Crackling noise exhaling slowly

[Johnbrooks]

Hi Bridgette
Your answer to another question was the best I've seen to this where to ride it out as on the mend

Meaning I just got over a flu, and now at night if I exhale slowly while laying down, I get a crackling, popping noise.  If I exhale all the way it is quit loud if I open my mouth.    I will then force a deep cough and phlamn(sp?) will come out, not deep green or yellow now.  Had that during the flu but now just it is annoying at night.

On the web everyone I saying bronchitis and other freak out things but this is after a feverl - so not sure antibiotics would help.

Sorry digressing...I don't take a lot of medicine and not quick to do so, but besides riding it out, is there a 'home remedy' to help clear the phlamn out?  I remember as a kid mom doing the towel over the head and breathing in vapor from boiling water with lemon or something.

Cheers
John

[Johnbrooks]

Thank you Cathleen for your response.  I just needed some confirmation about the mucus, as if checking on the web you read horror stories about having TB, broncitious and so on.

[Cathleen Zoretic, RN]

Thanks for using the forum.

What you are experiencing is not uncommon as you get over a bad cold or flu. When we lay down, any phlegm in our throat or lungs will settle down and cause that rattling and coughing. If the color goes back to green or yellow, or you run a fever you should have it checked out. However, if it remains clear and you are able to cough it out it is probably more annoying than cause for worry.

To help get rid of it you could try an over-the-counter expectorant, which will help to thin the mucus so you can cough it out. Your mom was a smart lady with the steam. You can do exactly what she had you do, or just go in the shower and breathe in that steam. I would also recommend a humidifier in your room. All of the above will help to thin the mucus and make it easier to cough out.

I hope you are feeling better soon.

Cathy