Hi , I have recently been diagnosed with Bronchiectasis and was given Spiriva with a Handihaler on top of taking Fostair 200. The Spiriva has given me such a dry throat and mouth, could anyone give me any suggestions please? I mentioned it to my Dr on Friday but she just said to keep drinking water and if it carries on after 2 more weeks she will try something else but is reluctant to as I ended up in A&E before when she prescribed Montelukast. Also if possible could anyone explain to me what does having Bronchiectasis mean to my life ? As Dr obviously didn't have much time for me or explain anything to me.
Thanks in advance if you message back. 😊
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Bowcat
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I don’t have much time this morning but here’s a reputable link which gives you an insight into managing bronchiectasis. europeanlung.org/en/informa...
There’s good info on the ALUK website too.
However, how were you diagnosed? The only reliable way is by CT scan, in which case the hospital should be following you up, advising you on drugs, airway clearance, management etc. You need a bronchiectasis specialist for this, not a general respiratory consultant and definitely not just a gp.
I expect someone else will be along this morning but these are my initial thoughts!
Welcome to the forum. There is a lot of good advice here on keeping as healthy as possible with bronchiectasis. Eating healthily, taking exercise and trying to get on a Pulmonary Rehabilitation course are fairly obvious starters. Your doctor or consultant should be able to tell you about PR. Best wishes.
Welcome to the forum.do try to avoid viruses as often trigger exacerbations with infection - I carry handgel+use frequently, I use coldzyme throatspray+vicks rescue nosespray - both viral blockers & i wear mask if around lot people or those with coughs,colds etc.keep as active as u are able because it will help yr lungs x
Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland have a great booklet accessible online called Living with Bronchiectasis. Dont panic and dont believe everything you read on google. I was very ill about 12 years ago, looked up the bacteria (pseudomonas) and was convinced I was going to die! Im still here obviously, and it has never been back.
I was on spiriva and becloforte for years . Two years ago I was changed to incruse and fostair but I have asthma and bronchiectasis.
Eat well, stay hydrated, avoid decomposing organic matter, cut flowers and under 5s!
I take vit c, d and zinc plus fish oil. I have had bronch now 16 years. I had to leave my job ( working in office with 100 people) due to chronic infections but 100% improved since I left . Good luck.
Hi, Thank you for your response this is most helpful. I also have CKD and heart problems and Asthma. I've had 2 ablations, been ill for 9 years and now this. I know Dr Google is not to be trusted lol. Funny you say that about flowers as I have a major flare up when I'm around them, and I guess that's the grandkids out 😂 . No I couldn't do that lol. Thank you for your input, much appreciated 👍
Hi Bowcat I wonder if your doctor knows anything about bronchiectasis? I've had bilateral bronchiectasis all my life I'm 78 now. I keep active and eat well. The winter weather is for me a challenge but I put a scarf over my nose and that for me does the trick. I loathe the wind though.Merry Christmas
Yes my Dr knows but not very helpful lol. Oh well that's good to know that you've managed it all your life and you are ok with it. Happy Christmas to you too
Hi Bowcat, I have Bronch too and suffer from a very dry throat and mouth, especially at night. You can get dry mouth sprays on prescription but the best I've found is Biotene dry mouth moisturising spray I buy from Amazon. It's not cheap but well worth it. Mouth sprays aren't a cure but give temporary relief. Hope this helps.😊 xxx
Thank you, someone else suggested that earlier so I've just bought some. It's not a spray though it's a gel so not sure whether it will work. My Dr is reluctant to prescribe anything as I have heart problems too and tend to get a reaction. Pharmacist seems to think the gel will suit me better. Fingers 🤞 crossed it works lol
Oh I hope so. I've not tried the gel but use the mouth rinse as well and what I do in the day time is I bought some "Delmonte 100% orange juice ice lollies" from Asda which are purely frozen orange juice and I put a small chunk at the back of my mouth when my mouth and throat get dry in the day. That really helps too. Worth a try 🤞😊❤️xxx
I was diagnosed with bronchiectasis along with a mycobacterium infection (MAC) 12 years ago at age 74. I had 20 months of antibiotic treatment for the MAC, which didn't kill it off completely, but it has not yet recurred in large quantities so I have not done the antibiotics again. For the bronchiectasis I nebulize saline plus three medications and use a spiriva inhaler. For the last year I have tried an injected biologic called Fansera. I also use oxygen 24 hours per day (I believe if I lived at lower altitude I would not require the oxygen.) With all of this treatment my lungs have stayed fairly stable. My experience has been that my lung condition is a serious bother but not life defining. Since I am now 86, it certainly has not shortened my life. I hope your experience may be similar and that you live comfortably to a ripe old age. I do struggle with fatigue, the nebulizing is time consuming, and I cough a lot. In the US bronchiectasis is classed as an uncommon condition; in Colorado where I live it is very little known. I may be wrong, but it seems to me it is a more familiar condition in the UK, and possibly more difficult to control. Keeping the airways clear is key and I personally feel that nebulized medications are much more efficient than breathing techniques or breathing devices in bringing up sputum from all parts of the lung. I no longer use the vibrating vest ( because it irritates my ribs) and don't often use the aerobica ( because it doesn't seem to be have much effect, and also I am lazy). Others swear by the mechanical devices and techniques, so don't be discouraged by me! Take good care of yourself and don't worry.
Thank you so much for taking the time to reply. Ahh bless you, you really have been through it haven't you but good to know you're still going strong. Funny enough I was wondering whether to buy a nebulizer to see if it would help. I may now consider it after reading your post.Have a lovely Xmas and all the Best to you x 🎅🌲
Hi Bowcat, welcome.I have been on it for 6 years now and because we are all different I havn’t had the dry mouth problem but we do need to drink quite bit. I am amazed your dr didn't have a health plan in place for you. I see my COPD nurse every month . Sometimes we have to get a bit insistent or we don’t get the right answers. Please go back to your dr and insist on seeing a COPD nurse to help you . COPD can be a mine field. You have been given good advise on here.About the grandchildren if they have colds or some illness please wear a mask. It is your health and living with COPD can be very difficult. Also go to the NHS website it is very informative. Good luck …
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