Trapped phlegm

[jointaccount]

I have chest infection and have ABs.

Feeling much better but have phlegm right at the bottom which I can't get rid of. Turns into wrenching cough on all fours where I can't breathe and feel like I might pull a muscle.

How can I get rid of it?

Will ABs get rid of it by itself or does it have to come out if it's already there?

Could you check with a pharmacist if you can take an expectorant cough medicine. It thins the mucous. Maybe steaming your face would help too.

Sorry, can't link on phone but google active cycle of breathing for some chest physio breathing exercises to help clear mucus in lungs. Also make sure you're drinking plenty and a walk or some gentle exercise if you're up to it will help.

I would second the exercise; lying down feeling poorly is what you want to do. But sitting and walking will enable it to break up more

Also minimise how much milk/milk products you have the fat makes the phlegm thicker and harder to shift

Sitting over steam (with vick in the hot water) can also help

DH was given some breathing exercises in hospital when he had a chest infection in order to clear the phlegm.

It was an NHS leaflet. I can't find it but this is quite similar.

I'd go for steaming. Bowl of boiling water, towel over the head. Old fashioned but it works. You can put scented oils in the water if you like the smell, but it's the steam that does the work. If you expect to suffer again, buy a Facial Sauna from the chemist or Argos. It will also cleanse the pres, should you require it, and is less trouble than the towel-over-the-head thing.

Yes, it really does work.

Also you can get cough mixtures containing Guaphenisin (sp?) or the doc will prescribe tabs to loosen the phlegm. Don't get a cough suppressant if you have phlegm to bring up.