Just diagnosed with brochiectasis

Hi Karen , im sorry to hear you have BX, it took 16 years to diagnose mine, i hope that you have been referred to the respiratory physio department, they will show you breathing exercises that will bring the sputum up easier and also if you are in U K you should be given a Acapella ,  device that helps bring it up faster and more efficient. do google Breathing exercises for Bronchiectasis, also Acapella . i did get myself a Flutter devise from the internet that does the same job but is smaller. i also take a low does of antibiotics three times a week . to help stop chest infections. 

                   Take care . Pam.xx

 

From what I have heard bronchiectasis is hard to diagnose. It is sometimes just in one place in your lungs but can be scattered about. Plus it's not the number one thing that comes to mind because it was in decline for years. It was more common when I was diagnosed in the 50s because more children had measles and whooping cough in those days which can be a trigger. Even so I was 5 with a collapsed lung before it was definitely diagnosed and the doctors believed I had had it since I was 13 months old. Now you have a diagnosis I hope you get good advice on how to cope with it day to day.

Wow. I’m sorry about hernia repair. Coughing sucks the life and energy out of you. This forum great for info. Read lots and inform yourself. Get a good Pulmonologist who knows about this disease   Need to clear lungs daily and get s nebulizer if you have asthma. When air quality bad - move to another area. I use to try fighting it but learning what sets you off and managing it is key. lots of antibiotics usually but giving sputum samples so lab can figure what type needed is best  drink tons of water to thin mucus for ease in getting up   I sip water and suck on sugar free Ricola to minimize coughing in public   Good luck. Hang in there 

Karen,

I agree with Pam. You need to be proactive in order to keep Bx under control.

Use your flutter valve (if you don't have one, get one from you specialist). I have a percussion vest as well as a nebulizer.

Have your specialist send you for respiratory therapy. Do what cardio exercises you can do (helps open up the lungs).

Take your meds. If you are still having issues, talk to you specialist.

If you are having problems getting the mucus up, try posturing (having your head and chest lower than your waist) while coughing. I get on my knees and elbows so that gravity helps bring up the mucus.

Stay away from people who are sick. Eat healthy and try to cut back on certain foods, such as dairy, that may increase your mucus production.

You will receive a lot of good tips from this forum, Beth