Dear Dr. Mahler:

I am 67 years old and have been bothered by mucus in my chest for years. I find it hard to cough it out and have tried every over-the-counter medication without any help.

A Physician Associate diagnosed me with “moderate COPD” two years ago and prescribed Advair Diskus twice a day and ProAir to use when needed. I quit smoking two years ago when I was told of COPD. In the morning, I cough out clear-gray mucus from my chest after breakfast and my 2nd cup of tea. However, there is still “rattling” in my chest afterwards which seems to last throughout the day. I try to cough out more mucus as the day goes, but it is quite difficult. I know that there is more mucus down there, but it is hard to get it out despite coughing jags.

I typically have a chest infection every winter and still work selling real estate, although I work fewer hours than I used to. Any advice is appreciated.

Victor from Topsham, UK