Bronchectasis

[Carkaisabellacolin]

Hi allcould i just ask if any one has this feed back after having a recent CT scan : Residual bronchiectatic changes in the left lower lobe and unchanged

bronchiectases in the right upper and lower lobes, partly associated with mucous

plugs and peribronchial thickening.

How were you treated for this .

Thanks in advance for your feedback

[Swizzy]

Basically, it means that you have bronchiectasis in the lower left lobe and upper and lower right lobes of your lungs. The bronch in your right lung has led to thickening of the walls of the airways which can be caused by persistant inflammation and infections. There is mucus in your lungs, together with mucus plugs, which is mucus which has hardened into 'plugs' over time of being in there.This is what we live with when we have bronch. The most important thing is that you take control and start managing it now to prevent more infections and damage.

This means having a routine to scrupulously empty your lungs every day and having the right antibiotic treatment for when an infection ( exacerbation ) starts up.

MOST IMPORTANTLY you need to be under the care of a true bronchiectasis specialist. GPs and general respiratory consultants do not have the training or experience. Specialists have their own physios who will help you to clear your lungs and vast experience of the way in which bronch behaves and its various treatments.

It seems from the ct and your question that you have had bronch for some time but nobody has explained or given you the right treatment or support for self management. It seems to have been left to its own devices.

Find a bronch specialist, usually at large teaching hospitals, take the name to your GP and insist on a referral. Do not take no for an answer. Neglect leads to further damage.

There is a lot to get your head around and bronch is very complex. We are all different and there are quite a few bronchs on here who can support you.

[Carkaisabellacolin in reply to Swizzy]

Thank you so much for your detailed response .Even though I have had it for years your explanation has helped . My Dr is good and he treats the flare ups very quickly but I do think having physio will help me more. I did start but it was very painful so we stopped and used trebon to help clear . But I just think with all the recent dust in Cyprus it has been difficult to manage as well as my asthma attacks .

Thank you again

[Swizzy in reply to Carkaisabellacolin]

Yes, unfortunately all the medicine will not be effective if you can't find a way to clear your chest. I lived in Beirut in the 1970s . The dust,heat and humidity were a nightmare. It is good to have a physiotherapist help you with tecniques but best if you do your physio and emptying yourself. This way you find a way which suits you and is effective without having somebody bang your chest.( I had years of that as a child but the way I developed myself is very close to how British physios teach bronchs to do it today) if you can access youtube there are videos of breathing tecniques to loosen the mucus and ways to cough it up. Much more gentle. If you can work on this and gradually get rid of all of the muck that is down there you will feel so much better.

[rosco59]

I have Bronchiectasis in both lungs too and agree with everything Swizzy says. It is important to ensure you get the specialist help you need through finding a knowledgeable Bronchiectasis Consultant. They will help you to manage your illness and hopefully you will be able to live a full and active life. All the very best.

[B0xermad]

Hi I have bronchiectasis in both lungs and having a mucolyte and clearance device is key to keeping the lungs clear for a Daily routine drinking plenty of water and moving around or exercise is also going to keep the mucus moving rather than building up an antibiotics program 3 times a week can also be prescribed. I have been living like this for the last 10yrs and its managing it every day keeps you going.

[Cookiemonsterr]

Hi, keep active as much as possible, drink a lot and start the day with a steaming shower. And on bad days use a nebuliser