Clearing mucus using PEP (flutter) valves
Phlegm has a tendency to get stuck deep in the lungs and despite all your best efforts, you may not be able to cough every last bit out. People living with cystic fibrosis and bronchiectasis produce more mucus than most and removing this is crucial to staying healthy. An overview of airway clearance can be […]
Planning for a hospital stay
For many people with bronchiectasis, being hospitalized is a necessary evil to get your lungs and body back on track. Chest infections or exacerbations can often be managed with oral antibiotics but when your symptoms are not settling your physician may recommend being admitted to hospital for more intensive therapy. The benefits of being in […]
Traveling with cystic fibrosis
Traveling with a lung condition can be daunting. Even a smooth journey to your destination can leave you exhausted and worn out. The information here will hopefully help you prepare, anticipate issues and concentrate on having a great trip. Air travel Flight distances are increasing all the time. Aircraft can cover more than 5000 […]
Recurrent bronchitis in bronchiectasis
If you have cystic fibrosis or bronchiectasis, you are more likely to get chest infections. Infections affecting the lung are a spectrum from a simple upper respiratory tract ‘cold’ to a life-threatening pneumonia. Luckily, most are mild and many are preventable. The lungs are highly evolved to quickly wrap up and expel foreign viruses, bacteria […]
Exercising with bronchiectasis
Exercise brings enormous benefit to those that practice it. Whether you live with a lung condition or not, regular exercise improves fitness, mental wellbeing and sleep. It can also be an excellent way to control appetite along with a healthy diet. Our lungs have huge reserve at rest and can cope with more stress than […]
How to effectively clear mucus from your lungs
Airway clearance is really important in cystic fibrosis and other forms of bronchiectasis. By dedicating time to regularly removing mucus or sputum from your chest, you give yourself every chance to be the best version of yourself. Let’s look closer at the why and how. Think of the lungs as an inverted oak tree. The […]