Physio in Bronchiectasis

[Eileen_donaghy]

Hi everyone. I have recently been diagnosed with Bronchiectasis. I have read up a bit and physiotherapy is mentioned Anyone had this and exactly what does it entail I'm still waiting on my next app at Respiratory as Azithromicin 250 is not doing the job Thanks all

[Hidden]

Hi Eileen, the principle role of physiotherapy in Bronchiectasis, is in clearing sputum from your lungs. As you know, people with Bronchiectasis have a lot of thick, sticky mucous in their airways, that will become infected if it's not removed. Chest physio is a huge help in clearing your lungs and the good thing is, that once you've been trained to do it by a physiotherapist, you can carry on with it at home.

Most of the techniques involve the active cycle of breathing. Breathing in, holding your breath, huffing and letting it out slowly. This usually makes you cough and gets the sputum up.

There are also various devices that you can use, such as a Flutter, Acapella etc. You blow into these ( following the instructions) and they also stimulate the urge to cough and clear out mucous.

Sometimes it's really easy to cough up sputum and sometimes it's very difficult. When it's difficult the physio techniques for drainage will be particularly helpful.

So it's all about clearing the lungs of secretions and doing it regularly to avoid sputum becoming infected.

Ask your doctor to refer you for chest physio and you will be taught all the necessary techniques for clearing your lungs.

[Eileen_donaghy in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Jenna Trying to get my next app at respiratory is a joke I'll certainly go down that road It's been very interesting reading about all the different symptoms. I was diagnosed with mild Asthma about 5 years ago but have had this problem all my life I just knew that the diagnosis wasn't quite right and it took a scan last year to confirm that. X

[O2Trees]

Make sure you drink enough Eileen - that will keep the sputum less sticky and easier to get rid of. Welcome to the forum

[Eileen_donaghy in reply to O2Trees]

Thank you Yes I should drink more. I find milk makes the mucus worse X

[cofdrop-UK]

Hi Eileen and a very warm welcome.

I hope you find this link helpful. I think it is the best info available at present.

chss.org.uk/documents/2013/...

Love cx

[Eileen_donaghy in reply to cofdrop-UK]

Thank you. I'll have a look at that. X

[MoyB in reply to cofdrop-UK]

This looks excellent.