Wondering about Bronchiectasis

[WindsweptRissa]

Hi, (apologies if some of this is a bit ‘too much information’)

I’ve had asthma since I was a small child. My asthma initially improved in adulthood, although never went away, but worsened again a few years ago (I’m now 45). Since it started to worsen (after a couple of acute exacerbations caused by colds) I have developed a productive cough. When I cough I sound like a life long smoker but I have never smoked in my life). Sometimes I swallow what I cough and other times it comes up properly and it’s quiet sticky, usually creamy to pale yellow, but sometimes green with a horrid taste (usually if I’m not feeling well). Not sure how much I produce as I only tend to cough up the large lumps, but maybe just a teaspoon or two, and more if if I’m not well. I asked to be checked for COPD a couple of years ago as my mother has COPD from lifelong asthma. I had an X-ray and spirometry which both came back normal so that was dismissed and also had a blood test for aspergillosis, which came back negative. So I’ve just been putting up with it. But now I’m wondering whether it could possibly be Bronchiectasis. I’m a bit worried about coming across as a hypochondriac, but wondering whether I should mention it to my G.P. And ask for a referral or a CT scan. Usually my cough doesn’t get in the way of me doing things, it’s more of an annoyance and embarrassing (hate it when people wince when I cough and it often happens when I’m laughing, so often when I’m with other people). Does anyone here with Bronchiectasis recognise these symptoms in themselves and think it worth pursuing it with the doctor

Many Thanks

EDIT I should have added that my asthma is now better controlled after the initial worsening as my medication was increased.

[Hidden]

Hi WindsweptRissa. Yes I do recognise what you are experiencing and you need to get in control of it now. There is no point to you asking your GP for a ct scan. GPs don’t know what to do with bronchiectasis and even experienced tecnitians make mistakes when reading them. You need to see a respiratory consultant who also specialises in bronchiectasis. They are the experts in reading scans and putting together all of the symptoms. Only a bronch specialist can tell you whether that is what you have or not. They are usually at large teaching hospitals and you can find one in your area on the internet.

Take the name to your GP and insist on a referral. Do not take no for an answer.

The specialist will be able to diagnose you properly. If you have not developed bronchiectasis they should be able to tell you what it is and if you have bronchiectasis they will advise you and your GP in how to go forward with treatments and self management. You should get advice from their clinic physio in techniques to get the gunk out of your lungs.

Whilst you are doing this start looking after yourself. Whatever is in your lungs needs to come out- all of it every day. Bacteria in the fluid in there multiplies and that is what turns your sputum nasty. You need to spend time each day loosening the sputum ( there are breathing techniques for this and devices which you can blow into).

This is not a condition to be scared of ( I have lived with it for 65 years) and it can develop after lifelong asthma but I cannot stress too much how important it is that you get a proper diagnosis, learn all you can about it and get in control of your treatment and your management of it.

Good luck and well done for finding us and describing your problems very accurately

[WindsweptRissa in reply to Hidden]

Hi, Thanks for your reply. I will take this up with my doctor. According to the NICE guidelines (I had a look last night) Bronchiectasis should be suspected in any adult with a chronic productive cough, especially if they have never smoked, and that diagnosis should be done by a specialist. so I will quote that if I have any problems with the G.P.

[Hidden in reply to WindsweptRissa]

Jolly good WindsweptRissa. You seem on top of it and armed with the guidelines your GP ahould see that you mean business. If they still play up you can always start the complaints process but I hope that your GP proves to be cooperative. It always helps if they are on your side. Good luck.

[ericwood992]

Hello W............,

I had exactly the same asthma from birth, relief at 18 until 60, came back and eventually I started coughing much more and producing mucus. I was diagnosed with mild bronchiectasis after a CT scan at 75. Now, at 82, my bronchiectasis has got worse, but at least it is recognised and I am on the correct medication. I would definitely pursue this and ask for a CT scan. Once diagnosed, you and the doctors know what you are dealing with and can act accordingly. There are drugs and exercise routines specifically developed for bronchiectasis. The main worry is exacerbations because after each one, you notice a deterioration in your condition. Having said all that, I normally live a comfortable lifestyle with few real problems. Just watch out for the exacerbations by living a healthy lifestyle and taking care not to spend too much time in crowded places, especially in winter.

I hope you will have the mild type which, as I say, is bearable.

[WindsweptRissa in reply to ericwood992]

Thanks for your comment. My husband has been nagging me for ages to insist the dr does something about it. I think he notices my cough more than I do sometimes, mind you he often notices when my breathing is getting bad before I do too. Think I tend to just get on with it and not take much notice. I guess if it is Bronchiectasis I need to start paying more attention to my lungs. Just had a two week course of antibiotics for a chest infection I didn’t know I had. Only found out because the dr asked me to do a sputum sample just as a precaution when I mentioned at a routine asthma check that my asthma had been playing up for a few weeks and I was getting a few squeaks and crackles. I thought it was caused by hay fever.