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coughing up sputum

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jeannie4243
jeannie4243

I have read in a lot of the chat lines, that Bronchactisis people seem to cough up alot of sputum, is this normal to get large amounts up?. My husband evan when he has a infection finds it difficult to cough up, he has a flutter but only gets small amounts up

Jeannie4243

0 likes, 12 replies

12 Replies

  • Dave_Brown
    Dave_Brown jeannie4243

    Posted

    Hi jeannie, from what I've read & researched it is normal for people with Bronchiectasis to cough up lots of sputum on a daily basis. A lot of people have to do this just to clear there lungs everyday & there are lots of different devices to help this. Has your husband been told to see a physiotherapist to get some techniques on how to clear the sputum yet ? If not it might be worth asking his doctor to refer him to a physiotherapist. Hope this helps. 
  • Operalyn
    Operalyn jeannie4243

    Posted

    Everybody is different jeannie.  I get large quantities up with no trouble at all - in fact my specialist is surprised how much at times.  I would only add that I have never used a flutter so don't know how they work.  Is he definitely using it properly?  No disrespect or anything but just thought I would enquire.
    • jeannie4243
      jeannie4243 Operalyn

      Posted

      Thanks for your reply yes he is using flutter correctly, he has always had a problem getting rid of it but the flutter makes it a bit better.  But as denise21511 says if you can get  rid of the sputum you do not get so many infections. but am going to try to up Joe fluid intake and pat his back, i think every thing is worth trying. And i have had so much help from you all thank youcool
  • denise21511
    denise21511 jeannie4243

    Posted

    Hello, jeannie4243......you ask if other sufferers of Bronchiectasis,brings up a lot of sputum,well ive had it for over two years and ive always been very productive , but i have a routine every day ,...i drink at least 2 litres of water( which softens the sputum) ,and i get my partner to pat my back every day ,sometimes twice a day the vibration loosens it and is easier to come up,and i pat my chest for a good 5 minutes 2 times a day ,doing this works for me ,and i seem to, get less infection, and am able to get on with my life,...as everyone knows who has this condition,it can be embarrasing and dibilatating,but we are all unique and it affects us all differently ,and we have to find our own way to keep the dreaded infection at bay,...hope you find time to try water and patting ,you never know it might work for your hubby ,.....i wish you both well.
    • jeannie4243
      jeannie4243 denise21511

      Posted

      Hello Denise thanks for that informmation will give it a try i had read some where you should drink lots of fluid will give it a go   thank you
  • 4jean
    4jean jeannie4243

    Posted

    I get very little sputum unless I have an infection. Then I have to do postural drainage to cough it up but still don't get huge amounts. I eat a very healthy diet, cut out dairy as much as possible & get plenty of exercise. Everyone is different!
  • chriselora4321
    chriselora4321 jeannie4243

    Posted

    Hi Jeannie. I have asthma and recently been diagnosed with bronchiectasis. Tomorrow I have my first appointment with a respiratory consultant at the hospital.

    I have great difficulty getting rid of sputnum, always have. That will be one of the issues addressed at the appointment.

    I still have a lot to learn about this condition and have lots of questions to ask as well.

    • jeannie4243
      jeannie4243 chriselora4321

      Posted

      Yes chriselora my husband had asthma also and like you always had problems and still does getting rid of the sputum.But Denise21511, gave me somme good advise about drinking fluid etc if you read that reply you also might find it  helpful i will  try it.  Good luck with consultant, but it is right what a most people say you have to tell them what you want.  Let me know how you get on
    • chriselora4321
      chriselora4321 jeannie4243

      Posted

      Hi Jeannie. I had my appointment with the respiratory consultant today.

      Because I have great difficulty getting rid of sputum she told me some techniques that work for some people will not be suitable for me.

      I was given a nebulizer with saline to use in the mornings.{ and when needed.}

      I have a follow-up appointment to see the consultant in December.

      I also saw a respiratory nurse and he gave me some breathing techniques to help bring up sputum. A flutter Pipe or lung flute is not suitable for me at the moment.

      I have an appointment to see my own doctor next week as a follow up.

    • jeannie4243
      jeannie4243 chriselora4321

      Posted

      Thank you for keeping me informed, hope all goes well for you. Hope we can keep in touch untill December to see how tthings go between now and then and it is all poitive.
  • cynthia61971
    cynthia61971 jeannie4243

    Posted

    Hi I have a Nebilizer machine and use a liquid called Acetylcysteine in it...it makes the sputum come up easier....with Bronchietasis you have to get it out of your Broncial Tubes to avoid infections...
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