Bronchiectasis query.

[Lee2k182]

Hello, I haven't posted on here in a long, long time. I was under investigation for a respiratory problem for over 2 years before being discharged from my consultant as being "normal" after extensive tests. This is despite my CT exam suggesting "early bronchiectasis". At the time, I did not present clinically as a bronc sufferer- non to minimum sputum and no infections, so because my CT was "early", being so minute, it divided opinion amongst radiologists to which one disagreed with the original report.

I was taken off all meds (mainly asthma meds) and told I'm fine, this was back in May-ish 2021. Fast-forward to Xmas week 2021, I began feeling like my respiratory muscles were fatigued (without any increased breathing rate), I dismissed this for a week or so, but then on new years eve morning, out of nowhere, I coughed a bit if blood up (about the size of my little finger tip), in a panic I called Dr who suggested that because I wasn't coughing before, I should be reviewed for a P.E.

A trip to urgent care and I was given another CT scan which was negative for P.E but I had mild ground glass appearance which was suggestive of inflammation/infection. I also have a small 5mm nodule, both of which weren't concerning to the Drs. The blood was unexplained and dismissed.

About a week after this, I began coughing clear phlegm for about 6 weeks, I submitted a sputum sample around week 2/3 that was negative. Then after, I recovered and had no symptoms- this lasted 3 weeks. For the past 10 days I've now been coughing up yellow/grey/green (I can't decide) sputum. I submitted another sample on day 2 and this was negative again! I notice it's more darker in the morning and has sometimes had me awake at 4am with coughing fits. I do notice it lightens in colour as the day goes on.

My question is, is this latter part familiar with bronchiectasis? I'd describe my phlegm on the morning as mucopurulent (clear saliva with yellow pus bits). I don't necessarily feel ill and I can go about my day fine.

Thanks in advance.

[Patk1]

It does sound to be infected.try putting a sample in of just a cpl of green blobs rather than liquid too.it may cultivate better.do u have rescue meds ie antibiotic,possibly steroids? I'd b inclined to start them aft doing sample.i do get neg results at times whn i know I've an infection and it responds to the antibiotics.the best advice I can give u is '- treat any exacerbation as quickly as possible as ea+every infection causes more+permanent damage to airways