Bronchiectasis and coronavirus

[loriLKI]

So: given that coronavirus is now officially a pandemic it got me thinking. Are we with bronciectasis more likely to be that unlucky percentage of people who get really ill from this virus, given that our lungs already have an issue and a double pneumonia is the last thing we need? I can’t find much about it on the internet. Just wondering if there’s any medical trained people on this forum with some thoughts around this?

[Ceejay65]

We are all at risk. Any lung or heart condition puts us in the vulnerable ‘at risk’ category. We just need to be sensible and follow the advice being given, avoid crowded or confined places, anyone with colds, coughs etc. Much of that is normal practice for us with Bronchiectasis anyway but even more reason to be cautious at this heightened time. Take care.

[MissKota]

I wondered the same. As I have heart failure as well as bronchiectasis I am very aware of the risk I face. Thankfully I am retired so am able to stay at home, only going out for appointments. I am doing my grocery shopping online too. My family and friends all know to stay away from me if they are unwell anyway so, hopefully I’m doing enough.

[SheilaC]

Yesterday I ordered my asthma medication online and also put a note on asking if I could have a paper prescription for two weeks antibiotic to hold just in case. I see the asthma prescriptions have been sent to the pharmacy but I haven't heard yet about the AB. Maybe someone from the surgery will phone me. Some advice my daughter found for bronchiectasis patients was that we will most likely be ok but if we reach the stage where we are coughing up green or yellow gunk, we need the AB. I was told by the consultant that if I ever need AB, it must be for two weeks. (I also had NTM which involved 3 different AB every day for 18 months but I have not had any AB for over a year now.)

[Hidden in reply to SheilaC]

I have a rescue pack of 2 weeksDoxycycline on repeat prescription. I don't need Pred as I am on 5 mg daily long term for another condition. Could you not ring your consultant (or their secretary) and ask them to advise your GP to provide you with a two week rescue pack for exacerbation on a regular basis?

[SheilaC in reply to Hidden]

I saw a respiratory consultant for about three years but when I finished the treatment for NTM, they said I need not go back to the hospital unless I start getting infections again. I got the 2 weeks supply of Doxycycline with no bother from the surgery. Normally they don't give them out without examination. Thank you for replying and stay well.

[LittleSan]

I'm also on prednisone and have end stage cancer and have been searching for information but have found nothing specific to our group. I'm being extra vigilant with hand gel if I touch anything anyone else has contact with outside my house, avoiding crowded places, not hugging visitors, vetting them for bugs before they arrive, hand washing diligently and taking my temperature regularly to pick up any changes. My life expectancy is short though and unless we go into Lockdown, life is too precious not to live life beyond my home when possible.