Copd and bronchiectasis

[Dazzler142]

Hi there,

I have bronchiectasis,

My mum has copd

I just had a mitral valve replacement so have not been attending hospital appts with my mum

This week my mum was told copd and bronchiectasis are the same??

I was never told this info

[Maureenclayton]

No I thought that one was related to smoking (copd) and the other was viral. So your not alone there. I think I was ask more when I go to see my specialist on the 5th October, see what I'm told the . I'll share information. Hope. Org you and your mother are comfortable today. My chest was really playing up last night I was on the nebuliser three times during the night. Xx

[Maureenclayton in reply to Maureenclayton]

Sorry about spelling I'm so tired today. Xx

[Dazzler142 in reply to Maureenclayton]

Thank you.

Hope you get some sleep x

[stone-UK]

Hi

Incorrect, bronchiectasis is a total different condition and requires specialists consultant to diagnosis and treatment.

COPD is umbrella term for emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

From reading members post chronic bronchitis and bronchiectasis are often confused as being the same condition which is also incorrect.

[Hidden in reply to stone-UK]

good reply Stone.

[Maureenclayton in reply to stone-UK]

Hi Stone, yes I haven't been at all sure about my condition, I only thought I had one damaged lung for four years, no doctor has mentioned bronchiectasis till my other lung has been damaged through lots of infections recently, according to the CT scan and x Ray but my doctor seamed to think I knew, or had been told. I told him that nothing had been explained about anything and that the only specialist I have seen over the last four years was for asthma, and so he has referred me himself immediately. I see specialist on the 5th October, also been referred to physiotherapist about exercises regarding mucus etc. Trouble is this last infection went on for ten weeks, first it was treated by a doctor I had never seen before who said it was anxiety, then eventually after a couple of weeks in I was given antibiotics and steroids which according to the doctor who referred me was useless for my condition, amoxacilin for one week, then the same again a further three times plus more steroids, till my regular doctor actually phoned me and told me to collect a different one, can't remember the name now but it was for two weeks instead of one, but it wasn't till on holiday recently I ended up in hospital that I was eventually given stronger antibiotic again and more steroids that I started to feel better, I've kept the boxes to show my doctor what I was given but to be honest I've only finished taking them just over a week ago and already my chest feels so tight and I feel I'm having trouble breathing once again that I think it's all going to start over. On nebuliser with the ventalin and some other liquid what dries the mucus up. Before I ran out of that I ordered more and today there was confusion at the chemist who insisted I was given this prescription days ago, long story short I insisted that they were wrong and sure enough they phoned me at 5.50 this evening to say sorry it hadn't been filed under my surname. So I have to collect tomorrow instead, honestly man I just prey I'm not to bad tonight like I was last night cos I've only got a couple left. If I am though my daughter said she will just phone an ambulance, it's been mad how things have gone wrong. I know there's a lot of people a lot worse off than me and had it for a lot longer, but this pain across my chest is unbearable sometimes, on top of the fibro I just keep thinking is things ever going to be even a little bit better than this or is this me for ever now. Sorry for going on but I'm really worn out. I can honestly say that after reading other people's problems though I don't feel isolated like i did before I joined, so thanks for everyone's support. I'm trying to read through everyone's troubles when I get the chance. Please take care. Xxxx

[Hidden]

No they aren't the same. emphysema and Chronic Bronchitis are COPD and are generally caused by an irritant like smoke or other noxious substance. This involves mostly inflammation and narrowing of the airways with occasional infections due to susceptibility.There are others on here who know far more about COPD than I do because they live with it.

Bronchiectasis is damage to the airways and lung sacs caused usually by some sort of infection trauma. (pneumonia, badly treated infections) This leaves them floppy. Fluid collects in there and becomes infected. The concentration in bronch is to keep infection to a minimum by emptying the lungs of fluid every day and having appropriate antibiotic treatment in a high enough dose, by a suitable delivery system ( oral, IV or nebulised) for a long enough period.

As you and your Mum both have problems have you been tested for the genetic condition A1A deficiency?

I hope that helps.

[Dazzler142 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you very much littlepom,

I will show my mum this reply as it has brought debate and doubt back.

It took me years to be diagnosed with bronchiectasis.. so many infections later i took this revelation from my mums respiratory nurse that they were the same quite badly.

It shows unless you are at a specialised hospital they really are not giving patients the correct info.

I am a alpha 1 carrier of 1 gene only,

I Have mentioned it to my mums nurse but she was not really interested but i assume my mother or father is the carrier if i have 1 gene?

Thanks

jenny x

[Hidden in reply to Dazzler142]

Hi Jenny, I'm afraid that most respiratory nurses are not interested in bronchiectasis because they can't even say it. They aren't trained in its management because the government emphasis has been on a national programme for COPD. Very political. We bronchs have to learn as much as we can and be virolent in our own interests. 64 years of bronch has taught me that. I don't know much about A1A as I don't have it but I was a patient advocate for one of the A1A drug trials.It was just a lucky guess with you because your Mum has lung problems.

I hope that you are under the care of an expert in bronch. Most general respiratory consultants know about as much about bronch as GPs do and can treat you as though you have COPD. It is very different and intensive management on the part of the patient and the consultant together which gets control of it. I only use my GP to access any oral antibiotics that I need. If you do not have a consultant who is a bronch expert find one near to you on the internet. They are usually at big teaching hospitals. Take the name to your GP and don't leave until you get the referral.

It beggars belief how much ignorance there is amongst the medical population about this condition. It is no wonder that I read so much confusion amongst members on this site.

Good luck. Ihope that helps a bit.