Bronchiectasis

[Elkeburr]

Having a exacerbation when should I take my emergency antibiotics? Suggestions wellcome.

[diesel12]

if you are short of breath go with the steroids and if you are coughing up muck do the antibiotics NOW! xxx

[Toci]

Exacerbations are better treated sooner rather than later - clobber it!

[Hidden]

As soonas you see the change and feel unwell.

[Pentreath Volunteer]

Agree with the above and would add to take (or get someone to take it for you) a sputum sample to your GP surgery so that the precise antibiotic can be prescribed. Amoxicillin is a good starter but will not bang all bugs on the head. My surgery also asks me to call in so that they can listen to my chest so they can monitor how each exacerbation sounds - guess they are extra thorough. When I first had bronch I did find it difficult to assess whether I should take the emergency meds or not but it gets easier as time goes on.

[Elkeburr]

This is exactly my problem. The thought to take my strong antibiotics which make me feel quite unwell fills me with horror.

[nanniespy]

This also my problem. Diagnosed two years ago, having asthma and bronchiectasis I worry that medication for one works against the other. I have Doxycycline emergency pack, never sure when to start using it, because like most of us I try to carry on. My husband usually seems to know better than me and tells me to take it. I don't think I want to acknowledge that I'm getting worse. It is a worry but hope it gets easier for you as time goes by.

[CLIVEANDANDREA]

I have currently got the same dilemma! I started a bad cold (about 4 days ago) and thought I had avoided needing anything. just took it easy, lots of liquid and paracetamol and went to bed early. Things have improved, still a bit bunged up and chockey, but felt I was on the mend. Went to bed last night and started wheezing and coughing. went for a tea at about 3am and have started coughing up green gunk, but can still breath ok. got a sore throat from coughing, but don't want to take the meds unless necessary, I don't know if I am just being a woos and its a cold or just stupid and should take the meds? I have Bronch but do a lot of cycling (about 100miles a week). I count myself pretty lucky.