bronchieasis symptoms

Hi, I have been diagnosed with Bronchiectasis for about 5 years due to severe chest pain, which resulted in being admitted to hosptial and a CT scan was carried out. Initially I wasn't too bad with managing my condition with physio and antiobiotics when needed. Then had third child and then became really ill about 6months later due to my body being exhausted from having three kids to look after and not much sleep! Had chest infections again and again, with some antibiotics not working and me not complaining enough to my GP. Went to hospital for 6 monthly chest clinic and broke down and finally got to see the registrat who put me in for another CT scan which resulted in showing the condition had become more severe. Met with physio to check I was carry out my postural drainage correctly and was put on Amoxicillin 2000mg a day which has ensured that I have had a good year. I take serotide 2 puffs twice a day and salbutamol 20 mins before chest clearing. I try to do exercise but its difficult to focus on me when I have 3 kids to look after, but they keep me active. My advice would be to do your physio and get to recognise your body's feelings. When I'm feeling tired/get pains I try to take things easy. If I'm getting a chest infection, I get a change of antibiotics straight away before the infection gets a hold. I also see a cranial osteopath every five weeks, who helps with my sinuses and ensures that my chest is relaxed and free (tends to get tight in the middle, especially if had a stressful time!). Since I have been on constant antiobiotics I hardly produce any phlegm and don't cough that much.

My advice would be to keep pushing your GP, I suffered for far too long because I thought I could get by on my own, you can't, you need to correct medication and exercise for you, keep pushing until you get it. Hope this has been on some help. It's a weird condition, with not that much info around about it, but you can feel better.

Micklemass:

Don't despair! I, too, was coughing up large amounts of sputum. Now the chest clinic has prescribed azithromycin, an antibiotic (one pill or capsule taken every two days) which has had the miraculous effect of reducing the sputum to almost nothing. Of course, it may not last but it has worked for about a month already.

So suggest this to your doctor and see if you get equally good results. I hope you do.

Micklemass, the key thing is to be referred to a specialist, one who also looks after people with cystic fibrosis if possible, as they have all the latest techniques and interventions. A GP can only prescrible antibiotics and I have found that more specific monitoring and treatment is necessary as the disease is progressive and usually gets worse as you get older. The trick is to slow down the progression.

been on azithromycin for a month now its a miracle no coughing or mucus .its so nice to be at ease and relaxed.