Gross Question

[anonymous]

I know this sounds retarded, but how bad is really to swallon the crap we cough up? Does it actually do anything harmful to you? Anybody know?

 

[Allie]

I think all Cfers DO it, so I don't know that we have a control to balance against. I know if you swallow too much, it'll give you an upset stomach, but as far as details, no help to ya. I don't really think it's a gross question, just an honest one.

 

[Faust]

There are of course times when you can't spit it up. But when it's not one of those times, you should really cough it up and spit it out. I know real young CF's can get an obstruction in their intestines partly due to swallowing all their goo, which requires mucolytic enemas. While I doubt it would kill anyone, I would think it cant be all that great for you to swallow all of it.

 

[bgchastain]

I'm actually terrible at coughing up and spitting out all that stuff. My dr.s really don't say too much about it anymore, because they know I can't. They all said that it's not the greatest thing to do but your stomach acid will break down most of it, but if your stomach is sensitive, it can cause trouble. If you can spit it up do it, but don't freak if you can't , you won't be reinfecting yourself or anything.

 

[Faust]

Not to mention swallowing alot of it will also make your already paint peeling cf farts worse. And yes it is possible to make them worse.

 

[anonymous]

I usually can't cough it up far enough to spit out either....I wonder why that is. It makes it really hard to get a culture from me.

 

[princessjdc]

ive read some where that when you swallow the mucuous it is not harmful cause the stomach acid kills the bacteria and breaks down the stuff. Pretty much what bgchastain said

 

[Emeraldmirror]

I think everyone is just different.. when i was little i wouldn't spit it up.. until the one time when they wanted me to and did the whole.. tube up the nose and down your breathing pipe to get a sample.. that was when i was 3 and i still remember it because it hurt so much and i cried... ever since then i feel really awful if i don't give a sample... but i remember they did tell me sometimes that if you swallow too mcuh it can almost kinda fill you up.. and then you won't be as hungry... i'm sorry if this isn't making sense.. i'm also watching tv and forget what i'm saying a lot...


Ashley 21 w/cf

 

[anonymous]

The harm comes from the mucus itself. It can clog the intestinal tract, which already develops its own mucus and compromise nutrient absorption. I haven't swallowed my mucus since my pediatrician said not to for this reason, in 1984, except under duress where I have no place to spit, which is once a year. I have heard this reason before from other CF physicians.

I feel its pretty natural to spit when and where ever, after all it is nature's byproduct. My only restraint is I would rather not have others witness what or where I spit so I try to be concealed and clever about where I leave the "Hawk".

 

[shauna]

i've never swallowed mine, i just couldnt it grosses me out!! but my sis always swallows her (we're completely different, the thought of spitting it grosses her out!!) she's been doing that for 18 years and she hasnt had any problems yet. like lots of people have said your stomach acid normally breaks it all down byt its definitely best to bring it up. just be careful about where cos i realised when i was a little girl some places (dad's bosses fish bowl) are just NOT appropriate!!