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Bronchiectasis
Three months ago I was diagnosed with pneumonia and bronchiectasis. I had several spots of pneumonia and wound up hospitalized. I am 78 and usually a very healthy 78. I have been sick with a nasty cough for about two years and have been put on antibiotics a couple of times and steroids. Nothing really helped. Nebulizing with three different kinds of medication after discharge. Nebulizing is not fun and time consuming. I started weaning off that through my own advice. And started drinking two or 3 cups of Mullein Tea. I have been using the Mullen tea for almost 3 weeks and I found that almost immediately the mucus was thinning out and I was able to get it up. I still cough, some days worse than others. But I do think that the Mullen tea is really helping me. My pulmonologist mentioned it to me, which is why I am taking it. I take the Stialto inhaler daily and use my albuterol inhaler as I feel I need it. Hope this information helps someone out there.
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@alicebrew1 If you have recurring infections, please talk to the doctor about starting airway clearance. According to the experts, it is the Gold Standard for avoiding further damage.
Also, can you get the allergist and pulmonologist to coordinate of figuring out the correct medication for your asthma? Trelegy is not the most commonly used medication for that.
@scoop I found these tea bags that do not contain microplastics …
https://fullleafteacompany.com/products/natural-paper-drawstring-teabags
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I have not been diagnosed with haemophilus B, nor any pathogen. Cultures x 2. Nothing grew.
Bronchoscopy- confirmed Bronchietasis and cultures for affected area of lung sent. Again, negative.
Haemophious B, is a very common colonizer and can cause exacerbations in bronchietasis, driving inflammation, impairs mucous clearance and may create a cycle of infections and damage.
It is a treatment challenge.
As mentioned by Sue cultures and airway clearance as very important.
1. Have you been cultured for other pathogens. Pseudomonas, Staph aureus, Non-Tuberculosis Mycobacteria NTM- Can be present and missed by standard cultures, Resistant to azithromycin.
And several others- FUNGI, Legionella, Moraxella, Klepsiella.
3. Have they prescribed a inhaler?
4. Or a nebulizer - fine mist to thin mucous, ease coughing, open airways, improve breathing by directly targeting lung.
5. Have you had a PFT? Help determine lung function, severity of bronchietasis and target best treatment options.
6. Are your immunizations up to date: Covid, Flu, Pneumonia, RSV? Check with pulmonologist for recommendations (based on history, age, vaccines).
Hope I have been helpful.
@lss111 hey there I did have pft. I definitely think haemophilus really caused broncheistasis to get worse . I do not think pulmonologist gave me that exact diagnosis . But I definitely have an area where airways enlarged . No nebulizer . I am going to ask about the saline treatment . Also am on trelogy but that’s for my supposed asthma . I have not taken for 5 days . Allergist said I could go off of it so I’m trying that . I have been tested I believe for all those things you mentioned I have not had my up-to-date pneumonia shot or RSV shot. I really am not getting any more Covid shots so I will check into the pneumonia shot. It’s just also complicated cause I don’t fit into anyone my puzzle pieces don’t match.
Had my first session at the Salt Room. I spent 45 minutes inhaling tiny salt particles into my lungs and nose in a very soothing atmosphere. It felt good. Before I got out of the parking lot, I got a little up and haven't had to blow my nose today. Going to add this to my maintenance. I do salt water gargle and sodium chloride nebulizer. Shouldn't use nebulizer if I've been at the Salt Room. Drinking Mullein tea.