Wheezing

[anonymous]

Hi everyone,

I am fighting another lung infection and have noticed this wheezing sound in my lungs when I try to "huff out" the mucus. Can anyone explain what this wheezing sound is? I am also on Zithromax.... I believe one of the side effects of Zithromax is wheezing. Is it possible that the wheezing is from the Zithromax or is it just as a result of the lung infection?

Dxat35

 

[ClashPunk82]

I would think it's just from the lung infection. I don't wheeze much anymore I crackle now. Everytime I breathe I crackle, I sound like a bowl of rice krispies! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif" border="0"> It drives me insane though. I am sure it will stop when your infection clears up but if it doesn't just run it by your doc.

 

[luke]

wheezing is caused by a decrease in airway size. The most common reason is bronchospasm but another very common one is secretions. They stick to the wall of the bronchus decreasing the diameter of your airway and cause you to wheeze. Zithromax can cause bronchospasm but what you are describing sounds more like a rhonchus wheeze. Does is go away when you cough up something?

Luke

 

[anonymous]

Hi Luke,

The wheezing does go away when the mucus is coughed up. However, it is very temporary. Within minutes, the wheezing is back and I keep on repeating the same procedure. It's a vicious circle. Is there any other effective way to clear the mucus?

There is something I am not understanding though. If my airways are reduced due to the mucus, what is the purpose of being put on Flovent? I thought Flovent is an anti-inflammatory. How will this help the mucus lodged in the lungs?

I do believe you are correct that the wheezing is from the mucus. Prior to being put on antibiotics, I noticed that the mucus had hardened, making it impossible to remove through airway clearance techniques. In addition, I was coughing up blood; which suggests that the mucus was stuck to my lungs.

Dxat35

 

[thefrogprincess]

Flovent won't really help clear the mucus but it will dialate your airways if you are having inflamation (do you feel better after doing the flovent, if so you are inflamed). The wider your airways are the more air you get in and that alone will help you feel better. It will also help you cough stuff up because you'll get more air behind the mucus.

 

[luke]

Hey,

Airway clearance is our biggest nemesis. I am not sure of what all you are doing but I would recommend to you the same that I do myself, throw everything but the kitchen sink at it.

1. External CPT, tried and true, it has and always will be step one in airway clearance. Everyone has a preference how this is done, the following is my opinion. The Vest and Manaul CPT are comparable but both are better than a percussor. I do think proper positioning is important and that it really helps if you let the lobes "drain" in those positions.
2. Interal CPT- flutter or acopella, they are the same in efficacy-some use either external or internal CPT. I use both, the more the better!
3. Bronchodilation, everyone has thier opinion on this one as well, I take it all...I have recently switched to xopenex over albuterol. Recent studies show that is "better" than albuterol. I also take Spiriva and Floridil.
3. Reduce airway inflammation-I take Qvar(inhaled steroid) and Motrin. I know the studies show that it really only helps in kids but trust me, it works. I take 800mg three times a day and have for 5 years or so. Prednisone would come in here to, just not my drug of choice.
4. Thin secretions- I take Pulmozyme but am really considering adding hypertonic saline. My pulmonologist mentioned it I just haven't tried it yet. Also, it will help if you stay well hydrated. Take in your 8 glasses of water a day, that sounds like alot, but remove soda and add water and you got without even trying.
5. Finally, exercise...Exercise to your tolerance level, do not over exert yourself. The varying tidal volumes exercise causes really gets the mucous moving and makes it easier to get it out.

6. I do take Tobi every other month as well. I guess it does effect the amount of secretions but I don't consider it part of my airway clearance regimen

hope this answers your question, I may have overlooked something but I gotta run to the gym myself...good luck.

Luke

 

[WinAce]

Excellent advice, Luke. One might also add that having access to as many forms of airway clearance as possible will add variety and lessen the boredom of it, letting you stick to a consistent regimen better. For example, sometimes I'm just made uncomfortable with the vest, but okay with manual CPT; I carry a Flutter around with me at all times, so I can have a quickie treatment when I'm on the go and not feel too guilty; and so on. Hypertonic saline is great, and perhaps the most effective mucolytic agent I've ever used. Get some, now! I also can't recommend Ibuprofen enough, as even the smaller doses seem to make my lungs feel like those of a kid again for a couple hours; although, to be fair, it's considered tough on the stomache if taken for a long time, so people should talk with their doctors before starting it.

Most important of all, at least for me, is exercise. Whereas airway clearance only occasionally makes me feel better, and I usually don't notice any change right away, walking around several blocks and doing something to work up a sweat seems to just destroy that gunk inside me. It vanishes! Oddly enough, Tobi was a mucolytic for me. It seemed to thin that gunk almost as much as hypertonic saline or exercise.

 

[anonymous]

Hi Luke and Winace,

Interestingly enough, my doctor has recommeneded that I start some form of rigourous exercise program. He also believes that it is the best way to get the mucus moving and out.

Just as soon as I get my strength back, I will begin a program. My only concern is staying motivated. My health should be motivation enough, but it is not always easy to stay on track.

Any suggestions to dealing with the monotony of exercising ?

Dxat35

 

[luke]

I too am motivationally challenged at times, we all are. I have a work out partner. A buddy of mine meets me every morning at 615 at the gym. If I don't show I hear about it all day long(he works for me). You just need to make it part of your daily routine and it becomes just like brushing your teeth and combing your hair.

Several Cf'ers have posted that running is hard for them to do, just find what works for you. Aerobics or swimming would be other great choices. I would also recommend some light weight training.

good luck

Luke