Bronchiectasis. Other connected mild conditions. When I first saw the consultant after 2 years misdiagnosis, he said nasal drip, allergies.

and acid reflux (I am sure the last is from all the medication), but now the bronchiectasis is getting worse so are the allergies. (coughing is bad enough but constant sneezing is a pain). Does anyone else find these condtions getting worse at same time. Also does nasal drip go down into your lungs?

[ptliverpool]

I think these 3 things are definitely related. Nearly everyone who has Bronchiectasis as post nasal drip and reflux.

I have had the Drip and reflux for years, but only got diagnosed with Bronch in April. (Maybe I had all 3 for years) They always put coughing and shortness of breath down to smoking of course. I do find that if one gets worse then they all seem to. I also use Nasonex when needed but try to manage the reflux with diet and gaviscon.

[happyfeet59 in reply to ptliverpool]

I have had bronch for over 60 years and have never (touch wood!) had acid reflux and only recently had problems with pnd. I have never smoked so drs can't say thats my problem! I still get asked EVERY time whether I smoke or have ever smoked!

Only recently had an allergic reaction to one drug but not sure which - think its a heart med.

[Hidden in reply to happyfeet59]

Hi happyfeet59 (should not that be happyfeel?) Thanks. You have cheered me up - not that I wish anybody to have it 60 years but you are probably an example to all of us. I am just grumpy and mizzy today, still baking to do, the ironing up to the ceiling so had better get off this laptop. This new website muddles me. I tried to wish happy Christmas to blf but sent it to myself on the health unlocked!!!!! Happy Christmas Katie

[Hidden in reply to ptliverpool]

Hi ptliverpool. You probably did have all 3. If I, had been sent for a cat scan instead of being diagnosed with late onset asthma for 2 years there would be less lung damage. Red apples vry good for acid reflux. Happy Christmas Katie.

[cofdrop-UK in reply to Hidden]

happyfeet - Because we have both had bronch for many years neither of us have smoked, but because of the times we lived through we have smoked plenty of other folks smoke passively, mores the pity.

Katie - Agree apples are very good for acid reflux. Not sure if the same applies if they are cooked, are you?

cx

[Hidden in reply to cofdrop-UK]

Definitely red and raw (I cut them up now broke a front crown the other week. Expensive mistake. K

[cofdrop-UK in reply to Hidden]

Ouch! cx

[happyfeet59 in reply to cofdrop-UK]

Sad but true cofdrop. I spent my mispent youth hanging around with smokers, including many in my own family. They will have done untold damage to my lungs but, well, in those days we didn't realise just how harmful cigarette smoke was as a passive smoker - and so many people smoked that no-one thought about it. I didn't make the connection myself till much later - even worked in a pub for a time!

[cofdrop-UK in reply to happyfeet59]

Snap so did I. Worked full time, had a Saturday job and worked in a pub Sat and Sun to save for holiday. To be honest it really wouldn't have mattered where we worked because there was smoke everywhere, that or the thick fogs we had. I used to go to a seedy club based on the Cavern and the smell of pot hit you when you opened the door. Swinging sixties and not one person offered me any - think it's because they never saw me smoke. If only we knew what we know now - would we do it again!!!!!!!!

cx

[happyfeet59 in reply to cofdrop-UK]

So true cofdrop. I even chose to work in a pub some evenings to get more cash - now that was smokey! But no-one ie doctors never told me how much damage smoke would do (or maybe I never listened!). All the young people I know don't smoke. If my oxygen cannula doesn't make them think twice - nothing will. Then again, I didn't smoke and my sister who did is walking miles every day!!! Life's a ******!

Talking of the sixties and drugs. When I was a naive 17yr old student in the city from the country I went to a party in a flat. In one roon people were sitting on the floor in a circle. Feeling weary I sat down. When a 'cigarette' was passed round I said "no thank you. I don't smoke"!!!!! My friend hauled me out pdq!!!! I had no idea - but I did learn to recognise the smell!

[ptliverpool in reply to Hidden]

Must admit never tried red apples for reflux will give it a try. I find not eating anything spicy or acidic is the best.

Seems not everyone suffers with these things,would be interesting to find out what the proportion is though.

