Non obstructive chronic bronchitis

[PW_R]

Hello,

Male, 38

20 years of smoking (I would say 12 heavy years). stopped 5 years ago. Very physically active for the last number of years.

Had a bad chest infection in May which never cleared. A few weeks after it presented I had blue lips, a few bouts of nocturnal dyspena, wheezing, tight chest etc

Tests in Sept - CT showed nothing of note. FVC & FEV1 normal. Most recent FeNo increased from previous score of 31 to 37 but mannitol test only showed borderline asthma. Few other scores were a bit off (FRCpleth & KCO) but consultant doesn't put much emphasis on them if rest is ok. Covid tests negative. Alpha1 test normal.

Wheezing has remained, with constant mucus production, very difficult to clear (only by vigorous swim or spicy curry). Extremely dry cough - but don’t actually cough much. Constant tiredness.

Some element of asthma in childhood, and hayfever. Doc had me on preventive inhaler since 2018 as he thought I was getting viral asthma type chest infections every time I got a cold. In hindsight possibly bronchitis with each cold.

Consultant now agrees this looks like chronic bronchitis without obstruction. Prescribed forstair, didn’t do much. About to start Relva. Use vetolin as & when.

Not dealing too well with it - very deflated. Off work for the last couple of months - tired all the time & mentally finding it hard to accept it’l get even worse. Doing all the unusual things, exercise, healthy food, jabs, NAC etc

it’s like I’m pre COPD (or stage 0), although highly symptomatic. Just seeing is there anyone out there similar?

Thanks

P

[Patk1]

Maybe put specimen in,see if infection still lurking.have u tried using ventolin/ salbutamol when wheezy? Thats what it is for.Do use a spacer with inhalers and inhale deeply and slowly.what makes u think constant mucous? Once infections ruled out or settled,u should get on top of asthma if use inhalers correctly+ ventolin when wheezy,tight or rattly.

Personally,I think yr fortunate in having everything,except asthma ruled out

[tracyball1]

If your struggling with mucus and its making you feel tight you could ask for some tablets to thin the mucus I take carbosisteine, also breathing in a saline solution through a nebulizer can help move the mucus. I struggle with mucus which makes me struggle to breathe. Walking does help clear but just take it steady to start with. You might benefit from going on a pulmery rehab course they are very good in giving you tips on how to move the mucus. I've had an infection that wouldn't go following a dog attack its awful xx

[ks1966]

Hello. Do a mucous culture. Also try postural drainage. I get on all 4. With my forehead on the floor I take deep breaths and exhale slowly. On the 4/5 round you’d start to hear a gurgling sound. Then the mucous comes out easier. Also check for Rheumatoid Arthritis if you can. My non-stop cough started years before my RA diagnosis. The definitive test is called ANTIccp. Good luck.

[corriena]

No im a bit more advanced than you so i would like to offer you some advice. Please keep up the exercise it realy is helping you. Eat well and rest when needed. Also give the AUKL help line a ring and ask about some suport to help you cope with this mentaly its often the hardest part especialy in young fit people, and the most overlooked. I remember feeling so shocked and alone when i was diagnosed at 35 it took me a long while to get my head round what was happening to me. I hope things start to improve for you soon

[mrblue12]

I'm 32, and I'm in a very similar situation as yourself. I have chronic mucus production / suspected chronic bronchitis.

I had a chest CT in September 2019 that showed nothing of note, and every spirometry I've done has come back completely normal.

However, I have to try and get mucus off my chest every single day. If I don't keep up with the mucus clearance, I get short of breath.

I had this condition for 10 years. It's definitely progressed in severity in that time. Honestly, I don't know if I'll be around in another 10 years if it keeps progressing like to this.

I only smoked for about 6 months. I was smoking cannabis and roll-ups though, so I think that definitely had a negative effect on my lung health.

I think I was naturally predisposed to this condition though. 6 months is a very short amount of time to develop chronic bronchitis, but right hand to God, I'm tell you the truth.

If you have any questions, feel free to message me.