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winter weather

Posted , 7 users are following.

david_25160
david_25160

hi, I have what was termed mild bronchiectasis, also asthma, though I am coping reasonably well now (the mental thing, thinking I was going to choke to death, or the wheezing would kill me) I do question a couple off factors in my life, firstly my location in the most northerly county UK mainland, does the weather play a part? I do try and walk several miles per week along the shoreline, thinking the fresh unpolluted air is helping me and my lungs, perhaps I should'nt be doing this? Also my living room has a logburning stove for heating, hot water etc, I have smoke detectors and a carbon monoxide alarm fitted, are they (woodburning stoves) problematic for us? thankyou for any advice.

1 like, 12 replies

12 Replies

  • pinksnugsy
    pinksnugsy david_25160

    Posted

    Hi there

    Firstly don't panic! I've had bronchiectasis & asthma all my life and it's only the last few years I've had to slow down (not able to run 5k 4 times a wk and I'm 47!) As for exercise it's very important (no idea how old you are) try and swim/fast walking/running/cycling. If the weather is damp and cold I personally wouldn't go out (I have a treadmill in the house) it's really to avoids colds.

    Do you know what bugs you grow when you get an infection? It's good to know so you can find out how to avoid bugs if possible.

    Any questions feel free to message me.

    Hope this helps

    Rach

    • pinksnugsy
      pinksnugsy

      Posted

      BTW I live in south Wales.
    • david_25160
      david_25160 pinksnugsy

      Posted

      Hi Rach, thankyou for your quick reply, my goodness you type fast! I am a 60 yr old recycled teenager, reasonably fit for the age, having to remind myself I'm not 30 anymore is half my trouble, so used to working 24/7 almost, must admit I cannot swim sadly, despite growing up by the sea, maybe I should learn? I don't get told what bugs I grow, just get antibiotics on occasion, also steroids maybe twice per year. blowing a gale up here again so have not ventured far today, hope Wales is calmer!
    • pinksnugsy
      pinksnugsy david_25160

      Posted

      60 years young then! It's never to late to learn! I was diagnosed in my early 20s so I've known about this disease for many years. It affects people in different ways. I have intravenous anti biotics about 5 times a year as oral drugs don't work for one of the bugs I grow, it's called pseudomonus. This is a super bug and once you get it you rarely get rid of it. You just manage it hence that's why I have strong ivs (intravenous anti bio's) this is why I asked you if you knew what bugs you grow. The more info you get the better you can manage it. Some GP's don't know much about it but if you can find a good chest consultant in your area that will help.

      I joined this forum a few weeks ago I've never really bothered with things like this but there were so many interesting people o it with good info I joined it.

      I usually go to Papworth hospital in Cambridge if I'm really poorly (I've just come home from there's after 14 days of treatment ) it's an excellent place for lung conditions. Some of the top consultants are there and they know all there is to know about bronchiectasis so if you do by any chance struggle with things in the future this is the place to go but as it's only mild for you I'm sure it will remain the same.

      Hope this helps ☺

    • pinksnugsy
      pinksnugsy

      Posted

      It's very windy here to! But probably not as bad as up north!

    • david_25160
      david_25160 pinksnugsy

      Posted

      omg you do really get whacked by this illness Kath, 14 days in hospital seems an eternity. I live in a quite remote area and access to good quality care is'nt easy, much travelling involved, but must say my local Gps are extremely caring and helpful, so I am blessed there. biggrin
    • steve62514
      steve62514 pinksnugsy

      Posted

      I also use Papworth Lung Defence unit and agree they are good people there.

      They haven't been able to pinpooint the bugs that get to me yet,despite 15 days in their trying out various IV antibis*, but I'm back again in January for a session with their immunologist, so fingers crossed. I live in Thailand normally and the warm weather here is probably good for my condition, but ewe still obviously have lung infections waiting to bite!

      *I'm pretty much constantly on a prophylactic antibi and even though I'm pretty stable and can live a relatively normal life (but every time I drop the antibis I seemt to pick up an infection pretty quickly, so obviously something is hanging around)

    • pinksnugsy
      pinksnugsy steve62514

      Posted

      That's a shame they haven't been able to see what bug you grow most unusual. I nebulise meropenem an hypertonic saline twice a day...like you if I let the routine slip I can easily slip backwards. It's a pain and I do wish I didn't have a lung condition but I always remind myself it could be a whole lot worse. Hope you get sorted in January. I would love to live in a warm climate! 😆
  • broadsword
    broadsword david_25160

    Posted

    Bad weather need not be a barrier although a warm dry climate suits all chest conditions rather better. It may not be viable to move to a year round mild climate and anywhere in the UK has its bad times.The enemy is infections, rather than the climate, including head colds. Avoiding crowds and good hand hygiene is essential. Avoid door handles and hand holds on public transport and keep an antiseptic gel handy to use every time when you have no choice. I use Vick defence at the first sign of a cold together with copious Barrett's zinc and vit C lozenges. It works for me alongside a prophylactic course of azrythromycin. Miss that coming and pneumonia can become your new friend. The wood burner is not necessarily a bad thing as it gives a really dry heat. 

    Exercise that is moderate is good at any age but avoid any that starts a lot of coughing, such as really cold air. There are plenty of ways to exercise inside in the warm if the weather is bad.

    Always ensure the asthma is well controlled as that might then avoid the need for oral steroids. Take asthma medications without fail even if you think you feel well. It is usual for Ventolin ( salbutamol ) to be used for particular breathlessness and inhaled steroids, such as becotide or seretide to be the regular preventative. If your asthma is well controlled you may not need Ventolin

    These are my opinions based on my experience and professional advice through the years. What works for me may not work for others.

    • david_25160
      david_25160 broadsword

      Posted

      hi, yes I do carry Ventolin as a safety measure, just in case! but morning and night I take a red inhaler, Symbicort, which as a rule seems to do the trick. I have started being rather more sensible when walking the shore in winter by wearing a scarf which I pull over my nose/mouth if the wind is cold. I do have a crosstrainer in my bedroom which is handy if the weather keeps me indoors, and thanks re the woodburner, it works out a very cost effective way to heat the wee house, but if I thought it was damaging my health I would have to reconsider my options cheesygrin
  • cofalot
    cofalot david_25160

    Posted

    Hi David

    I have had bronch since babyhood and asthma more recently.

    Whether your bronch is mild or severe the aim is always the same to keep our lungs as clear as possible of the gunk before it becomes infected.

    Do you have a good respiratory consultant, one who has a special interest in cf/non cf bronchiectasis.  If not let us know a large city you have access to and we may be able to help you.

    The excercise is good for you - you will know yourself how much you can do comfortably.  I always feel better at the coast and I am very envious of you living so close to the sea.

    Personally I wouldn't have a wood burning stove because of the resin which comes off the wood but that's just me.

    Ask any questions which crop up, there will always be someone around to reply.  

    I will put up a link for you but it will be done separately as it takes forever on this site to get a link moderated.

    There are 2 other sites you may find helpful 1. Bronchiectasis R Us and Healthunlocked/British Lung Foundation.

    love cx

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