when to take antibiotics

If you're supposed to take them as a precaution, and you have a cold/cough now, I'd suggest getting something now. It's better to stamp out an infection early than wait and have it get worse.

Sue, I was diagnosed in much the same way as you--however I did have symptoms of random chest pain and breathlessness, so I was getting my heart checked out.  Found out it was fine, but my lungs were the issue.  It was about 4 years ago that I found out I had this condition and during that time, I have only had antibiotics one time.  My Dr. described mine as mild.  Everyone is different.  I find that if my breathing is worse or if I'm fatigued, and it seems to drag on, that is when I will most likely need an antibiotic, however I have been able to shake those symptoms without antibiotics by doing some self-help.  I am able to exercise and find that is really good at getting the gunk up and out of my lungs.

I would go to your gp and get checked out ,I have bx but manage it well with exercise when I can ,and looking after myself better ,I always thought it would go away but but ended up worse in the end I find the cough the worse ,I hope you start feeling better soon take care 

Jokeys

Sue,

You should start the antibiotics as soon as you start having cold/sinus/congestion symptoms. I have learned the hard way of waiting too long. In the past, I would end up with pneumonia and/or a hospital stay because I waited too long.

Also, my specialist would give me a prescription for antibiotics before going on a trip, just in case I needed it (when traveling there is always someone coughing or sneezing next to me).

I now have my Bx under control and I take a low dosage long term antibiotic (Azithromycin) for maintenance. I just got over a sore throat/sinus/congestion cold and happy to say that I only used over the counter meds.

You may need to wait and see if you can fight it off without additional meds, history will tell you when you need to or if you need to start taking an antibiotic.

The best thing to do is talk to your doctor, Beth

 

Many Bronchiectasis sufferers (myself included) take propylactic (preventative) antibiotics. Azithromycin is the usual one. I take one tablet on a Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Your GP might have been sent a letter along with your CT scan results, so I would ask him/her to prescribe you some. It also might be worth asking about something to loosen your phlegm, to make it easier to cough up. I take Carbocisteine and take 2 twice daily. You should also have been given an inhaler. Salbutamol as a reliever, and also a preventer. You might ot be getting any symptoms now, but things could change, and it's best to be prepared for this. All the best.