Diagnosis: Hi. I feel v embarrassed... - Bronchiectasis Su...

Bronchiectasis Support

951 members435 posts

Diagnosis

Choclovrr profile image
14 Replies

Hi. I feel v embarrassed because whatever is going on for me it is extremely mild. I was just after advice.

About 4 yrs ago my GP said she heard bronchiectasis when I went to her with a persistent and occasionally choking/scary coughing fits. However, when I had a scan they could not find it.

I rarely if ever coughed up phlegm but recently, though v rarely I have coughed up phlegm even though I felt fine which I understand is a key symptom.

I am assuming I should just leave well alone. Weirdly, I hardly ever get infections. I am extremely lucky and so sorry for those of you that get repeated infections they are horrible and scary.

Am I right just to leave it and keep an eye on it?

Written by
Choclovrr profile image
Choclovrr
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
14 Replies
Mooka profile image
Mooka

You are right to keep an eye on it. If your mucus turns green you need antibiotics. Did you have a CT scan? As far as I’m aware that’s the only way of diagnosing Bronchiectasis.

Dottie11 profile image
Dottie11 in reply toMooka

I agree a CT Scan and someone with experience to read the results.

Choclovrr profile image
Choclovrr in reply toMooka

Yes it was a CT scan. My GP was very surprised as she was certain that she heard it.

Choclovrr profile image
Choclovrr

I am wondering if I should go back to my GP as I get a lot of night sweats though as I have had those before due to M.E always dismissed them. However, no weight loss or other signs of infection or anything sinister.

Mooka profile image
Mooka in reply toChoclovrr

If it will put your mind at rest yes you should go. My Bronchiectasis was diagnosed as mild but that hasn’t stopped me getting infections. Particularly as you have had other health issues in the past. Most GPs don’t know much about Bronchiectasis if you have one that does you are lucky.

Choclovrr profile image
Choclovrr in reply toMooka

Thank you xx

Patk1 profile image
Patk1 in reply toChoclovrr

U could put a specimen of mucous in for testing,if Yr unsure. I feel for u having M.E. as my son had it through teen yrs following glandular fever& I have something similar.have u read Charles Shepherds book on ME? Really helped me to help my son(s)..there was ME association,In UK,too xx

Ellieoak profile image
Ellieoak

I am in the same boat as you. My Bronchiectsis has not given me much trouble but I do see a Pulmonologist every 6 mo. and she has me taking an antibiotic everyday. I also have Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia so that makes me more susceptible to infection.

Choclovrr profile image
Choclovrr in reply toEllieoak

Thank you so much. I am very sorry you have other health problems. Wishing you good health xx

Ellieoak profile image
Ellieoak

Thank you 😍

medway-lady profile image
medway-lady

I had a CT scan to find the Bronchectasis so get antibiotics if needed but like a charm since the hospital said that 5 years ago I’ve not had any. I was offered and did Respiritory Health course which was great. I learnt huff coughing which is really useful and now not short of breath at all. I’d suggest a wait and see approach unless you feel poorly or see GP for antibiotics if you think you need them as after all they can say no need.

Choclovrr profile image
Choclovrr in reply tomedway-lady

Oh, thank you. It's v useful to hear about the course you attended xx

Patk1 profile image
Patk1 in reply toChoclovrr

Pulmonary rehab.Do u have a diagnosis at all?perhaps u could have repeat xray and ct, if have future problems.

Do u have catarrh from sinuses?

Choclovrr profile image
Choclovrr in reply toPatk1

No diagnosis and no catarrh. Will discuss with Dr. Thanks so much for your reply. Much appreciated ☺️

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Running marathons with bronciectasis

Hi- I was diagnosed recently when I couldn't run the london marathon due to a chest infection. I...
loriLKI profile image

Hello I'm new here

I am 24' I have this bronchiectasis and sinusitis since childhood .... when i was 11 doctor didn't...
him24 profile image

Haemophilia influenzae

Hi ,for months now I have had this heamopilus influenzae bug bringing up green mucus ,my sputum...
Alice70 profile image

bronchiectasis in Australia

I'm new here, in Australia and my wife has bronchiectasis, but not too badly. She coughs up phlegm...
somdam profile image

What to do?

I’ve got bronchiectasis and have picked up an infection after a cold, dr prescribed 5 days...
ktp1973 profile image

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.