bronchiectasis

Hi David,

I think Bronchiectasis is a mystery to the medical profession - hence the wide variety of treatments and medications that seem to be arrived at randomly. I have been told contradictory things by doctors over the years about whether it gets worse or not, but the reading I've done on COPD usually states that bad infections can damage the lungs. So, no idea really! I suspect everybody's Bronchiectasis is slightly different. I was diagnosed about 40 years ago, and feared the worst, but my condition has improved - partly due to bettter medication, and a healthier lifestyle. I think its really omportant to treat infections as soon as you begin to feel unwell though, so hopefully you keep a stock of anti-biotics at home.

Best wishes,

John

David, I just saw my pulmonary doctor earlier this week.  I asked him about the progresseion of this condition and he answered, "Yes, no, maybe!"  LOL  Mine is mild.  I guess it could get worse if I do stupid things like smoke or become a painter!  From what he said, they just don't know and lifestyle, general health and luck of the draw come into play.  I did mean to ask him about fireplace smoke and I forgot.

As for the tightness, I have that from time to time and sometimes if I just relax and practice some slow deep breathing (with special effort on the exhale) it seems to go away.  Also, I sometimes take an expectorant and make sure I drink plenty of water just in case the tightness is from mucous.  Mine happens more often on rainy cold days.  I also have a peak flow meter and surprisingly, the tightness really does not usually cause me to blow a lower number.  This is a crazy condition!

Oh David you make me laugh.  A good sense of humour is vital with bronchiectasis.  I am not the right person to ask really because my bronchiectasis has been stable for years but I do have times when it is playing up a bit.  Your tightness of chest sounds like an allergic reaction to me.  Your woodburning stove could possibly cause trouble but in my case it is things like scented candles, air fresheners, even scented washing up liquid if it is the "wrong" one.  Bronchiectasis often has accompanying asthma symptoms too - mine does anyway, so that is a possibility. 

Good luck with the doctors tomorrow.  Take a list of questions and don't go until you get an answer!

Best wishes,

Hi David when I was first diagnosed about 6 years ago I was told it was very mild and there is no cure and that it just slowly deteriorates. I assume like others have said depending on the amount of infections. I am trying desperately to do only what is right. Hate I cannot wear perfume or anti perspirant cannot use nice smelly air fresheners etc. When I have been in the country and they have Chimneys "remember them" that smell I love but it kills my chest. So maybe your wood burner could be a problem. The same goes with garden fires. I bought some lovely jumpers for the winter but they are the "fluffy" kind that are in fashion and have had to give them away as I feel they also have a nasty effect on my chest even though they don't appear to cast, as do coat collars with fur on. I think we just have to accept a different way of life. And like I have said in the past on here fight the good fight on your own because I really get confused between GP's and hospital information.  I think the majority are feeling their way around in the dark 

Just to add a bit of comfort.  If your condition is stable so my lovely Professor at the Brompton told me there is every reason to believe you will live to a ripe old age.  If you're good of course.  No smoking, doing your physio, using your puffers, taking your drugs whatever it takes.  It is absolutely worth it.  I have had such a busy day today and although I am shattered tonight I like the fact that I can just get on with it.

I would also say ask all the questions you like at any medical consultation and don't get fobbed off.  Take a notebook to note things down that you are told if you are unlikely to remember.

Goodnight all.

Hi David,

A great post and some great replies that are very informative...trust all goes well at the doctors. Azithromycin that I'm on, appears to be a regular antibiotic, it will be interesting to hear what is the result of the sputum test and what they prescribe,

Blessings,

Lesley

Hi David,

 I've had Bronchietasis (Prev.Chronic Broncho Pneumonia) since first diagnosed at 12 yrs. due to a bout of pneumonia. Now 86 so have had a lot of episodes in that time but must say hasn't really worsened or I wouldn't be here I guess. It does take longer to recover from each bout, but with timely antibiotc intervention have avoided complications...Management is regular postural drainage, good diet and regular exercise as you know.   Plus avoid contact with 'flu germs at all costs .Maybe an occasional 'steam tent' 'would help counteract the dry air produced by your stove.

 Hope you got satisfactory test results,all the best and keep well.