[Hidden in reply to ptliverpool]

found the red apples tip (uncooked and definitely red) on a bronch web site K

[Hidden]

Hi Flibberti, Thanks for the info - very useful re the resp system. I am on Nasonex and Lanzaprazole, also eat red apples as they really help acid reflux. I think I am lucky compared to you and lots of others. I think I am not very good at putting my health first re meds everything. The physio I do try to do, have just got flutter which helps as I find, like everybody else, it exhausting. I shall start tomorrow as with a long journey I would put off physio until arrival. At the very least puff the pipe!!! Hope you have a healthy Christmas. Love Katie

[cofdrop-UK]

Hi Katie

Yes they do all go together. Flibs first paragraph applies to me also.

I was dx in 1948 and I think the amount of drugs over the years have taken a toll. I used to be able to take most abs, although in the early days there really wasn't much in the way of medication. The emphasis has always been and still is physio physio and more physio. I am colonised with haemophilus. I take Nexium, although I wish I did not need to take a ppi, but needs must. A lot of folks I know use Neil Med sinus rinse.

I hope you have a good respiratory consultant Katie.

Love cx

[Hidden in reply to cofdrop-UK]

Hi cofdrop I am not under a consultant (do not want to be under our local one he is a cold ####) Have to go to hospital for other things and that is enough. I might be at the stage where I will need to but am going to hav e chat with my GP (he is helpful, jovial and sees me as a human being) As I hav e said before I am going to have to take more care. Think I have been in denial. Love Katie

[cofdrop-UK in reply to Hidden]

Katie hun I don't want this to be preachy and it is coming from a good place.

Whether someone's bronchiectasis is mild or severe it is essential to have a good respiratory consultant, one who specialises in cystic fibrosis/bronchiectasis. You don't have to go to the local one you dislike. If you tell us a large city you can get to easily we may be able to come up with a good consultant.

Most of us have to go to numerous consultants for various stuff unfortunately. I don't feel you can afford to be denial re bronch.

As I say this is coming from a good place.

love cx

[Hidden in reply to cofdrop-UK]

I live in Hereford so Worcester or Shrewsbury would be good. I take on board what you say. I just hate talking illness - I think you have to think of the people around you. I know my husband's life has been affected. Good job age is slowing him down as I could never keep up with him Love K

[happyfeet59 in reply to Hidden]

Cofdrop is right. It is soooo important that you get the best advice and support as early as possible. and you NEED to do your physio regularly.

I was lucky to have excellent consultants right from the start. My childhood consultant was a specialist in bronch and gave my mum the best advice.

I didn't always do my physio as regularly as I should and now I am suffering the consequences.I rarely talk 'illness' with family and friends but i DO speak bronch with my consultant.

You can ask your GP for a referral to a bronch specialist. I go to one at the new QE hops in Birmingham and find her very thorough.

[Hidden in reply to happyfeet59]

Thanks for the info. Happy and healthy New Year Katie

[cofdrop-UK]

Looks like Birmingham is your nearest adult cf centre - Heartlands Hospital or as you have a good recommendation from happyfeet.

good luck cx

[Hidden in reply to cofdrop-UK]

I shall talk to GP in New Year as above Happy New Year. Kate

[Maximonkey]

Hi Katie, I know just how you feel, I have suffered from allergic rhinitis all my life (you should be on antihistamine for this, ask your GP) and now I have Bronchiectasis. I suffered for months, one antibiotic after another and finally I saw a consultant who didn't know what was wrong with me either. Then the tests started and eventually after 2 years of infections and pneumonias the diagnosis came. I am now on Azithrimycin 3 times weekly and touch wood, it works for me. Go back to your GP and ask for help and tell him/her you cannot go on this way any longer. Good luck and don't delay, you do not have to suffer this way. Try to have a good Christmas and New Year, I know it is difficult but put on a brave face for your loved ones. Maximonkey

[monkey65 in reply to Maximonkey]

Katie- your situation sounds exactly like mine- many years of asthma and allergic rhinitis, then more than 2years of a cough that wouldn't go away and a diagnosis of acid reflux, post nasal drip etc.. and more medicines that didn't work. It was only when a young locum at my GP surgery referred me to a consultant I finally got a proper bronchiectasis diagnosis, and an azithromycin prescription. This seems to have improved the rhinitis as well, and I am now better than I have been in years. Happy Christmas!

