Dry cough?
I've recently had some nasty episodes with my lungs being so dry that I just couldn't get the phlegm moving. Even after a Ipratropium nebuliser and a Saline nebuliser.
I have to clear my chest virtually constantly, and if I can't my breathing is really badly affected. Of course, the panic starts, and I have to force myself to stay calm.
I have pseudomonas colonised in my lungs, and I think this contributes to the volume of phlegm.
Any advice on ways to cope with the dryness? I drink lots of water, I'm on carbocisteine 3 times a day, and have an Accapelo flutter device.
Hi
and thanks for sharing this information with the community, within our 'forums' section.
In my professional opinion - you are doing all you can to manage this aspect of COPD. Everything that I would've thought to suggest - you are already doing. The medication treatments (ipratropium and saline), hydration, a positive expiratory pressure (PEP) device - the Acapella, and carbocisteine, can be viewed as appropriate therapy.
My two additional concerns (to be thorough), are: 1) Is the pseudomonas infection being treated with antibiotics? And, 2) do you think a humidifier might be of benefit for you?
Beyond all this, I would suggest that you speak with your physician. If you were to express your concerns to your doctor, perhaps he/she will have something additional to suggest.
What do you think?
Leon L (author/moderator)
