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Bronchiectasis in teachers & health care workers
MAC & Bronchiectasis | Last Active: 3 days ago | Replies (32)Comment receiving replies
Irene, I think you may be correct.
Almost all of the studies I can find point to "lower socio-economic bracket" as a predictor, which would seem to preclude teachers and many health care workers. But certainly frequent lung infections is one predictor so repeated exposure may be the common factor, not necessarily occupation.
If I were still doing basic research...
Replies to "Irene, I think you may be correct. Almost all of the studies I can find point..."
Right. I know for myself I fit all of it- frequent bronchitis and pneumonia, pectus, body type ( except I’m short not tall), teacher in poverty area ( Canadian border of NH), and exposure to birds and the outdoors as a child. They took one look at me at said I was “textbook” MAC ! Oh joy!! I think perhaps body type lends itself to a genetic factor. All I know is that we who have it and bronchiectasis and any other lung bacteria or fungus that is ongoing, would be grateful for a cure as I’m sure any other person with a difficult disease would hope for every day. Irene
I do agree with you so that it has to do with exposure. After 40 years in education and some of them spent teaching kindergarten and spending time on a playground with the dirt being kicked up as they play, the environmental conditions of anyone in that environment, not only has the exposure to the illnesses of the children, the cleanliness or lack there of of the facility, but also the condition of the amenities, such as lunchroom playground, etc. I suspect nursing has some of the same issues. Along with research into frequent exposure, connections to the types of occupations would be helpful in improving insurance coverage and health conditions, as well as perhaps the training for general practitioners to be alert to people in those occupations.
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Yes, @sueinmn I’ve seen ‘lower socio economic’ listed as a risk factor too. I think some of that pertains to global situations where people wouldn’t have access to doctors on a fairly regular basis or maybe to situations where people are underserved by physicians & specialists or are marginalized. Many of us don’t fall into this category.
I do fall into the category of having had a doctor who was adamant that my obvious and worsening conditions were nothing of concern. I finally got a respirologist who sent me for sputum tests that I had been requesting for a year or more, and a CT scan. I then received antibiotics that targeted the infection and inflammation, but it was too late. Now diagnosed with Bronchiectasis and ongoing symptoms. An obvious change in x rays over two years and CT scan confirmed the change.
I strongly believe more awareness is urgently needed at the level of family doctor. Mine was unaware of any specifics. They do feel certain they can diagnose though. It is part of the culture.