Lucyloo1

[Lucyloo1]

Husband has Bronchiectas, COPD and TB. Recently started Azythromycin, 3rd dose due tomorrow. Yesterday had blood stained sputum x 2 also once this morning. Not blood stained on every sputum. Wondered if any one has any ideas please?

[pergola]

Has husband being doing strenuous coughing? Either way, I would ring your surgery this morning before the weekend. Probably too early for the azithromycin to do its work. X

[Lucyloo1 in reply to pergola]

Yes he has been coughing quite a lot but that's not unusual for him, just never had this before. Our GP is not in surgery till Monday. Have rung the Community Matron but she's not in office. It's not happening on every production of sputum but worrying all the same, thanks for your reply.

[Hidden]

with bronchiectasis blood in the mucus is usually a sign of an infection which is not being controlled. I have bronchiectasis and do not usually cough up blood. However, I did this week, streaked like your husband. I am now on ciproxin which is my front line defense ab. Azithromycin is v good but it doesn't work for everybody. It may be that your husband needs a different antibiotic for now. Get himto the GP and failing that contact whichever consultant he is under. Good luck.

[Lucyloo1]

Thanks for your advice. He is also on Levofloxacin 500mg. This was given for 14 days IV whilst he was in hospital now he has tablet form at home. One a day. He was also on Tobramycin IV whilst in the hospital, this course has now finished. Had the Pseudonomas bacteria for a few months now but never till yesterday any blood stained sputum.

[Lucyloo1]

Should say about his Consultant, our GP has just written to her explaining we no longer wish to be under her care and requested the Consultant who treated him on last admission, who was just amazing. His previous consultant had given up on him and was talking palliative care ! She also denied him Tobramycin which was clearly the wrong thing to do as he responded well to it. Just hope new consultant can take us on. GP has written the letters to both of them and been ver diplomatic about it as didn't want any bad feelings.

[Hidden in reply to Lucyloo1]

It's difficult isn't it. At least you seem to have a sympathetic and helpful GP. I would be so cross if a consultant started talking about palliative care to me when they do have these meds available to them. It is just a matter of getting it right. The blood may clear up of its own accord. It usually does. Your doc may say that azithromycin hasn't had time to work yet. Don't panic as the bleeding is only dangerous if it is red and bubbly and massive. Do get him checked out though so that they can decide on his meds and you can feel supported and reassured,xx

[Lucyloo1 in reply to Hidden]

I have spoken to a duty GP and she wants me to increase his Levofloxacin to twice a day as opposed to one a day. She will speak to our normal GP on Monday. Interesting to know about blood being red bubbly and massive, it's none of those except for red which I guess is fresh. Thanks so much for your help. Xxxxx

[Hidden in reply to Lucyloo1]

you're very welcome. These things can be very scary.xx

[Nikkers]

I've had Bronchiectasis all of my life ( I'm now in my 70's ) and have coughed up blood streaked phlegm on occasions, but have been told that this is normal with this disease. Obviously if it was more than just streaking, you should get an appointment with your GP, but try not to worry......it always looks worse than it really is. XX

[Lucyloo1]

Thanks Nikkers, pleased to report no more blood stained mucus so far today. The sputum is very thick at the moment and quite difficult to bring up at times. He's drinking plenty of fluids, taking mucodyne and doing his breathing excercises, if you have any other tips to pass on I would be grateful. X