I always read the BLF site every morning. My husband who is 80 has bronchiectasis and I always worry about him! He is constantly feeling tired and weak. He lost a couple of stones in weight after having tongue cancer. This was because the radiotherapy damaged his epiglottis and swallowing food and drink is difficult. He first had aspiration pneumonia and then 2 lots of bronchiectasis. I read a thread this morning about taking pineapple juice. Would this help him ? His consultant didn't tell him about this !
All the friends on the BLF site give such comfort to each other. Thank you for being there for us.
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valchan
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Hello valchan. Your husband has certainly had his share of difficulties. No wonder you worry about him. I am wondering when you say that he has had bronchiectasis twice you mean that he has had two exacerbations ( increase of infection) of his bronchiectasis. Once you have bronch it is a condition that you live with. Some people who have a sore mouth find pineapple juice useful. I have a very sore mouth most of the time because of inhaled drugs and I can’t bear it in my mouth because it stings so much. I have no idea if it could help with a damaged epiglottis. I don’t believe that pineapple juice has any use in fighting infection. I’m sorry that I can’t be of much help with that. The most important thing that your husband can do for his bronchiectasis is to empty his lungs of as much mucus as possible every day. This robs the bacteria of the warm pools of liquid that they like to grow in and lowers the risk of exacerbation. I hope that his consultant is an expert in bronchiectasis, not just a general respiratory consultant. Bronchiectasis is very complex and only a specialist can tell your GP how to treat it and yourselves how to manage it on a daily basis. Find out from your GP if your husband is seeing a bronch specialist. If not, insist that the GP refers him to one. Most GPs are not trained in bronch and do not know how to treat it. I hope that helped a bit.
Hi littlepom, thank you so much for taking the time to reply. I will try the pineapple juice and see what happens. It's a case of trial and error when it comes to his diet. When I read on the BLF site of all the problems people have to deal with, I am so grateful that, at the moment, we can manage it to the best of our ability. You are right, he had 2 exacerbations before. I remember that was what the consultant wrote down in his notes. Keep well and thanks so much for your reply. Valchan.
Hello, Pineapple juice can help with a dry mouth. I find it helps loosen the mucus I need to cough out. Of course it could just be chance that I cough it out easier the times I've been drinking pineapple. I was told to dilute it a bit as it is quite a strong juice. Just check with his medical team that there's no reason he shouldn't drink it then give it a try. x
Hello wheezy, thank you for replying about the pineapple juice. I did buy a pineapple fruit a few weeks ago but now I will definitely try the juice as it will be easier for him to take. I'll also dilute it with coconut water too. Good idea! Keep well. Valchan.
" Hello Vaughan.. regarding drinking pineapple juice..I find buying the pineapple juice with cocanut water in with it. Realy helps my dry mouth plus I find it very soothing to my throat..hope this may help you....Megan..."
Yes, thanks Megan for replying. I will look out the the pineapple juice with coconut water. I'll try anything which will stop him from getting these horrible infections again. We were at the doctors again yesterday with another chest infection. His sats were down to 94 and his temperature in the 35 degrees Celsius. He is very naughty about drinking fluids and there is always the danger of him being dehydrated. But I am ever grateful for reading threads from the BLF site and am comforted from your help. Thank you so much.
In 2010 had 2 lung tumours surgically removed, followed by Chemotherapy and radiotherapy. 2012 a new tumour arrived in the remaining lobe and the surgeon said another operation would leave me confined to a wheelchair for life. He suggested high dose Stereo Tactic radiotherapy. Exceedingly grateful and very very lucky I went ahead
but with 50% capacity and scar tissue my breathing worsened. I pushed myself with an exercise bike, snail speed walking and a bit of lawn bowling.
Now 2018 I remain eternally grateful to Guys Hospital, I play regular lwn bowls, enjoy a pint (not pineapple I add) but climbing stairs, inclines or slopes remain difficult. During a bowls match I puff heavingly, but enjoy the challenge.
I could not imagine what your condition must be like and I sympathise immensly, however never ever give up and do everything possible and you will overcome.
Hi lunghi, thanks for your reply this morning. I am so sorry to read about your lung situation but I can see from your strength of character that you have the determination to face challenges in life and not let them get you down. We did used to play 10pin bowling but he is so wobbly on his legs (due to loss of weight) that the weight of the ball will probably make him fall over!! Anyway, it is comforting for me to write on this site because I can feel the warmth that comes from the help and advise of the kind people who take the time to respond. Keep well. Valchan
Pineapple, particularly the flesh near the core and the core itself, contains bromelain, an enzyme that has many health benefits. An internet search of 'bromelain' may be beneficial to learn if it can help your husband. I find the Dr. Axe web-site to have helpful information of this sort. Best wishes...Jan
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