[Hidden in reply to monkey65]

I am getting my monkeys mixed up. Reply re anti-histamines was to Maximonkey but seems to have gone in wrong order and I have not even had a drink! Yes monkey65, sounds very similar . Luckily, I do not have asthma altho GP says I am borderline just my yoga breathing has helped. We are dependent on being lucky with the GP we see. Glad you are feeling better. I think I am just going thru a mental bad patch. There is only one from down and that's up. Hope you carry on feeling better. K

[Hidden in reply to Maximonkey]

Yes am on anti-histamines tabs, but did not realise that these do not help streaming eyes, so occasionally have anti-histamine eye drops. I do find I can manage without sometimes. Had a quiet but enjoyable Christmas as unusually I wasn't the one in the kitchen!!!!!!!!!! Happy New Year. K

[Maximonkey in reply to Hidden]

Hi Katie, glad you had an enjoyable Christmas. Me too. As for the eye problem I too am suffering at the moment, went to see the doc before Christmas and mention my eyes were sore and gritty she increased the antihistamine tabs but the soreness came back yesterday. I am back on the artificial tear drops. These seem to help, have a try they are not expensive. My eye problem could be allergy related or just side effects from the tablets I am taking, most of my tabs say sore eyes and dry skin are a side effect. Anyway Happy New Year and lets hope we are all better in the New Year. Maximonkey

[Hidden in reply to Maximonkey]

Hi Maximonkey Will keep this short Anti-histamine tablets make no difference to allergic eye symptoms. I use dry eye drops but my GP is experimenting with different anti-histamine eye drops for me. Go back to your GP, Happy New Year. love Katie

[Maximonkey in reply to Hidden]

Hi Katie, thanks for that info. Happy New Year to you too. Take care Maximonkey

[Hidden]

I also have bronchiectasis, and would have nasal drip if it wasn't for the fact that I also have Sjogren's Syndrome, so my nose gets blocked by dry crusty yuk instead of runny yuk. This sticks at the back of my throat and chokes me. My acid reflux is dreadful, even sips of water cause me pain. I use Beconase nasal spray, which helps a bit, and take mucodyne to try to keep my sputum runny. I was also treated for asthma for 3 years before a ct scan showed bronchiectasis.

Kath

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

You certainly seem to b e unlucky. Red skinned apples do bring acidity down but , of course, the more medication we take the worse the acid reflux is. This horrid damp weather certainly does not help with Bronchiectasis. Take care K

[Kissi]

.Hello everyone, I see you all have bronchiectasis as I do and was wondering if any of you have this awful heavy feeling where your lungs are, mine feel like weights. I also have pain in both lungs continually. I find this strange as I've just spent 10 days on IV ab's which has cleared up my lung infection any ideas? Kissi x

[Steph57]

Hi kissi I get pain in my lungs when I'm bad have you told your doctor?

[peege]

Hi there, just to let you know you're thought about! xxxx big hugs

[birdy53]

Have been told I have brontiectasis after checkups as use methotrexate - however my ra consultant asks if I have been referred then does nothing , then my gp says the hosp is dealing with it. He suggested I spoke to the ra nurse she said ask your gp or mention it at new year when I see ra consultant again - meanwhile last night I had horrendous reflux and was quite scared I was going to choke.

[Hidden in reply to birdy53]

Birdy53, I take Lansoprazole twice a day (prescription). Remegel over the counter and eat at least two red apples a day (I take have one on bedside table as the acid reflux seems to be worse at night). This all helps. Choking feeling very frightening I know. I have to sleep nearly flat because of neck problems but have you tried more pillows that might help. You seem to have had bad luck with the consultant, but, I think this is getting more common. What is a RA consultant? Also I have never heard of methotrexate. I would go back to your GP. Hope things improve soon. Love KatieJJ

[birdy53]

rheumatoid arthritis - methotrexate is the usual prescription started on tabs now inject every week. it was when they were checking for probs with methotrexate they diagnosed my bronchieltasis. still sat up at 2.37a.m. as reflux felt bad.