1. < MAC & Bronchiectasis
Profile picture for cwal

What is Dry Bronchiectasis?

Posted by cwal @cwal, Nov 10, 2023

Some refer to a dry bronchiectasis, which I guess means very little sputum is produced.

Does that translate to no or very few exacerbations?
Also, does that mean their bronchiectasis does not continue to progress?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the MAC & Bronchiectasis Support Group.

Profile picture for milburyi
milburyi | @milburyi | Apr 19, 2025
In reply to @sueinmn "It sure can be hard to get a diagnosis with a sputum culture, but most docs..." + (show)
Profile picture for Sue, Volunteer Mentor @sueinmn

It sure can be hard to get a diagnosis with a sputum culture, but most docs are right to hesitate on doing a bronchoscopy - these are definitely not without risk, especially in someone who has already had hemoptysis (coughing up blood.)
Has anyone ever talked about doing an induced sputum culture? Under the supervision of a respiratory therapist or assistant, you use a nebulizer to inhale 10% (hypertonic) saline solution, which typically induces coughing and brings up sputum.

Jump to this post

no they haven't suggested that. also when I mentioned people using nebulizer with saline they said they font prescribe that. Just albuterol or levobuterol because they open airway. so should I change docs?

REPLY
1 reply
Profile picture for Sue, Volunteer Mentor
Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Apr 19, 2025
In reply to @milburyi "no they haven't suggested that. also when I mentioned people using nebulizer with saline they said..." + (show)
Profile picture for milburyi @milburyi

no they haven't suggested that. also when I mentioned people using nebulizer with saline they said they font prescribe that. Just albuterol or levobuterol because they open airway. so should I change docs?

Jump to this post

What type of doctor are you seeing? This does not sound like one experienced in treating MAC and Bronchiectasis. Sometimes it can be hard to find a good one, but it is worth the search, you will be living with Bronchiectasis for the rest of your life and managing it properly will improve your quality of life.
What area do you live in?

REPLY
Profile picture for milburyi
milburyi | @milburyi | Apr 21, 2025

I am in nwfl. medicare advantage plan so I ki da have yo use their docs. they said they have many patients with bronchiectasis and MAC. they are lung specialists.

REPLY
Profile picture for tallow49
tallow49 | @tallow49 | Nov 10, 2025

Last 2 “attacks “ no cough or flem , headaches temperature low oxygen level …. Meds antibiotics and steroids
As this has changed re symptoms advice if to get a scan as not had one for a year

REPLY
Profile picture for pacathy
pacathy | @pacathy | Nov 10, 2025

Could you share a bit more about the history of your illness? Do you have bronchiectasis and or MAC? How long have you been sick with current "attack?" I'm guessing you've seen your doc since you're on antibiotics and steroids-correct? Are you getting worse? If so, please contact doc.
Do you have a doc who treats bronchiectasis patients and have you had recent sputum cultures?
If you tell us a bit more, I think you'll get suggestions for action.

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.