Lung function tests

[Sherlock11]

I've had several chest infections since March . The last one was particularly bad taking several courses of antibiotics to treat it. The bacteria was nasty as it was pseudomonas aeruginosa and was resistant to most oral antibiotics. My oxygen perfusion was also low and is still low , so this is why I need lung function tests as my Gp thinks I may have Bronchiectasis, especially as I am immunosuppressed and have RA as well as vasculitis. Has anyone else been like this and had this diagnosis. TIA .

[Swizzy]

Your GP cannot diagnose bronchiectasis, nor are most GPs knowlegable enough to manage it without the advice of a bronch specialist. Bronch can only be diagnosed by ct scan. Lung function tests are used for copd and many GPs get mixed up between the two.You need to find a bronch specialist - not a general respiratory consultant. They are usually at large teaching hospitals. Take the name to your GP and insist on a referral.Your history as you describe it does suggest that you could have developed bronch

[Sherlock11 in reply to Swizzy]

Hi, thanks for your reply, I will see Gp and ask to be referred.

[Sherlock11 in reply to Sherlock11]

I ended up at the hospital before Christmas with the infection. The consultant I saw was very dismissive of the pseudomonas infection and said I didn't need antibiotics as he decided it was sinusitis, and everyone had pseudomonas as it was so common. Myself and my Gp didn't agree and carried on . I have said I will not go there again.

[islande in reply to Sherlock11]

sinusitis doesn't put people in hospital. hope you feel better soon.

[Mooka]

Hi I have vasculitis and the had loads of chest infections and pneumonia after having rituximab. My vasculitis doctor sent me for a ct scan and Bronchiectasis was diagnosed. As swizzy says that is how Bronchiectasis is diagnosed. I carried on having chest infections until pseudonymous was found. Bronchiectasis is common in people with autoimmune diseases. It’s a particular problem as being immunosuppressed we can go down hill very quickly. People do have pseudomonas and in most cases they don’t even know it. But in people with Bronchiectasis it’s a different story. It lurks in the corner of our lungs waiting to come out and party. It’s really important that you get the diagnosis via a ct scan and if you have it get some proper treatment. You should also ask your vasculitis docs to check your immunoglobulin levels. Low immunoglobulin makes it difficult to fight the infections. Good luck you’re going to need to get your elbows out.

[Petetriplet]

Sherlock,

For the last few months as an asthma sufferer, I have had my fair share of chest infections/ exacerbations. So I arranged a private consultation with a respiratory consultant. He arranged for me to have a high resolution scan of my lungs. Spirometry. His diagnosis was bronchiectasis. He also arranged a sleep test as sleep apnea not only dangerous but causes chest infections. I have sleep apnea. This was a few weeks ago. Arrange an appointment with a respiratory consultant. I am awaiting my cpap machine but also my stoma rescue pack is steroids and a long course of antibiotics - in addition you will need to see a chest physio to learn how to effectively breath and expel content from your compromised respiratory system

All the best

Pedro

[Biker88]

As mentioned a lung function test is just a measure of your lung capacity and strength compared to yout last test or an average figure. It can’t diagnose lung conditions although the trend is “oh you must have COPD” You need a pulmonary consultant, X-ray, CT scan and possibly a broncoscopy. I have just had several courses of antibiotics for chest infection and an X-ray but fortunately I am under regular review with a hospital consultant

[Sherlock11 in reply to Biker88]

I've just dropped another specimen at the Dr's today as I'm coughing awful stuff up again. I've to see Gp later today to see what he says, as it's waking me up again and I don't want to feel as ill as I did.

[Patk1]

U do need ct scan to confirm bronchiectasis. The main elements managing bronchiectasis is self care - 2x daily(+-) lung clearance. Aluk website have videos and tips,plus U can ask gp to refer U to a lung physio who will perfect yr technique.i take hi dose vit C+d,and omega3caps to optimise immunity - we bronchiectasis people r often vit d deficient.i always carry+ use handgel,and use masks in shops,use viral blockers( I use coldzyme throat spray& vicks rescue nasal spray).protecting ourselves from viruses can reduce infections+further damage to lungs x