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IPF mucus cough
I am recently diagnosed with IPF. I have a mucus cough that seems to be persistent. Very bothersome. Any ideas for medications before I ask my pulmonologist? Gabapetin? Inhaler?
Thank you
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11 Replies
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As your IPF progresses, that cough becomes more persistent. I do a nebulizer treatment in the morning and late afternoon using DuoNeb, a combination of albuterol and ipratropium. It loosens all that mucus, making it easier to get out. My pulmonologist also prescribed an inhaler, Breztri, which I use twice daily, 12 hours apart.
In conjunction with those two things, I do pulmonary rehab twice a week and I can’t stress enough, how effective that’s been. The therapist I work with also gave me a flutter valve to use about 20 minutes twice a day. That little hand tool has been quite handy for vibrating the lungs on each exhalation and afterwards, using shallow, chuff coughs, I can clear my lungs completely and it lasts for quite a while. My quality of life has improved significantly and I feel better overall.
Hope some of these suggestions help you!
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If you can get it… Hydrocodone with codeine My doctor gave it once only. but it stops the cough and helps you sleep.
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I have this issue as well predominantly in the mornings. It’s annoying and sometimes it’s very thick and colorful. And I have had it lead to bronchitis. Pulmonary rehab really does help and although I’ve not done nebulizer treatments, I do have an iptotropium, nasal spray that is effective and stopping the nose run that occurs after the coughing fits. My doctor has also prescribed a hydrocodone based cough syrup that helps a ton, but puts me to sleep so best for night time or if you’re having a big flareup.
Best of luck in your journey.
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I use Delsym DM cough syrup. It works.
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I have used serrapeptase for 7+ years and it still takes care of most of that problem. It does get worse as we progress through IPF/PF. There are some cautions – it can never be taken around any other pills and avoid food for at least an hour. Let me know if you want some more information…
Stay well…
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I have bronchiectasis which causes mucus to build up. The only thing that works for me is mucinex or any OTC mucus relief. I stopped gabapentin due to all the adverse side effects I am now finding out about. It didn’t help with anything anyway
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Make sure that it’s not an attack of the lungs. It’s hard to tell. That’s where the predisone steroids helps.musinex me too.
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Hi, I was diagnosed with IPF 2 years ago and have very significant mucus buildup in my lungs over night. I have tried various RXs and OTCs – none have worked to stop the mucus buildup. However, I have developed a very effective routine to cough it all out in the AM. I use one puff of Albuterol to fully open the larger lung passages, then the flutter valve several times and then the inspirometer several times.
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I was diagnosed with PF 17 month as ago and am on 100mg of OFEV twice daily. I am bothered by a constant cough that is very bothersome and even with nasal spray, allergy meds and acid reflex meds nothing seems to help. Sometimes it’s difficult to speak due to cough and often lasts for days. Any suggestions?
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Taking a drink of water helps me.
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I finally found some relief. After two years, we tried ipratropium bromide and albuterol sulfate (0.5 mg/ 3 mg per 3 ml) mixed in nebulizer with a saline Rx. The albuterol alone has never helped and had given me instant headaches. During a severe mucous episode pulmonologist added the saline. I used it 3 times a day for a month and now use on an “as needed” basis. It’s not even daily and even cuts the little nose drips to a minimum. Reduction of the mucous also relives the nasal obstructions to the cannula.
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