Bronchiectasis and bleeding

[PaulaMA]

Hi. I was diagnosed with bronchiectasis in my teens. Now I'm mid 50s.

Had numerous infections antibiotics and thus August my first antibiotics by iv.

I keep having repeated bouts of bleeding. Sometimes just pink phlegm other times very bloody. My husband says I do cough vigorously so I wondered if it's that. My consultant doesn't seem unduly worried. But to be honest each time scares me. I'm feeling very stressed and anxious. You can think I'd be used to this by now but it seems to get harder.

Last two test didnthe show infection. So pretty depressed by the whole thing. It's definitely affecting my mental well being

[Hidden]

Hi PaulaMA. seeing blood is scary, whether it is tiny streaks or a bigger amount. It is something which is associated with bronchiectasis and is mostly associated with an unresolved exacerbation. You are right, doctors don’t seem bothered by it if it is self limiting.

I don’t suppose that you are taking any form of anti coagulant are you? I have AF so was put on the various anti coagulants and for the first time in 62 years had several substantial bleeds where I had only ever had tiny bits in the mucus during some exacerbations. I am now refusing to take these with my heart consultant’s support.

If it isn’t that I would suggest keeping an eye on it. You have had bronch long enough to know that you must still work hard to make sure that you empty the mucus from your lungs so not coughing so hard isn’t really going to be an option. You don’t mention if you have a bronch specialist. If you have it is worth ringing their secretary and going to discuss it with them. You may have a bacteria which has not been picked up or aspergillosis, a fungal infection which can cause bleeding and is easily treated with anti fungals.

I hope that helps you find a way to go.

[Lyd12]

I too get some blood in sputum now and again, and it always fillsme with dread. For me, it was a quite heavy sudden bleed that triggered tests and diagnosis of bronchiectasis. may have weak blood vessels and perhaps a small rupture? This may be nonsense! ! Don't think it always means I have an infection.

[Claudine]

Did they test for pseudomonas? I lot of us on here with Bronchiectasis are also colonised with pseudomonas and consequently take Azithromycin or something similar three times a week through the winter months. Otherwise the occasional pinky/streaky bit seems par for the course and if it's fresh blood it's likely to be a little burst blood vessel which is self-limiting as you say.

[PaulaMA in reply to Claudine]

Yep I've tested positive for pseudomonas over last few years

BUT last 2 tests were negative. It's just reassuring that others have bleeds

[janice01]

I had some bleeding from respiratory system after flu and violent coughing a bit earlier in the year.

I was told this is some thing that can happen with bronchiectasis...

Im 67, never had it before...

Not had it again since got control over breathing and asthma.

Goid luck, things can improve...