New To Bronchiectasis

@meh3
I’m sorry to hear that you have this condition. It is scary when you have difficulty breathing. Do you know what triggered it and how long you have had this? What are your current treatments and medications/therapies for this condition?

1. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21144-bronchiectasis
2. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/bronchiectasis
3. https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/bronchiectasis
4. https://www.healthline.com/health/bronchiectasis
5. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/185759

As I originally mentioned, this is new (and a little scary) to me. After more than a year of pushing the physicians to do something, a plethora of tests from all angles are being run. After the results are reviewed by the doctors, hopefully they will devise a plan. At least, that is MY hope. I have realized that the medical profession as a whole, frequently does not do well on the follow through and I really cannot find words to express my disappointment, anger and frustration when that happens!
I don't know the prognosis; I only know that I feel so dependent on my physicians, yet doubting their continued support and efforts.

Are you producing sputum/mucus?
Airway Clearance is key. I use my prescribed nebulizer and 7 % Normal Saline twice daily. I have an Afflo vest that I use after the treatment. Then it’s Huff Coughing and recently added postural drainage.
For shortness of breath, I was prescribed a ProAir - albuterol inhaler .
Dr. Pamela J McShane has an excellent video on YouTube that you and everyone should watch.
I would also recommend you stay up to date with your vaccines in order to lower your risk and f any diseases that affect respiration. My pulmonologist recommended: RSV, along with my annual enhanced influenza and a COVID booster when released. I also received a PREVNAR 20 and TDap. The “p” is for pertussis - whooping cough.
I have a friend who is 75 and contracted RSV last year that evolved into a hospital stay with pneumonia in both lungs.
Try to stay active. I walk a minimum of 3500 steps daily- usually more and lift weights/ ride a stationery recumbent bike.

Thank you so much! I am producing sputum and mucous in such small immeasurable amounts though. I often feel like my throat is tightening and something is stuck. I have begun the chest tapping frequently to see if that helps. I use a diskus inhaler twice daily but have been having to use my rescue inhaler more often also. This week PA Lateral views were done on my lower lobes. There is a nodule that is questionable. I will check out the YouTube video that you suggested. I need to learn as much as possible about my condition. Thank you again for responding. I welcome any help.

New to the group. My hubby is 82 and just diagnosed with BE. 4 pnuemonias in 2025. Drug resistant bacteria pnuemonias. Been a hard year but finally we know why. Now, he has a smart vest Mycomyst in nebulizer before vest treatments a Acapella to blow into all the move mucus. Its our new normal. Joined the group to find out what others are doing to help them.

@buddy43 It sounds like your husband is on the right track. Is he still on antibiotics for the pneumonia?

No antibotics right now although the mucus is yellow and thick. His WBC is 18 and Neutrophils are extremely high. I have read that it can be inflammation rather than infection but how does one know which it is? He sees a infectious disease Dr Tuesday to ask. He has had sepsis 4 times over few yrs. plus the 4 pnuemonias this yr. The hospital floor Dr asked us why? Our Pulmonary Dr never diagnosised him. The hospital dr sent a referral to a new pulmonary Dr. She took 2 hrs with us. She had Oct Ct scan on laptop and honed in on Bronchs said see this. You have Bronchiectasis. Finally after all these infections fir last few yrs. In Oct he had 2 drug resustant bacterias. came home with PIC line with Merepenem. than back to hispital came home Jan with bacterum. But his WBC and Neutrophils have never returned to normal. Now he has a diagnosis he got a vest and Mucomyst for neb treatments. He has Obstructive sleep apnea also but medicare wont pay for his oxygen so thats gone. Well thats enough of my hubbies issues. I was looking fir others who may have had similiar issues and what helped. or questions to ask Drs. any info is good. Thanks. WG

@sueinmn Hello. Not knowing how to steer my way this group support. Didnt see your question til now. No His new Lung Dr doesnt want him on antibotics right now as he had 2 drug resistant bacterias in Oct had PIC line at home with Zozyn and then Mernem so she is afraid to give more til he can get his immune system running better. He sees the Infectious Disease dr tomorrow and I will ask same questions. does he need another round of bactrum? and how to get his WBC and Neutrophils down. 4 pnuemonias in one year has taken a toll. I think he needs another sputum test. I am trying to learn about the BE and best way to keep him as healthy as possible. WG. buddy 43 wife.