Bronchiectasis without the cough? Im confused

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Dear all

I have just been diagnosed with bronchiectasis but I am totally confused as I do not have the cough anymore. I have had weeks of sleeping upright at night because the cough was so bad but now I am on prednisolone steroid tablets so is that why my cough has gone? This was all a total shock as I was told a month ago that I have extrinsic allergic alveolitis (still waiting to findout what caused that, could be rabbit's hay) so had a CT scan to confirm it only to discover the bronchiectasis. I was perfectly fine in October and by December have two lung problems. Can anyone tell me if their bronchiectasis came on this quick? From what I have read it takes years to get lungs this bad. Its all a blur at the mo as the doc rang me at home to tell me but do not have appt at hosp to discuss CT until Jan. Any thoughts welcome! Thanks!

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4 Replies

  • Posted

    hi liz. i have had the same diagnosis (Bronchiectasis). they don't know how i got it yet. mine came suddenly about 5 months ago i thought it was just a bad cough at first but i had so much mucus.i have had loads of different medication until they decided what it was, including 7 courses of antibiotics.Now i have seretide inhaler and mucus thinning tablets also i,v got to see phisio to discuss CPT to help bring up the phlem.mine came on as quick as yours did and i also could,nt lie down to sleep i spent many hours on the computer instead of sleeping.the inhaler helps a lot but it took 4 types to find one that worked. at least i can get a good nights sleep now ,my other half struggles as she says i sound like i have aliens talking inside me. hope this is of help paul.
  • Posted

    Hi Paul,

    You made me laugh with your alien story, because that's exactly how I describe my condition to others! I was diagnosed with it last year, having spent many years coughing non stop. The lung specialist initially said I was asthmatic, but when the normal treatment didn't lead to any improvements after a year, I had a scan which revealed it was bronchiectasis. I saw a physiotherapist in France, specialised in respiratory issues, every day for a week - he taught me how to spit (let's call a spade a spade!). I've been doing my exercises on and off (I find it difficult to include in my daily routine, and quite frankly, it's repulsive... I'm one of these people who feel sick just seeing a spit on the street...). When I do it, I feel better for it, although the alien is still there at night. So I know there is a solution, or rather momentary relief, but it means I have to spit every day for the rest of my life (I'm 37), what a great prospect... Still, it's worth it. My husband's just started helping me with the percussion and the shaking, the difference is amazing compared with just using a flutter, but it's a bit of a passion killer!

    Anyway, good luck to all bronchiectasis sufferers!

  • Posted

    I have been diagnosed with Bronchiectasis for over 25 years. However, I started haveing to use extra oxygen when I turned 40. My problem is that I DO NOT cough and they still tell me it is bronc. Even when taking mucus epectorants I get nothing. When I walk with oxygen I cannot go very far. I don't think it is brochiectasis but I don't know what to do.
  • Posted

    Hi Dianne.

    i was diagnosed with bronciectasis when I was 7, I cough a lot and have a lot of sputum, I have to do postural draining every day to keep my lungs clear and to stop the coughing at night, I have antibiotics when an infection flares up, postural draining is very important as it stops the infection getting worse and spreading. It sounds as though you need to speak to your chest consultant to find exactly what your problem is. I hope you feel better soon

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