SSc-related bronchiectasis

[volvox45]

Does anyone know if you can have both bronchiectasis (which I've been diagnosed with) and interstitial lung disease (which I haven't)?

[Alice1956]

Yes, I have both ILD and bronchiectasis. Also asthma. My ILD was diagnosed first and is widespread. The bronchiectasis are as a result of the ILD and are called traction bronchiectasis. I have diffuse systemic sclerosis. I hope your bronchiectasis is not causing too many problems. Alice.

[volvox45 in reply to Alice1956]

Thank you, Alice, that's interesting. My bronchiectasis was discovered by mistake during a routine scan for something else, but it added to the list of signals that indicated I might have SSc; another year or so and I was officially diagnosed with limited SSc. I find it impossible to get straight answers from even specialist consultants. I was told that my bronchiectasis is caused by aspiration of acid/particles from having reflux which I have always found unlikely as I don't knowingly have reflux! Then I attended a Royal Free webinar last October and discovered (by asking) that there are two sorts of bronchiectasis (sorry, you know this) traction and freestanding, and the latter has no link with SSc. You have added to my knowledge! I would quite like to know if I have ILD but what difference would it make? I have a bit of a permanent cough but nothing too bad..... so far!