I have just joined the Group and am hoping to gain some information.
I was diagnosed with Bronchiectasis and COPD last May. I am having my 3rd exacerbation currently but it is my worst so far, by quite a considerable margin. I'd like some information on how long I can a severe one to last, how quickly I can return to 'normal' once improvements occur and at what point you 'give in' and accept you may not be able to manage this at home?
Thank you x
Hello Pamela
Welcome to this group. A lot — the majority — of members have COPD, and there are many with bronchiectasis. I am sure that they will pop up with help and advice.
All I can say is that maybe you should contact your GP?
All the best
K x
Thank you. My GP has prescribed antibiotics and steroids for me, however, this current exacerbation is worse than usual. I was really just hoping for any additional informationnregarding how long exacerbations can last, worst case scenario x
Welcome to the forum, Pamela. If you've had 3 exacerbations in quick succession you really need to speak to your GP. Who diagnosed you? Have you got a consultant looking after your case? You need support until your condition is stabilised.
I was diagnosed by my hospital Respiratory Consultant and I am under the care of both her and my GP. I have been prescribed antibiotics and steroids, but this is the worst exacerbation I have had to date and just wondered how long they can actually continue for.
I'm afraid we lungies have to be very persistent to get what we need. i.e. nag, make a fuss, make a nuisance of ourselves, ignore the possibility that there are people worse off than we are. You definitely need to see someone, Good luck.
Hi Pamela I have bronchiectasis asthma and copd and had a bout of flare ups in the last 2 months but if your antibiotics are not shifting it please call your respiratory department and speak to the physio nurse if no joy from your gp,if its too much and you are unable to function properly or in pain call 111. but keep your lungs clear of mucus if possible using a device to help or plenty of warm drinks to settle the cough. I really hope that you get it under control because it has a potential to put you in a cycle of coughing etc hopefully it will calm down once you have finished your course of medication after a week .
Thank you for your reply. My cough literally kept me awake ALL night last night which was pretty frustrating! My daughter has just bought me an Air Physio, a device she came across when researching my condition and anything she could do to help me. Unfortunately, my breathing is so shallow at the moment, I haven't managed to try it yet, but I'm hoping to very soon!
Hi Pamela-1961,
Have you put a sputum sample in for analysis. It could well be that you have a bug in your lungs and need the right antibiotic to treat it. Also, are you having 14 days of antibiotics each time as recommended for us bronchs?
No on both counts! My husband has been away on business and I've been too unwell to go myself, but he'll drop a sputum sample off for analysis now that he's back. I haven't been advised of 14 day antibiotic courses before (only diagnosed 8 months ago), so I'll certainly look into this. Thank you for your reply, very useful advice.
Hi Pamela 1961 and welcome to the group. Silly question but with you saying this is the worse flare that you have had, have you done a covid test? Fingers crossed it isnt, sounds like a sputum test could identify which antibiotics will work best for you. I had an infection that went to my sinus's and that lasted a long time because both the gp and hospital didnt trest the infection properly and i ended up having to have a sinus op. Hope you get this sorted quickly it causes alot of damage if left too long without the right treatment x
No, it hadn't actually occurred to me as I was utterly convinced it was an exacerbation, but I definitely think that's worth doing, thank you. I'm sorry to hear that you had such an unpleasant experience and hope that things have improved for you since your operation x
It's a bit like how longs a piece of string,ea + EVERY 1 can be different.do u use lung clearance techniques? It's important to get it up at least 2x s day.extra fluids help to thin it.if u haven't already put a sputum sample in, do a few days after fini antibiotics to check its cleared.have u done a covid test
I do and my daughter has just bought me a new product, an Air Physio, to assist me further. Hopefully that will give me some additional benefit with lung clearance ..... has anyone on this forum had any success with this product? I will submit a sputum sample and take a covid test also; thank you for your help
COPD? 
Misdiagnosed with COPD
COPD and Bronchiectasis
COPD and general anaesthetic
Emergency Pack for Breathing Exacerbations or Emergencies.
