Bronchiectasis

[Bowcat]

Hi , I have recently been diagnosed with Bronchiectasis and was given Spiriva with a Handihaler on top of taking Fostair 200. The Spiriva has given me such a dry throat and mouth, could anyone give me any suggestions please? I mentioned it to my Dr on Friday but she just said to keep drinking water and if it carries on after 2 more weeks she will try something else but is reluctant to as I ended up in A&E before when she prescribed Montelukast. Also if possible could anyone explain to me what does having Bronchiectasis mean to my life ? As Dr obviously didn't have much time for me or explain anything to me.

Thanks in advance if you message back. 😊

[ALUK_Nurses Partner Administrator ALUK Asthma Nurse]

Hi, please do consider ringing the helpline , we can take the time to explore your diagnosis and help support you. Call us on 0300 2225800 or WhatsApp on 07999 377 775 Monday-Friday 0915-5pm, It may also help you to post on our ' Lung conditions community forum'

[Kevinski65 in reply to ALUK_Nurses]

I had that , seemed to go away on its own.

[Bowcat in reply to Kevinski65]

What the dry mouth and throat? I'm hoping it goes away!

[Kevinski65]

take biotene

[Bowcat]

Thank you, it's horrible feel like I'm choking sometimes 😞

[Bloggs2513]

Hi,

I was diagnosed with bronchiectasis a few years ago, after having asthma for years. I am also on Spiriva. I don’t get the dry mouth thing, which sounds scary for you, but I wonder if it’s because I always brush my teeth and gargle for 30 secs after taking it - this might be pretty basic advice which you might already have had, but just sharing in case not. Re living with bronchiectasis - it’s probably different for everyone, but for me regular exercise is definitely beneficial, as is just pacing myself & knowing when too much is too much. All the best to you.

[Bowcat in reply to Bloggs2513]

I think it's because I tend to have a lot of reactions towards meds, Dr prescribed me Montelukast before Spiriva and ended up in hospital for 13 hours so she's reluctant to try me on anything else but she did say if I'm still the same after Xmas, she will have to try me on something else. But thanks for your response I am willing to try anything.

[Patk1]

With bronchiectasis,most of us produce mucous which needs to come up.so it's giving,for example,15-20mins cpl times a day to lung clearance techniques ( see aluk website for advice+ videos).you'll feel better for it& it is the mainstay of bronch self care

[Bowcat in reply to Patk1]

Thank you