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What did it? Pigeon guano dust, acid reflux, mould, building dust?

Posted , 6 users are following.

Chrysos
Chrysos

Hello

Just been diagnosed with mild Bx. This was a follow up test from symptoms of Acid reflux which is still investigated (phlegm at the back of the throat, coughing, occasionally cough followed with swelling of vocal chords and breathing passage affected, but good news is symptoms have retreated).

What brought it on the Bx? I ask to find out if the condition will get worse, from the current mild to something more. So could it have been a sensitivity to builder's dust in the building? This invariably affects my ability to think and slows me down. Was it cleaning a flat that had much pigeon guano dust? Was it mould in one room? Is is a sign of asbestos in the house?

A little perplexed.

1 like, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • Pamathatteras
    Pamathatteras Chrysos

    Posted

    According to my doc, origin is unknown.  Some think repeated bouts with pneumonia, bronchitis and upper respiratory infections result in it.  I was told it would worsen over time and I would always have this.  I have suspected mold myself many times, but my doc says no.  I also have pseudomonas, do you?
    • Chrysos
      Chrysos Pamathatteras

      Posted

      I dont have that. Perhaps a lung specialist might have more comforting facts, like, you can keep it steady, you can contain it.
  • elizabeth49611
    elizabeth49611 Chrysos

    Posted

    Chrysos,

    I was told it was partly due to childhood illnesses, such as whooping cough, mumps, etc. They can damage the lungs. A lot of people have it, but the symptoms are so minor, they just don't realize it. And other people are troubled by it. I wasn't diagnosed with Bx until my early 60s. But I've had breathing issues for 20s yrs before that (diagnosed with allergies, then asthma, then COPD, then BX). I'm now 68 and have it under control.

    I think back to what may have triggered the start of my breathing issues (shortness of breath and coughing). 

    In my early 20s, I worked in a sewing factory and inhaled fabric fibers all day.

    In my late 30s (when I started having problems), we moved into a new house that we had built (could there have been chemicals in the buiIding materials?)  I was going to college and with a household to take care of (3 kids and a husband). Then after I got my degree, I started working full time (stress).

    The Bx kept getting worse to the point that I was tired and short of breath most of the time. But I kept going.

    2 1/2 yrs ago, I retired from a stressful job that I really liked. Two years ago, I had stem cell treatment here in the states. And almost two years ago, we moved to an area of the country with a lot less air pollution. Also, I took a more proactive approach toward this illness.

    I don't know what factor caused it, but for the past year, I have felt better than I can remember. My specialist said my numbers kept improving and I have been able to decease my meds.

    So be more proactive and question your specialist, Beth

    • sue00942
      sue00942 elizabeth49611

      Posted

      Hi Beth. ts so nice to read a recent post from you. You sound just like me. I took a psychology degree and mental health nursing degree in middle age. I finally got  a nursing job which I initially loved, but there was more and more work piled upon us (mostly paperwork) and the stress was becoming to much. I left when I got my diagnosis of bx.

      ​Anyway I am really glad that you continue to do well.

      ​I have made initial enquiries to the Lung institute.

      ​Hope you continue to remain well . Take care. Sue

    • Chrysos
      Chrysos elizabeth49611

      Posted

      Hi Beth,

      Thanks for this very positive reply. I will question my specialist and have him compare x-rays.

      Look after yourself

      C

    • elizabeth49611
      elizabeth49611 sue00942

      Posted

      Sue,

      I went to The Lung Institute Nashville clinic site. They said I would notice an improvement in 3-5 months. But I didn't. But a year later I started feeling better. And in the past 2 yrs, I have not had a bronchoscopy, hospital stay or ER visit. I even had a cold over the holidays, and got over it with over the counter meds. A few years ago, it would have gone into pneumonia.

      Be proactive and check out alternatives to prescribed meds. Beth

  • elizabeth49611
    elizabeth49611 Chrysos

    Posted

    Chrysos,

    Also, I looked into alternatives to using prescribed meds. 

    I use essential oils when I'm congested. I was taking Manuka Honey everyday (it has antibiotic properties) and I still take Turmeric w/pepper (it has anti-inflammatory properties).

    I had my specialist put me on azithromycin which is a long term low dosage antibiotic. 

    Some people on this forum has good results if they limit dairy products (dairy is said to increase mucus production). I have limited my dairy, but I can't give up having a yogurt and/or ice cream several times a week.  Or limit process foods or gain (you may have an unknown food allergy).

    What may help one person may not help another.

    But by doing and trying different things, you feel less hopeless and feel like your taking control of your own health.

    Beth

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