Bronchiectasis Question re Mucus

[Mike48a]

Bronchiectasis question

I’ve just been diagnosed with condition via ct scan. Don’t have hospital appt for another 3 weeks.

Should I be taking antibiotics if am coughing up yellow mucus every morning ?

Thanks

Mike

[May7]

Bronchiectasis causes excess mucus in the lungs. I was diagnosed with it several years ago, and winter is usually the worst time for this. I've never been prescribed antibiotics for it because they are for infections, which I luckily haven't had. I'd wait until you see your chest consultant in 3 weeks, to see what they say. Mine always asks if I've had green mucus, which I haven't had, and is satisfied with mine.

[Mooka]

Hi MikeYou would usually take antibiotics if your mucus turns green. If you have a lot of it look up active cycle of breathing on YouTube. This will show you how to get rid of it. Drinking plenty of water is a good idea too. I hope your consultant specialises in Bronchiectasis as a lot of respiratory doctors don’t fully understand it. Your consultant should refer you to a physio to teach you how to cough properly and the active cycle. If you do need antibiotics from your GP in the meantime you should have a sample analysed to check for the most appropriate antibiotics. The protocol for antibiotics is a 14 day course. The consultant will probably prescribe carbocistene to thin your mucus and may prescribe an antibiotic to take 3 times a week. In time all this will be second nature to you.