Prophylactic Antibiotics

[Ortho10]

Dear all, this is my first post, so thank you in advance for your advice.

I have been Asthmatic for all my 50 years, two collapsed lungs and Bronch type damage, and maybe ABPA have reduced my lung function to around 80%, which apparently is still in the normal range.

I constantly grow bacteria, take antibiotics, then grow a different Bacteria in a four week cycle. No really nasty Bacteria apparently.

I asked my Consultant about taking a prophylactic dose of AB's but his concern was Antibiotic resistance because of my Young age!

Has anyone else managed to break a similar cycle of infection?

[Hidden]

Hi and welcome to the group..you will probably hear from others that 80% I usually looked on as quite good although you would probably disagree mine at the last test was 25% up from 17% at my lowest.I just keep taking meds I'm to to and trying to live as normal as I can but again welcome and you'll find a wealth of knowledge from the men and women on here regards Ger

[Ortho10 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your welcome, I have been reading the forum for some time, so many kind knowledgeable people.

[Hidden]

Hello

I am going through such a cycle..well have been since winter..so I was given nasal rinse such as Sinus NeilMed, antibiotics, nebuliser with Salbutamol, respiratory physiotherapy..it will take several months..I have just had a month of it..I must tell you I am on daily steroids for adrenal glands insufficiency.

Good luck and take care!

[Bella395]

Consider asking for a second opinion. Antibiotic resistance can be a problem but so can constant infections because they can cause more damage to lung tissue. How is your lung hygiene? Are you clearing your them properly at least twice a day? Congested lungs are ones that invite bacteria.

[Hidden]

Hello Ortho10

From your post I am presuming that the consultant you speak of is an asthma consultant. Your symptoms - constant infections read very much like bronchiectasis which can develop from Asthma. Unfortunately, Asthma specialists are just that and they know virtually nothing about bronch and are not usually looking for it. Similarly, general respiratory consultants know very little about bronch because their training concentrates on COPD I suggest that you insist that your GP send you to a bronchiectasis specialist ( you can find one near you on the internet and take the name to your GP) for tests ( ct scan to diagnose) and a proper diagnosis.

It is important that this is addressed soon as every succeeding infection can damage your lungs further, especially if you have developed bronch.

Bronchiectasis is a complex condition and bronchiectasis experts know the value of long term antibiotic therapy in various forms. If you have developed bronchiectasis it is possible to manage it in such a way that you will not be suffering as you are now.

Put your foot down and get this sorted out now.

[Ortho10 in reply to Hidden]

The chap that I see specialises in CF.

I have had a CT scan, which showed Bronch type damage, which he described as mild.

As there was no tapering of the Bronchi, the classification is not full Bronchiectasis.

I must add that like most people here I have a constant productive cough.

[Bella395 in reply to Ortho10]

It doesn't matter whether it is classed as mild. The issue is that you are getting repeated infections and producing a lot of sputum. Also, you are more complex because you have two coexistent conditions.

From personal experience I support what littlepom says - you need to have a second opinion with someone who has an interest in bronchiectasis. We should have done this a long time before we actually did and I regret it. You need to be proactive and do all you can to prevent further damage to your lungs. Top of the agenda is learning how to clear your lungs properly. A good consultant will have a team who specialize in this and will be able to help you.

The British Thoracic Guidelines for the management of bronchiectasis are quite clear about the need for long term antibiotics. IIRC it is advised for those who have three or more infections per year. Also, immunology blood tests are recommended in this case.

[Ortho10 in reply to Bella395]

Thank you for your reply, that information is so helpful.

[Hidden]

I would still insist on a bronchiectasis specialist. CF is very different and that diagnosis is very strange to me as a lifetime bronch with loads of experience of it.

[Ortho10 in reply to Hidden]

Many thanks for taking the time to reply, will talk to my GP about getting a referral to a specialist.