basis as a means of prevention...or as a means of relief after the phlegm starts being over produced? I'm looking for tips for after the fact when my lungs are working over time in phlegm production. So if either of these helps reduce the amount of phlegm after it starts overflowing...I would greatly appreciate more info. Thanks for replying. Hugs
~ Good wishes from Dee~
Co-moderator for fibro
I know God won't give me more than I can handle, but there are times I wish he didn't trust me so much!
Fibromyalgia, GERD (hiatal hernia), IBS C&D, bowel and bladder spasms, Chronic bronchitis (COPD), Bronchiectasis, recurrent sinusitis, rhinitis, TMJ and Bruxism (fancy word for teeth grinding) , Allergies, Environmental allergies, Hypoglycemia, Anxiety and PA, RA, Osteo, Dysmenorrhea, fibrocystic breast disease,
blocked fallopian tubes, Cysts on ovaries
"It looks much worse than how it makes me feel, honest "
Please help Healingwell continue to help us - donations can be made at
I did some research and though I haven't found anything to actually stop the excessive mucous, I did find some meds that will help thin the brochial secretions to make it easier to get rid of. Here is a link that may help you.
Have you asked your doc yet about stopping this if you can? Do you smoke or in an environment that has pollution (indoor or outdoor)? In your home to prevent some of the finer dust particles from floating around or to help eliminate some indoor air pollutants you can try putting cheesecloth on your heating vents as well as using an air purifier (If you don't already have one). The cheesecloth btw works very well. I had to use that with my son when he was little and you would be surprised on how much junk that the cloth can pick up.
Oh and annoying was the polite word I use but trust me, I know what other choice words you were referring to! lol
**Sherry** Diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis in 1992 Meds currently taking: Colazal 750mgs-9 daily Uc status: Remission (1yr but not sure if much longer) Diagnosed with Secondary Reynaulds Syndrome in 2004 Meds currently taking: Niacin 650mgs-1 daily SRS status: Very active.....give me 100 degree weather and I'll be happy!!!!! Please donate to help Healingwell continue to help others like yourself! http://www.healingwell.com/donate
They have to be used on a regular basis In orfer to be of any good.With COPD That's what happens.I do have allergies to anything that flies In the air,double whammy.I live with it.SnowyLynne
Well, thank you so much for your replies...and for caring. I guess though the answer to my question is "no". You can't just stop it. I do know what caused my first big attack (paint fumes) and I usually know what causes the smaller ones. And I am taking prescription meds. I guess what I was looking for was a reason to save money and not by the big ticket items - air purifier, dehumidifier etc., as well as a way that I could still go about my life as if I didnt have the diseases. You know, like paint a room, then just pop a pill or take a few inhaler puffs and "tadaaaaaa" it's all gone. I know...not very bright of me is it! OH well, I tried right!! Hehe! Thanks again for all the information. (I enjoyed reading that site Red Im only now starting to pay attention to my conditions so it was very helpful...thanks)
~ Good wishes from Dee~
Co-moderator for fibro
I know God won't give me more than I can handle, but there are times I wish he didn't trust me so much!
Fibromyalgia, GERD (hiatal hernia), IBS C&D, bowel and bladder spasms, Chronic bronchitis (COPD), Bronchiectasis, recurrent sinusitis, rhinitis, TMJ and Bruxism (fancy word for teeth grinding) , Allergies, Environmental allergies, Hypoglycemia, Anxiety and PA, RA, Osteo, Dysmenorrhea, fibrocystic breast disease,
blocked fallopian tubes, Cysts on ovaries
"It looks much worse than how it makes me feel, honest "
Please help Healingwell continue to help us - donations can be made at
Yes, you can significantly reduce phlegm production. Do the below starting as soon as you can.
I am not a doctor or a licensed health professional. Having said that... I know what I am talking about and have researched, practiced and counseled others on natural solutions to health related problems.
NUMBER ONE__ GET A SHOWER FILTER THAT FILTERS OUR CHLORINE. The chorine in the steam that you breathe during showers and kitchen work absolutely makes the bronchial problems worse and damages your lungs. Research this if it is a new idea to you.
Cut out all dairy, beans and soy for the day. These foods increase phlegm production.
Then eat lightly all day (avoiding red meat and large meals) Increasing Omega 3's is a good idea. It is important to eat smaller meals without red meat, beans, dairy or soy for at least 24 hours.
Do a salt water flush before bed. The salt dries the phlegm. If you are not familiar with salt water flushes, please please please research them first They are a whole 'nother post.( hint: the people on youtube, for the most part, are doing it wrong. Stick with authoritative websites.) Use natural 'pink' sea salt or celtic salt or any salt that reads on the label that it has not been exposed to chemicals. You must use sundried natural salts. Go to your health food store--- they will absolutely have the right kind of salt. This salt does not mess with your blood pressure or vein and artery health like killer table salt.
The salt water not only will dry out the phlegm, but it also causes a very real expelling process of toxins from your body-- just not in the form of phlegm
You may not wake up phlegm free, but I promise you that there will be much less volume of it and frequency of expelling it. Cut out dairy, beans and soy as much as you can during the days that follow.
If you just can't do the salt water flush then do the eating thing - including small meals- and sweat it out (non humid environment of course). Just remember to increase your water intake significantly to allow as much sweating and moisture replenishments as possible. If that is not an option either then all I can suggest is cutting out the dairy, beans and soy. Just that one step will help somewhat. Of course increase water intake to thin out the mucous for easier expelling.
