I. too. have been confused in this journey with Bronchiectasis (BE), diagnosed 10 years ago. Not until I got to National Jewish Health in Denver 8 months ago did I begin to get the BE under control.
It is my understanding that you can get an in-person visit with NJH Bronchiectasis Department, and then continue treatment remotely.
Since NJH is the leading Pulmonary Hospital in the country, I feel I am in the best hands possible.
Like Sue, I could not tolerate Albuterol, heart races using it. So my pulmonologist switched me to Levalbuterol.
My regimen twice daily, am and pm, is Levalbuterol inhaler, followed by 7% nebulized saline, followed by Symbicort (lowest dose). Midday I lie on my back, do vigorous exercises, manual percussion, controlled breathing, huff coughing, all of which clears my lungs of green liquid, then follows coughing up mucous; I am assuming this is clearing my lungs of Pseudomonas.
Levalbuterol opens the airways. Nebulized 7% Saline they say is a game changer. Symbicort helps curb coughing and decreases irritation in the airways.
NJH says the best way to treat BE is Airway Clearance, Airway Clearance, Airway Clearance! They have a lecture series once a year that you can join online. With a decrease in lung function of 25%, perhaps the right pulmonologist along with the right treatment can stop further decrease.
Good luck. Let me know if you have any questions......will be happy to answer.
Pam