advice for newbie

[Zentangler]

Hello. I’ve been newly diagnosed with bronchiectasis after suffering from recurring chest infections and bacteria in sputum since November last year. Kept making a pain of myself at GPs and eventually got respiratory referral and subsequent diagnosis after lots of short term antibiotics. I’ve also had asthma since birth and Multiple Sclerosis diagnosed ten years ago. I am a primary school teacher part time so avoiding people with colds is just not possible. I’m also awaiting respiratory physiotherapist appointment.

My symptoms lulled for a couple of weeks and now coughing more and coughing up more. More breathless too. Doc appointments really hard to get and have to wait a long time. Any advice for symptom management? Has anyone tried homeopathic teas etc? Advice welcome. Thanks.

[GintyFerguson]

Hi and welcome, there's a lot I could write but I'll keep it brief. I had late onset asthma and then developed bronchiectasis about 12 years ago. I worked among a lot of people/kids. Eventually was medically retired. Health improved radically

after that.

I try to eat, sleep, rest, exercise and hydrate well.

Stay away from under 5s . They carry bacteria that harm us eg haemophilus and moraxella.

I take supplements designed to boost immunity and reduce inflammation eg vit D, E, C ,zinc and fish oil. Hope that helps . Good luck.

[Zentangler in reply to GintyFerguson]

Thank you for your advice and support.

[Mooka]

You should also join the asthma and lung conditions thread. There’s plenty of people on there with Bronchiectasis. Most GPs know next to nothing about Bronchiectasis and you will be expected to control it yourself. The physio will show you how to clear your lungs. If you are waiting a long time for this look up active cycle of breathing. The BLF also has a good advice sheet. Get your consultant (preferably a bronch specialist) to tell your GP to issue you with a rescue antibiotic at least two weeks worth. You should start these at the first sign of infection. Also take a sputum sample to docs to check what bugs you are growing. Life could be difficult being around little germ carriers for you. Perhaps check out gels to put up your nose to stop them getting in. You should also be prescribed carbocistene to help you thin the mucus making it much easier to bring up. If you are getting repeated infections you are probably on the wrong antibiotic or not taking it for long enough. If they offer you a weeks worth point out it is protocol to have two weeks. Good luck.

[Zentangler]

Thank you for your message. I’m not very technically minded, how do I join that thread please. I have been prescribed carbocistene and will definitely look up the active cycle of breathing. I’ve done numerous sputum tests over last 3 months, did have 3 different bacteria, one a bit more serious, the one that causes TB. My last extended course of antibiotics helped for a few weeks then back to square one. I have a follow up GP appt in few weeks and will ask for rescue antibiotics, particularly when I go away on holiday for 3 weeks.

[Ortho10 in reply to Zentangler]

The TB bacteria is almost certainly NTM, which is Non Tubercular and common amongst people with Bronchiectasis.

This is a serious infection and will need a course of three antibiotics, over approximately 12 months.

I would imagine your Consultant will be taking lots of sputum samples, which unfortunately need a six week incubation period.

You will need to keep nagging your Consultant, as any delay can lead to nodules, lung cavities and worsening symptoms.

On a positive note, I have undergone a year’s worth of antibiotics, and my CT results have improved, and I feel much better.

Once you are clear of your NTM, prophylactic Azithromycin can be used to keep you well and infection free.

Hope all goes well.

[Zentangler]

thank you, that’s really useful information. I have a go appt Monday as I am experiencing flare up of symptoms eg worse cough and coughing up more mucus. Next consultant appointment is in 3 months.