I have bronchiectasis often with pseudomonas and suffer increasing nasty lung infections. Can this be due to reduced immune system?

[furmeyer8]

I read on an american site that this is possible but is it OTT like many american reactions to things? But if possible, is there any help with a reduced immune system anyway?

[suspan]

Hi I have bronchiectasis as well and have one infection after another requirring antibiotics and steroids ( I also have asthma) and a nebuliser to clear my chest.

I take high dose of vit c 1000mg and zinc - I prefer the drink version - and echinacea. I have heard acidophylis- sorry cant spell it! can help your 'inner flora' when you have to take lots of antibiotics. I need to get off my bum and go to the health shop and get me some!

All these things cost money but I wouldnt be without them. The consultant put me on low dose clarithromycin but after several months-which did seem to stave off the bugs I had a glorious 6 months no infections but I developed a problem with it so he took them off me and since then Ive had 3 major infections from beginning of this year needing double lots of antibiotics and steroids. I hate going on them but what can you do??? Take care keep smilin

[Hidden]

I have bronchiectasis too. I have Azithromycin anti biotics 3 days a week during the winter, normally (oct to March ) then stop this usually works well, this year however i stopped in March and felt awful one infection after another and always breathless, so consultant has put me back on them until mid June He thinks it is because we have not had any summer weather yet so has extended them this time. I do know of some people that are on them full time though.have heard a lot of people say they had side effects from clarithomycin, I was given an anti biotic when I was rushed into hospital with a flare up and was very sick they changed it and I was O K not sure but I think that could have been clarithomycin. Best wishes Julie

[Hidden]

Hi , Yep Infections Are Part Of Bronchiectasis Need To Take Vitamin B12 Every Other Day Since I Have Been Taking It I Have Not Had Bad Infections And Had Bit More Energy

Like You Say Immune System Plays A Part And Something Happens When You Have Lung Condition ... Something To Do With B12 And Or Lack Of Body Has Difficulty Processing It From Your Food Thus Lungs Are Left Exposed To Damage

B12 Will Do You More Good Than Harm .... As To Be Just B12 Not That Daft B12 Complex

All The Best Hope That Helps

[peege in reply to Hidden]

Ah Daz, you've mentioned B12 several times. Now intrigued so I'll give them a go. Are they easy to get hold of?

[Hidden in reply to peege]

Yep .... In My Case Don;t Have Much To Lose ... But I Have Asked My Gp And Lung Doc First And If It Will React With Any Other Meds I Take But Would Recommend Always Asking You Doc Tho

In My Case Was Intrigued And They Said Be Fine But Was Defo Interested .... I Take Them Every Other Day One A Day Was Tad Much

Was Sick Of Getting Lung Infections Even Tho A Eat Healthy ... Well Apart From Odd Fag And Cake .... Do Seem To Have Tad More Energy

[peege in reply to Hidden]

Just to save me going on a search - can you get them over the counter?

I'm fighting off something at the mo, knocking back the vit C and Echinacea .

Thanks Daz

[Hidden in reply to peege]

Yes You Can ...

Cheers All The Best

[peege in reply to Hidden]

OK, got me some of those there B12 - I should have asked you the optimum dose. I got 100 'ug' whatever that is and can take 1 to 5 per day.. I feel better already!

[Hidden in reply to peege]

I Only Take One Pill Every Other Day As One Every Other Day Is Tad Better Than None ... Thats All I Would Recommend You Do

1 to 5 A Day Nar None Of That ... Don't Want A Be Taking Any More Than One Pill Every Other Day ... See How You Go On

All The Best

[Hidden]

I too take azithromycin. I also have no immune system as I take immunosuppressants. For this reason I think I wouldn't be without my 3 pills a week. They've made a huge difference. So in answer to your question, it may be but I'd speak to your doc.

Marie

[Hidden]

I have all the comments interesting. I have bronch. + asthma. I wonder about my immune system but think it can be chronic. I have blamed the pollen count. I am finishing yet another course of antibs. Might try vit.B12 as daz says. Already on the echinacea!

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Was Ay Lung Hospital Myself ... Told Them I Was On Them Very Interested

Nothing Negative ... Never To Late Anniseed

[Hidden]

I also meant to mention that I also have to take 5g steroids daily for the rest of my life, as my immune system is not working correctly due to taking steroids . They can affect the Adrenal glands, and in my case they did and the result is a weak immune system and inability to fight infections .I then have to increase to 30 0r 40 when I do get infection. If you have had a ..lot of steroids it may be worth getting consultant to check out your adrenal gland function. I now have less infections. The symptoms are reduced immunity fatigue muscle aches and pain and difficulty coping with stress. Best wishes Julie x x

[young_one]

Hiya

When I was seen by the cons in jan with constant chest infections he tested for everything including immune system disorders. Bronchiectasis can be linked with other diseases either immune or inflamatory. I'm guessing that you have been tested for other problems but want to be healthier and look after yourself more to reduce infections.

Since i was diagnosed with mild asthma and Bronc in Jan I have started taking holland and barratt tonic, probiotics and I make sure I'm always warm, avoid people with coughs and colds, try not to go mad and spring clean the house top to bottom and generally am aware I could get an inf at any time.

Since doing this I had a record 10 weeks without an infection!!