Bronchiectasis

[Shambles10944]

I had my first visit to my consultant in June last year,I had 3 breath tests on the same day,he said having RA I have developed the above,he said if you have chest problems with bringing up phlegm go see your GP for some Amoxicillion which he gave me 2boxes of 500m,but now I have had this problem for 7 weeks now and I'm still coughing up phlegm,any advice would be useful.

Colin

[JFlay]

I think it would be best to see your GP again, 7 weeks is a long time! My mum has bronchiectasis and gets chest infections easily. Last time she had to go for a chest x-ray and the hospital gave her some antibiotics I had never heard of before. Hope you feel better soon.

[FRreedman]

To to your GP, because this can turn into pneumonia quite quickly, if left untreated. Have they not given you some breathing exercises to do, to help you bring the phlegm up?

[jbzm]

Can you ask to see a Respiratory consultant or at least a respiratory physio? I had inflammatory asthma before the RD started, bibasal bronchiectstasis diagnosed following a CT a few months ago (started MTX in November 2018, no idea if it's a coincidence . . .). My Respiratory consultant had me see a respiratory phsyio years ago to learn how to complete a breathing cycle and 'huff' to help clear airways. More recently I have seen the physio to learn how to use a flutter device which vibrates the passages by breathing in to a 'pipe' with a ball bearing in it. Not something to try without someone talking you through it as the angle of your chin and the device are both crucial. However, well worth it.

Do get some help from your GP to move things forward as soon as you can.

[Shambles10944]

Thanks for reply,I have a appointment to see the respiratory consultant on the 31st of this month

Cheers

[Hidden]

Make sure they do understand how Bronchiectasis works (not all respiratory consultants do). Don't let them try and convince you that it's COPD, ask for a CT scan to confirm Bronchiectasis. My favourite website for info about Bronch (yes, I have it too) is chss.org.uk/chest-informati...

There is a marvellous booklet on the site that you can download.

There is a BLF group on HU who will give you a warm welcome too. And Good Luck

[Shambles10944]

Thank for your reply and also for your favourite website,I will look it up.

Regards