Coughing up a lot of gunk

[Darcy]

I cough pretty well non stop when awake and it is quite productive but remains mainly clear.

Can there still be something wrong if the phlegm remains clear?

[jim]

I honestly don't know Darcy, but it is better up than down. I feel much better when I get the gunk up, otherwise I feel like I have a brick in my chest.

[Darcy]

That's a good description Jim, I never thought if that way before.

I know drinking lot's of water, NAC, etc. can make the mucous thinner and easier to cough up but do they change how much or how often you cough? Would it feel less like a brick?

[jim]

The NAC has helped me lots, I usually just cough the gunk up in the morning and I'm good for the rest of the day. That is, unless my sinuses are playing up and I can feel the gunk from my head running down the back of my throat.

[David]

I don't have any answers. Can only speak from my experiences. I quit coughing 9 years ago when I quit smoking. Even though I have severe Emphysema and my FEV1 is 20% I never have any congestion in my chest. I know I am very lucky for that.

I know there are different kinds of Emphysema. I have never had a Doctor tell me which kind I have. My new Pulmonary Doctor asked me did I know what kind I have. I told him he was the first to ask me that and I don't know. I will see him tomorrow and I am going to bring it up and ask him to find out what kind I have. I have been curious for years.

I hope you find an answer Darcy. Maybe it has something to do with Bronchitis. I don't have Bronchitis.

[Darcy]

I just remembered why I quit using NAC. It was because it made me feel very ill. It might worth trying again since that was years ago.

I have had chronic bronchitis for about 20 years, I will have to ask my doctor how bad it is now. I will also ask about my emphysema, I don't have any idea what type I have either.

[Gerald]

Coughing up clear Phlegm usually means that the bronchial tubes are inflammed/irritated and are producing the liquid to try and sooth the irritation. It can sometimes be an early signal of an exaserbation. It is the product of the liquid and having to cough it up that can cause scarring in the lungs.

You should probably check with your doctor or respiratory specialist to see if there is something you should be doing.

[Darcy]

Thanks Gerald, I will mention to my doctor on my next visit.

[izzie]

Hi Darcy........Sounds like your bronchial are quite irritated, but are you experiencing some sinus problems as well. Either very dry nose or excess mucous buildup in the sinus cavities. Sometimes sinuses may drain down the back of the throat and irritate the bronchial. Have you ever tried sinus rinses? It helps to prevent infection.

I agree NAC is very useful in keeping the mucous thin and is much easier to expel. Hot lemon with a bit of honey or fruit juice works well also. I sometimes add a teaspoon of coconut oil to the hot lemon to lubricate the throat after excessive coughing. Coconut oil helps guard against viruses, bacteria and fungus as well.

Hope you see a doctor soon if the coughing becomes excessive.

[Darcy]

Izzie thank you very much for the helpful suggestions.

Actually I have a a sinus rinse package unopened in my cupboard, I'd forgotten all about it until now. I have never tried coconut oil (for anything) before but it makes sense.

all!

[helen]

There are two types of COPD that I know of.

One is inherited and called Alpha-1(in the Netherlands).

The other one is caused by circumstances, like air pollution, smoking, etcetera.

[David]

I discussed the types of Emphysema with my Doctor yesterday. There is Centriacinar, Panacinar and Paraseptal. He said I have all 3. My Emphysema is growing throughout both lungs. So no lung reduction surgery for me.

[dave1955]

Although the definition of emphysema describes the basic pathology, this disease can be further divided into four subgroups based on the part of the respiratory acinus (lobule) which is damaged and the location of these damaged lobules within the lung. (Refer to 15-8 and 15-9 in your textbook).

Centriacinar Emphysema:
Involves primarily the respiratory bronchiole (proximal and central part of the acinus is expanded)
The distal acinus or alveoli are unchanged.
Occurs more commonly in the upper lobes.
Most common type.
Seen in cigarette smokers
Panacinar Emphysema:
Involves entire respiratory acinus, from respiratory bronchiole to alveoli is expanded.
Occurs more commonly in the lower lobes, especially basal segments, and anterior margins of the lungs.
It is 1/20 as common as centricular emphysema.
It is the type seen in alpha 1 - antitrypsin deficiency
Distal acinar (Paraseptal emphysema):
The distal respiratory acinus, including alveolar duct and alveoli, is expanded.
Occurs primarily adjacent to the pleura and connective tissue septa, especially in the upper lobes.
Extensive involvement of the lung is rare.
Some cases of spontaneous pneumothorax may be due to this type of emphysema
Irregular:( Paracicatritial emphysema)
Irregular emphysema is associated with scarring
No particular relationship to the acinus .