sudden Bronchiectasis exacerbation.

[Weewheezer1]

I was diagnosed with bronchiectasis about 5 years ago and have been on daily azithromycin tablets 250mcg which have been a life changer after getting chest infections on a monthly basis and basically living as an invalid for years. I felt stronger and more confident. Apart from a few colds and a flu that went to my chest where I had to take a back up antibiotic- ciprofloxin, I have had good health... Until last week, that is. It all started with a stomach bug or flu or it could have been gastroenteritis (horrid pains and diarrhoea) and it went to my lungs! I began to cough and cough and got the warning signs of chest infection with the sweats and chills and then as well as that I was suffering a bad cold in my nose. It was the weirdest virus I have ever had! And it was awful! The whole family caught it within 4 days. I am now recovering and the ciprofloxin is working but it’s left me anxious, that a bronchiectasis flare up could happen out of the blue like that. Has anyone else had this happen?

[peege]

Hi, I think it just happens especially with a virus which you could have picked up anywhere. My family had tummy bugs before covid set in - did you do a test? It's still about.

I've an infection at the moment which came out of the blue & began with shortness of breath & sore chest, very annoying as I'm usually well in the summer & take Azithromycin in winter only. Hope you feel better soon. P

[Weewheezer1 in reply to peege]

Thank you. Yes, we all tested negative for Covid. I hope you feel better soon!

[Alberta56]

i found exacerbations always came out of the blue. I haven't had one for ages, but I keep the rescue pack handy. I hope you soon feel better.

[Weewheezer1 in reply to Alberta56]

Thank you.

[Tdster43]

A Flare up (s) out of the blue after being steady on azithromycin certainly do/does happen. Does anyone recognise the "buses" analogy? Hanging around for ages, nothing happeneing ( no exacerbations! yippee) then a cluster of flare ups happen? It makes sense that once youve had one flare up the airways are more irritated and probably narrowed for a while; This means you are a bit more prone to the next flare up happening...

Have people discussed continuing azithromycin through the falre up and adding emergency antibiotic on top? Its what I have suggested to patients whose care I am involved with

Most manage background azithro PLUS rescue pack (of something else) but Im interested to hear others experience/ preferences

[Lilyanne17]

Sounds more like the infection that all your family had than a proper exacerbation. I like you have never had one since starting azithromycin. Long may that continue.

[goldbergson]

Not much advice except that levofloxacin (levaquin) or moxifloxacin (avelox) may be more effective for pseudomonas infection which is common in bronchiectasis. Stay well!

[Patk1]

Sounds like the virus triggered it,whch is often the case.do u do lung clearance ea day? I still protect myself using handgels+ masks, and also have air purifiers at home

[VELoce21]

good evening. I’ve been on azithromycin which has really helped keep my chest infections away. They did stop helping me. I therefore had a break and I’m back on them again. I am far better on them with fewer exacerbations (none in 4 months.). I wish you well.