hi, following a ct scan I was diagnosed with Bronchiestasis 9 years ago
can anyone advise me on which supplements would help me, as I find I am really struggling to recover from my 5th exacerbation this year, I am on Fostair, Carbocisteine, azithromycin 3 days a week, and rescue amoxicillin and prendisilone.
I am finding it harder and harder to recuperate after an exacerbation, I 80 years of age.
any advice would be gratefully received. Many thanks.
I take hi dose vit C, 500-1000mg, vitamin D, and omega 3 capsule 1000mg.i also like to add in probiotics.Yr having a tough time.maybe worth putting specimen in as soon as u start,nxt time.do u feel yr infection is clearing? Do u do twice daily lung clearance
I take exactly the same as you plus zinc. Someone wrote on FB that NAC supplements are good for lung function but they don't seem to do anything for me.
Have u tried carbocysteine( on prescription) - it thins mucous,making easier to get up.ive not tried nacys but some people like it
I don't have a problem with mucous despite my moniker but thank you for thinking of me xx
I take zinc, vit d, fish oil . Zinc boosts immunity and Vit D has anti inflammatory properties. We dont get much sun here in Scotland either! Vit C is also good to take. Keep well hydrated and avoid under 5s!
You should request a full blood test from your GP or Respiratory team. You have to be careful whether you need certain supplements as if you don't could overdose.. I wish you well..take care xx.Sheila
l take Vit C on doctor's advice and a low dose of Vit D to supplement what's in my prescription Calceos for bone strength.
Obviously not aware of your physical condition, but one of the best "supplements" is fresh air. If you are able to walk, even if only a little, then the exercise will be beneficial. As someone else has suggested, get a bllod test done first to see if anything is missing in your diet. Take care, Chris.
I don’t think that your bronch is being properly managed. You are on drugs to thin the mucus ( I hope that you scrupulously empty your lungs every day), an inhaler with steroid to keep down inflammation. Azithromycin can be very useful in stopping some bacteria from taking hold and is an anti inflammatory. Unfortunately it can lose its effectiveness and is not affective against pseudomonas which many of us bronchs get in our lungs. Amoxyll is a very old fashioned drug and in bronch is about as useful as a box of smarties for the bugs that we get. Your repeated exacerbations point to the fact that each time you are not getting the right antibotic in the high enough dose for the correct course - two weeks. The infection dies down but simply continues to fester until it has had enough of a party to break out fully again. Every bronch should have a bronchiectasis specialist because GPs simply do not have enough knowledge and experience to handle it. Your GP should at least have sent off sputum samples to try to find out which bug is in there inorder to give you the right antibiotic. Although these lab tests can be unreliable, sometime showing nothing when we obviously have something going on.
Every bronch should have a bronch specialist to manage this complex condition. I know that it is exhausting but you really should find one on the website of your nearest big teaching hospital, take the name to your GP and insist on a referral. Otherewise you will continue on a downward spiral of mismanagement when you could be feeling so much better.
Supplements are useful - I take vit D and it has helped avoid the viruses on which the exacerbations like hitch a ride. But no supplement is going to tackle the basic problem of mis managed exacerbations which need the correct treatment.
I take prescription adcal (vit D) zinc probiotics like acidophilus or lactobaccillus cranberry extract tablets and magnesium x
Swizzy has given very good information here Samye and couldnt agree more. Amoxycillan for me is useless. My bronchiectasis responds better to a 2 week course of Doxycycline . Samye you need the correct treatment, please go back to your gp and insist on a 2 week course. In the meantime you could try a good tonic like Metatone which may help. I hope you get some help quickly x
Hi Samye, are you taking Vit D. If not please start as soon as you can, we all need this vitamin during the months we are not in the sun. Have you asked to see your Consultant? I had a horrible time last year and asked to see my Consultant. After seeing him I had test after test and thankfully they all came back negative. This year I have been fine. Do ask for help. Take care, Maximonkey
Sorry to hear you are struggling. Chest clearance is the key for me. Do you have a physio? If not, go back to your doctor and request a referral. I use the Aerobika device which really helps me but there are alternative methods of chest clearance which the physio can help with. Wishing you all the best.
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Hello, I a newcomer to this supportive site, and I have newly been diagnosed with severe stage 3 COPD..
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