Does anybody out there have a child with bronchitasis? My girl who is three has just been diagnosed with this and was looking for some info.

[Loripie]

[Toci]

Sorry, this is not in my range of experience. Others will try and help though and you can always ring the BLF for advice and information. 03000030555, Mon - Fri, 9 until 5.

[Loripie in reply to Toci]

Thank you for your reply. It's much helpful.

[Hidden]

Hi i have bronchitasis and have read quite a bit on it .... Am no expert but it is not unusual to have a child born with bronchitasis ... Think its something to do with under developmean of the lungs ... From what i can rember its more a premature baby thing but not 100% as other poster says give BLF call or email

Wishing you both well all the best

[Loripie in reply to Hidden]

Thank you.

[Mocarey]

If you log on to bronchiectasis r us.co.uk there are a couple of members who have kids with bronch.

[Loripie in reply to Mocarey]

Thank you.

[cofdrop-UK]

Hi Loripie

I am sorry to hear your little girl has bronchiectasis but she is very lucky to have a very proactive and loving mum like you. I've had bronch since I was a baby and I was lucky enough to have a wonderful mum like your little girl has. I am 65 now so although my experiences in some ways would have been very similar to your little girls, things have moved on so much. The tests and treatment have improved and will continue to do so in your daughter's lifetime.

I hope your little girl has a respiratory paediatrician with a secial interest in cf/bronchiectasis and you have been taught mucus clearance.

She will benefit from lots of excercise - playing, trampoline, blowing bubbles etc.

You will get lots of helpful advice from BLF - please have a chat with them - they know their stuff.

As Mo says there are a few mum's of little bronchs on bronchiectasis r us and I am sure they will be more than happy to chat to you. I don't know of any sites specifically for the parents of non cf bronchi littlies, but the BRUS mums will, I am sure, be there for you.

Please don't hesitate to ask any specific questions you have.

Love to you and your little girl.

love cx

[Loripie in reply to cofdrop-UK]

Thanks very much for your reply.

[quebec]

Hi Loripie, my heart went out to you when I read your post as my 9yr old daughter also has non cf bronchiectasis. She's had lung probs since birth but wasn't diagnosed with this until 2 yrs ago. Although it's hard to be told your little one has this condition, there is a lot you can do to help her stay healthy and enjoy life. The key things are to keep the mucus moving ((physio and activity), stamp on any infections ASAP with antibiotics (a good GP and a paediatric respiratory consultant with cf specialism is a godsend), and support her immune system (flu jab, healthy diet with lots of fresh fruit and veg). Maddy is a lot better now we know how to manage things, and says doing bubble physio is fun, and also dancing (especially street dance and Zumba, but anything that makes you a little breathless will do the job). I'm happy to chat if you like.

Best wishes

[cofdrop-UK in reply to quebec]

Brilliant positive post quebec. Sorry it took so long for the dx but you sure have things sorted bubble pep looks fun and cheap - might have a go myself!

Love to you and Maddy

cx

[Loripie in reply to quebec]

Hi thank you. She has been in and out of hospital since she was six months, this last year she has not stayed out of hospital anymore than five weeks, we thought she would have got a break after her diagnoses but since then she was in again. She is on azythromicin 3 times a week as well as flixotide 2 puffs in morn and night she has physio twice a day and is a very active wee girl considering. How was your wee girl does it get better as they get bigger. Is there any other benefits u get aswell? Sorry for asking so many questions but her consultant ain't giving us much all he keeps telling us is that she does need a 6months break Which I no will never happen.

[quebec]

It is a challenge, especially when they're in the middle of an infection and it feels like it's never going to be any different. It does get easier as they get older in the sense that the airways get bigger and so easier to clear, but it's a slow process. My friend has a teenage lad with this condition and he's just had 12 months infection free. Maddy's not at that point yet- she's coming down with something as we speak- but she's had more growth and less infections since we learnt how to manage it. Bronchiectasis is a feedback thing. The lungs get infected, that gets them inflamed, that damages the lining and affects the lung's defences, which then makes it easier for another infection to get in. The physio and antibiotics etc interrupt the cycle and allow the lungs to repair, but it takes a while to see the effect. Stay with it, it will help, and as your daughter is little, her lungs will still be growing. We avoid smoke or dusty places with Maddy, and now have no pets to avoid fur and feathers, and that has helped her a bit. She also likes being near the sea, it helps loosen the gunk I think. and sunshine makes a difference too - she's had a better run this summer than the last few wet years. I don't know about the benefits thing- BLF may be able to help you with that one. Main thing is, you're doing the right things, hang on in there.