So much heavy, thick mucus!
I need help with extremely thick phlegm. Do certain foods/drinks cause this? Is there any way to break it up, any way to get rid of it without “choking to death!”
Hi.
Thank you for reaching out with your question—it's an important one. While it's essential to consult your personal physician for tailored advice, I can provide some general insights. Thick phlegm can be challenging to manage, but there are effective treatments available. Medications (over the counter and/or prescribed) designed to thin secretions can make them easier to expel, while devices like the Acapella (https://copd.net/clinical/flutter-valves-acapellas)and chest vibrating vests (a newer option) can aid in breaking up and loosening thick mucus. However, it's important to discuss your symptoms and treatment options with your doctors, as they can provide personalized guidance based on your specific needs and medical history. Your physician's expertise will ensure you receive the most appropriate care for your situation. What do you think? John. community moderator. Hi there! In addition to the good suggestions John offered, I want to send along some information about how diet can affect mucus, since you asked about that. Everyone is different, but we've had lots of people share that they have made changes to what they eat to help their symptoms, especially watching dairy intake and making sure to drink lots of water. Here are a few articles from our archives:
https://copd.net/living/preventing-choking
https://copd.net/living/friendly-foods
https://copd.net/guest-expert/mucus-lungs
https://copd.net/spotlight/weight-gain
Hopefully something here is useful for you. We're here to brainstorm and support you! Please keep us posted, okay? All the best! -Melissa, copd teamI am thankful there is area where hopefully easing my piece of mind. I still don’t understand why my diagnosis hasn’t progressed like some others have. Is everyone different or am I misdiagnosed. Having the doctor say “you are at the end stage of COPD.
Everyone is different, and each individual disease progresses faster or slower based on that person's DNA and diet and so many other factors that it's almost impossible to give a "one-size-fits-all" answer! If you are looking for confirmation, though, you can definitley get for a second opinion and the great thing is if you just go in cold to another doctor and let them start from scratch, you don't even have to tell your current doctor you are doing it (if that makes it easier). I have done that once or twice but both times they just confirmed what my original doc had told me. In the meantime if there's anything we can do to help, let us know. Keep on keepin' on, DPM To add to what Daniel shared, it's worth mentioning that "end stage" doesn't necessarily mean you are going anywhere soon. The stages of COPD are based on how well your lungs work compared to normal, that's all. You can have different degrees of lung function throughout your life with COPD. This means every person is unique. You can live for years with end stage COPD, or progress quickly. The best thing you can do is take care of yourself the best you can -- good diet, good sleep, exercise within your limits even if that's simple stretching and breathing exercises. It all helps! Here is an article that explains more about staging:
https://copd.net/clinical/how-stages-helpful
I hope that's useful to you. Take care and reach out any time! -Melissa, team member
