Bronchitis or bronchiectasis?

[samanthaash1993]

Hello All. I rang up to see about the results of my CT scan, and was told that it was mild bronchitis and that my lungs were mostly normal. The respiratory nurse queried this, asking me was this a typing error, and did they not mean bronchiectasis? I then rang up again, and was given the same answer: bronchitis. I still have to have lung function tests, and right now, I'm still coughing and having to use my reliever. What do I do now? Will they diagnose me with asthma, or any other lung condition? My asthma nurse suggested to peak to a GP, or any other lung condition. My asthma nurse told me !speak to aa gp or nurse and also speak to the secretary about bringing my appointment forward.

[Cateran Ambassador]

As I understand the diagnosis for Bronchiectasis you must undergo a CT scan to be certain that you have more than bronchitis. You have undergone this. Blood tests and sputum specimens should also be involved as well as lung function tests and peak flow tests. For monitoring bronchiectasis spirometry is usual and a full pulmonary function test (PFT) is also helpful. You must seek an appointment with a respiratory consultant and alert him/her to the possibility of bronchiectasis. In my case I consult with a bronchiectasis specialist of renown in Dundee and am due for my five yearly repeat CT scan. I feel fortunate in this instant that my diagnosis is grounded in the best expert knowledge and medical science. I also engage in research as a patient whose respiratory condition is predicated and mediated by my bronchiectasis diagnosis.

If you are uncertain as to the severity or indeed the nature of your lung condition then I recommend the Chest, Heart and Stroke booklet (it is free): Living With Bronchiectasis. This is a superb and recently revised guide to the condition and contains good advice about the disease. You should access a copy asap for your peace of mind. Access to a consultant who has more than a passing knowledge of bronchiectasis is imperative.

Terry.

[cofdrop-UK in reply to Cateran]

Hi Terry

I assume your specialist of renown in Dundee is JC😊

cx

[Cateran Ambassador in reply to cofdrop-UK]

Yes indeed. Professor James Chalmers is a stalwart friend and supporter of Tayside Bronchiectasis Support Group, a patient-led initiative of which I am a member and Chair. We are an affiliate group of CHSS. Obviously you have heard of Prof. Chalmers, who is always an inspiring champion of bronchiectasis research and development.

Thank you cofdrop for picking up on this.

Terry

[cofdrop-UK in reply to Cateran]

Terry I have met you on BRUS. You do stirling work within the Tayside Bronchiectasis Support Group. I have a diffrent user name on BRUS but I was one of the Patient Advisory Group for 18 minths re EMBARC ERS. Met JC along with the other proactive cons and members of the Pat Ad Group at last years ERS Conference in London. I had t give it up just before the Milan congress and Bronch conference due to health issues, but am apparently on the wider panel.

I put JC before because on BLF we are not allowed to name doctors, which I totally understand .

Love cx

[cofdrop-UK in reply to cofdrop-UK]

Terry I am not sure if not naming doctors on the Bronchiectasis Foundation is protocol or not as I have only just come across this site and haven't been on here two minutes.

I know it's protocol on BLF - that's why I automatically put JC. I did ask permission from the administrators on BLF when JC on behalf of ERS asked questions re BE from a patients perspective.

cx

[cofdrop-UK]

Apologies Samantha for highjacking you post. Slapped wrist!

Are you any clearer getting clarification as to a definitive diagnosis and did you get your appointment with the consultant expedited? It takes a while for letters to get through to the GP but maybe he will have some answers for you soon. You could also ring cons secretary.

Good luck.

love cx