Bronchiectasis diagnosis?

[BP135]

Hi everyone! I hope you are all well.

I have suffered with persistent chest infections for the last 3 winters, just entering the 4th. I have suspected bronchiectasis for 3 years as I seem to have all of the symptoms.

I've finally had a ct scan followed by a phone appointment where the respiratory cons said there is damage in my lungs but it is not bronchiectasis. I think she said the damage was in the larger airways rather than the small. I also had a 14mm nodule so had another scan 3 months later. Still not had results for this as appointment keeps getting moved. I'm due lung function test results in the same app.

I went to my first respiratory physio appointment at the weekend as consultant said my constant "band around the chest feeling" I describe may be bad habits with my breathing post infections. Giving all my info to the physio she is convinced I have bronchiectasis and that is how she is treating me.

I just wondered if anyone has had a diagnosis of bronchiectasis without a ct scan backing it? She said it may show up later on. So does that mean it is mild? I just always thought the only way to diagnose was with a ct scan.

Can anyone help with my confusion?

Thanks for reading.

Becky x

[Troilus]

Hi BP135,

I can’t help you I am afraid as I have no experience of this. However, there are quite a few active members on HealthUnlocked BLF (British Lung Foundation) site who have bronchiectasis.

Maybe there will be more people there able to advise you.

[Poobah]

This sounds familiar. I had lung damage thanks to repeated chest infections plus a nodule. My second ct scan satisfied the consultant that the nodule wasn't sinister. I would say that every time I've had a scan, be it lungs or elsewhere, they've found a polyp or nodule- more common than we realise.

I had a very positive experience with the respiratory physio and continue to benefit from the exercises ( when I need to do them). And there's always YouTube to remind me of the techniques.

But my consultant also treated me with long term antibiotics (4 months) in order to put paid to the chest infection. He said I could repeat the treatment every winter, if necessary, but I haven't needed any antibiotics since (almost 3 years now).

I hope you get a resolution.

[BP135 in reply to Poobah]

Thanks Poobah. I think the nodules are mostly damage in the lung that isn't likely to be causing symptoms, from what I've read. I do wonder if it could be a sign of bronchiectasis though. It's lower left lobe which is common for bronch. This is all information I've received from Dr Google so I will check with my consultant when I see her.

I'm really glad you have been well for 3 years now. That's great to hear some positive news.

Take care x

[Bella-Bestia]

I appreciate why you’re feeling confused as you have been given conflicting advice from two health professionals....Perhaps you can explore that with one or both of them?

I don’t have bronchiectasis either so can’t answer that question.

However as already suggested, doing your breathing exercises( daily )is the key to keeping your secretions moving to minimise a chest infection.....

Due to our breathing pattern potentially being affected due to our lung condition that is worth exploring too as suggested by your consultant.

I am assuming that the Physio assessed that too?

I thought that I was breathing well and deep using my diaphragm- but found it needed tweaked. Maybe worth exploring?

Take care x

[BP135 in reply to Bella-Bestia]

Yes the physio did give me breathing exercises and other helpful tips to keep my lungs clear. I suppose I just want a definite diagnosis so I know what I should be doing specifically. It's been over 5 months since I last spoke to my consultant. It feels like such a long time when you have questions!

Thanks for you reply, you are right, the breathing exercises are helpful for all lung conditions so I will keep it up xx