terrible phlegm constant
reading some comments on Facebook site brought me here. I keep personal stuff off FB and i didnt know if it would end up on my feed. But the comments scares the devil out of me. I was told in March I have COPD, I quite smoking 30 yrs ago, I'm 76. I had no idea, no symptoms, up until March my yrly ck ups were very positive, perfect blood pressure, good oxygen, lungs sounded clear, heart strong, never sick, just some arthritis, but this last dec developed phlegm that thought was sinuses, did antibiotics for it, didnt help, fast forward, last resort doc ordered chest xray and thats when the COPD showed up. Is it causing the phlegm, could be but went thru antibiotics for that, no help no change in phlegm. Still dont have any symptoms other than the constant phlegm that causes a constant cough and the huff cough to break it up. No breathing issues, oxygen levels I ck regularly 95 to 98, a little more tired when being extra physical , is that age or COPD? I'm miserable with the constant phlegm so how all of you deal with your issues is beyond me and figuring thats my future is hard to take. Do any of you have phlegm migrating up due to the COPD and was it a first sign of things to come.
Hi
. Welcome to the community! I'm glad you found us. With the non-identifying username, you should have more privacy here than on Facebook.
A new diagnosis can be both scary and overwhelming, especially when it is so unexpected. It sounds like you are in the very early stages though. There is a lot you can do to slow the progression and assure that you can continue to live as fully as possible. Try not to let the experiences of others scare you. No two journeys with COPD are alike.
In regard to the phlegm issue, has your doctor ruled out laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR)? It's a type of acid reflux that comes without the typical symptoms of heartburn and indigestion. It's often caused heartburn and indigestion and can be mistaken for lung diseases because it produces so much phlegm. Here is an article about it from Cleveland Clinic: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15024-laryngopharyngeal-reflux-lpr. We are not medical experts and I don't want to get your hopes up, but it might be worthwhile to have a scope done just to rule it out given that you have no other COPD symptoms. Acid reflux can also come with COPD, producing extra mucus. So treatment for acid reflux might help.
Still, you have come to the right place. You will find lots of support and resources for COPD in this community. Here is an article about techniques for clearing mucus from the lungs: https://copd.net/clinical/mucus-with-copd. Here is a wonderful article about slowing progression that might interest you: https://copd.net/living/tips-living-best-life. And finally, here is an article with some advice for people who are newly diagnosed: https://copd.net/living/just-diagnosed-tips.
I hope you find all this helpful. Please know that you are not in this alone. We're here for you and, hopefully, so are those closest to you. Seek out support and don't be afraid to tell you trust what you need. Thinking of you and sending the best of all wishes your way. - Lori (Team Member)Pineapple juice helps to thin it out
That makes sense to me. I'm glad it helps you. -Melissa, team member
