@blm1007blm1007 Yes, curiosity and a keen interest in diagnosis is crucial in a family physician. They are often very busy but they are also the first healthcare professionals we will see and talk to about our varied symptoms. Unfortunately those symptoms are sometimes quickly dismissed.

I’ve mentioned it in the past, but simple sputum tests, when there is changing mucus for a longer period of time, and perhaps questioning the X-rays and forwarding patients to capable specialists shouldn’t be too much to expect.

Thankfully some doctors are decent listeners and check the box for sputum tests more readily than some do. I’ve learned through this important site, that not every person with BE has to expectorate phlegm each day, but we don’t wake up overnight with Bronchiectasis.

Perhaps it could take a few years to finally arrive at a diagnosis of this chronic condition especially when there are untreated infections, coupled with other body type, conditions etc that look as if they make us more susceptible.

It seems other people have unfortunately struggled for many many years with other health issues and particularly with lung related health concerns.

I suppose some might be fortunate to find out early when there is only a radiological diagnosis of BE and the specific antibiotics to treat are given.

Although it is still a rare lung disease, relative to COPD and asthma, I like to think more awareness might help others avoid chronic BE or at least postpone the diagnosis for a number of years.