There are going to be people who want to write and say "you shouldn't do that, phlegm is a natuarl process to protect or bodies". To you I write: The salt water flush will expell the toxins and is a much more private affair than hacking up nasty phlegm in public. Also, if you want to protect your bodies naturally quit eating all that high fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated oils, white flour and chemicalized table salt. Your body would much prefer to say good-bye to those unnatural man-made population control factors than protecting its right to hack up yellow and green slime. Put down the white bread and fake food, people, and pay attention to what you think is worth defending.
I should have clearly stated that my reply was to a specific situation of lungs over-producing phlegm from an isolated exposure.
Of course, we wouldn't want to stop our bodies from producing phlegm completely( I really don't think that's possible anyway.) But there are special occasions when we would really like to not hack up sticky phlegm continuoulsy and my good advice above is meant for such special occasions- not as a something to use continously.
When my children were little and would get colds with congestion, whether it be lung or nasal congestion, their pediatrician said to stop all dairy products. He said it causes you to produce more mucous. It helped, too. So, any time I have any congestion, the dairy products are stopped and I usually get over the congestion.
hi dmomhere...I have an old fashioned cure for excessive mucous.....as used by my dear old granma.Take 1 very large strong onion and take off the skin but leave the roots/base intact.Cut the onion from the top into sections until the onion resembles a water lily...then put into a bowl and add a large jar of runny honey,1 tsp of ground ginger and 1tsp of brown sugar.Cover with a damp cloth,put into the fridge overnight and then remove the onion...leaving only the honey mixture.Put two spoonfuls of the honey mixture into a mug and add boiling water.[about half a mug full]..stir and enjoy..two or three times a day for 3 days..it works wonders.Try it nothing to lose...I then use the onion for a delicious soup. Put two tablespoons of olive oil into a saucepan...add 3 cloves of garlic...the onion plus 4 more onions chopped finely.and sweat until tender.Add I vegetable stock in 1 pint of water...add and simmer for 10 minutes...then add 1/2 tsp of ground ginger..1 tsp of dried or fresh chives, 1 tsp of coriander ,2 teaspoons of brown sugar and simmer for another 2 minutes...put into blender and have a bowlful every day until mucous reduces...breath easy ....hugs...groovey
I don't know about that. I drink my Diet Cokes and Diet Sprite at room temp. a lot and I have not noticed any difference. I will take notice the next time I do that.
I used to get sinus infections on a regular basis.Then the last one I had 5 yrs ago came back even after antibiotics.I told my Dr you are getting 99% I want 100% gone! He gave me a shot of Rocephin plus 10 days of cipro & the rest is history.Haven't had a sinus infection since.......SnowyLynne
"there another way to control the mucus production aside from prevention, antibiotics and puffers??? I was told no but was wondering if I might learn a few tips or tricks here. Thanks in advance."
I agree with "no". Prevention is your best defense. My bouts of excessive phlegm usually means I'm experiencing a lack of oxygen. I've gone through a whole roll of tp before it calmed down. Its horrible. But it comes along now and then. All part of COPD. I try to avoid exhaust fumes at all costs and smoke or anything that will affect my breathing. The brush fires are a big problem here. All that smoke drifting around. And once I get the phlegm production to calm down I use my oxygen. But once it starts its hard to stop. Just has to run its course. Sounds like the fumes you came in contact with really got to you. This comes from an old post. I hope you're getting all these replies.
SnowyLynne said... I used to get sinus infections on a regular basis.Then the last one I had 5 yrs ago came back even after antibiotics.I told my Dr you are getting 99% I want 100% gone! He gave me a shot of Rocephin plus 10 days of cipro & the rest is history.Haven't had a sinus infection since.......
SnowyLynn,
I always know when I have to take Prednisone and take the "R" shot (Rocephin) as I refer to it, I'm pretty sick.
Greetings! I had read this post while Googling for solutions to stopping/reducing Phlegm production. While I have something different (chest cold congestion) my Dad had similar bronchial breathing conditions and constantly battled excess phlegm. In addition to what many others have said, have you been allergy tested? My dad was highly allergic to wheat, eggs, pork and dairy products. We found out that when you don't rotate your diet and eat the same things over and over, you can develop allergies to them.
Anyways, we got his diet straightened out and his phlegm conditions radically diminished. If he ever ate one of those four a few hours before going to bed, he'd always be up all night hacking and coughing. Like some others have said, check into what foods you eat and whether or not you notice increased phlegm after wards.
what makes me feel better is a shot of apple cider vinegar twice a day. I swear by it. Recently had pneumonia for the second time. Inhalers didnt make me feel any better one night I thought I was going to drown it was so bad. Did a shot of ACD and within 15 minutes I felt better. Recently saw it in pill form as well. My medical bible is perscription for nutritional healing. Lots of great info. Good luck!!
Starting last year, when the tree pollens start, my mucous production of out of control. (I already take allergy shots/take antihistamine) I get gallons out of my sinuses and lungs. When I wake up in the morning, it's even coming out of my eyes!
I always have a tremendous amount of postnasal drip...non stop year round. Now my spring allergies make that look like nothing. I'm a mucous making machine.
Does everyone know about nasal washings? about 15-10 years ago, I started doing nasal washings at the suggestion of my allergy asthma doc, and it has kept me pretty much sinus infection free. I put about a teaspoon or 2 of salt in a pint jar of warm (quite warm) water, and shake it up. Leaning over the sink, I pour the solution into my hand, and sniff it deeply into my nose.
Don't worry...it won't go into your lungs. It just drains out of your nose, and some out your mouth. If it's too salty, just add some more warm water. When I've got TONS of mucous, I do it a couple times.
I do these washings at morning and night, unless I'm having a problem, when I may add other times during the day.
I know there are little gadgets to do nasal washings, but my simple procedure is very effective. I've noticed that people seem afraid to breathe the salt water up into their nose. (remember breathe it up as far as you can...it won't get in your lungs) It's their loss. It works great. Denise
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