Diagnosed with bronchiectasis last week and not really sure what this is going to mean for my life. I've had asthma since childhood (well controlled for years) but this is different.
My home grown diagnosis was "my lungs make gunk" and my best home grown treatment was "run every day until I cough, to get rid of it". This seems pretty accurate so far. I'm waiting for a physio appointment, and trying carbocisteine to see if it helps.
Is there anything else I should be doing?
Thanks for being here and reading this. Grateful to know I'm not alone.
Rachel
Written by
GhostlyDinosaur
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Hi Rachel and welcome to the forum. We have a number of 'bronchs' on here who have a wealth of experience and I am sure they will be along with suggestions when they see your post.
I too have asthma and bronchiectasis. The bronchiectasis was diagnosed 10 years ago. I take Symbicort, Salbutamol, steroid nasal spray, Carbocisteine, Cetirizine and Azithromycin. About 5 years ago my Consultant prescribed me Azithromycin 3 times a week. I usually have 3 infections a year. The Carbocisteine helps thin the mucous and so does keeping well hydrated.
I have got used to the Azithromycin as long as it is taken with food. I asked if I could have a break and came off it in June but to start again in November.
Exercise is a great help, so you are doing the right thing. I have always kept active which I know has kept me well. I avoid anything fragranced and try to avoid traffic fumes as these are a trigger. The physio will probably show you the active cycle of breathing which is really helpful in clearing the phlegm. I also do some postural clearance. I'm sure you'll be fine and although I've only recently joined HealthUnlocked its good to know that everyone is very supportive.
I'm 65 and apparently the lung damage was from my breech (footling) birth, and I had whooping cough at 6 months old causing more damage. Fortunately I have never smoked and feel good for my age. Positive thinking also helps.
Thanks for sharing these details with me. I think it's helpful for me to see the details of other people's experiences so I have an idea of the range of possibilities for my future, and what to do about it. (I'm also aware that nothing is really predictable here and I need not to try.)
You have reminded me to add Salbutamol to my list of treatments, which feels so familiar and obvious I just forgot to mention it!
I'm looking forward to starting physio, and yes I also find a positive attitude very helpful.
Thanks for the welcome and advice - much appreciated.
I have a 7 day stash of antibiotics which my GP gave me earlier this year, when they thought I had CoPD - I'm hoping that the consultant will prescribe me a 14 day stash next time I see him.
I worry that I've lost my ability to recognise when I'm getting an infection, because I now ongoingly have the symptoms that helped me identify infections in the past. I'm getting to know my 'new' lungs now though, so I guess it'll become easier to tell again.
I think dazzier 142 has summed it up perfectly. Take your Meds, keep your lungs as clear as you can and take your emergency antibiotics first sign of infection. You sound very active which is great. I don't run but I walk and swim which I find help.
When you are poorly rest and be kind to yourself. You take care x x x
Hi Rachel, running is good and will keep you fit, it is the end product that 's not so good. I too use Carbocisteine but also have a very small tube that I use before my inhalers & Carbocisteine. It induces coughing to bring up the "gunk" How or why it works I've no idea but it does, may make the running more enjoyable. This little tube is made by Clement Clarke International. It's a one way gadget that allows only breath out, acts like a non return valve but works wonders. Look it up & maybe give it a try. Good luck with physio.
Thanks Keith. I asked someone in the hospital about whether such a device existed, and she said I may be given one by the physio when I see them. There seem to be various different sorts. I'll wait and see what happens...
GD, there are a number available. I can attest, however, that Aerobika works very, very well. As much as anything else, the aerobika use was instrumental in my finally getting released from hospital after 1 1/2 weeks. Best Regards, judg69
Thank you, that looks interesting. I guess to start with I'll go with what the physio says, and then take it from there. But it's good knowing what's available, and how they're working for people.
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Newly diagnosed
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