| |
You are here: Experts > Health/Fitness > Asthma > Respiratory Therapist > coughing up phlegm
Expert: Neal Okerson - 10/26/2009
Question
Hi,
My entire life, i have never really been able to cough up phlegm and spit it out. (I cough it up, but can't bring it out of my throat to spit it out). I take expectorants like guaifenesin and they loosen the phlegm and I drink plenty of water and try my best when i cough to bring the phlegm up to spit. the problem is, when i cough, its like the phlegm always stays lodged in my throat and i can't help but swallow it back down. (When i'm slightly succesful, i might break off a piece that i can spit out, but most of goes back down my throat) I've tried coughing techniques and it hasn't helped much. If i keep at it, then i just end up throwing up food or bile. Please help, I'm so miserable!
Answer
Sorry for the delay in answering your question.
You might ask your physician about using a Positive Expiratory Pressure(PEP)breathing device. It is a simple device you can hold in one hand and it creates resistance as you exhale through it. Regular use of exhaling through this device can strengthen the muscles that you use to exhale. (Regular use means a few times each day. Your physician can give you the details.) This will allow you to develop a stronger more effective cough.
Neal
Add to this Answer Ask a Question
|
|
