Developed bronchitis like cough, nasal congestion: can't stabilize

Just noticed on my post something about wearing a mask in Texas. NO CLUE where that came from😂

@notnancy88
Hubs and I were just talking about whether you could still get cough meds with codeine. It used to work great. Did u change anything else?
(Ps never mind on my Texas mask comment. 😜)

Changed nothing else. My PCP doesn't randomly prescribe liquid cough meds with codeine and he knows I won't overdo it since it is beneficial to get the mucus up and out. I probably still have 75% of the 4 oz left in the bottle.
Obviously it's a prescription. He also believes in over the counter Mucinex and plenty of non-caffeinated liquidsto stay hydrated. He's big on handwashing and for me to get all vaccinations. I have never missed an annual flu shot - but that could also be my 25 years in the military too.

@cdward1028

Hi, last June I came down with a virus that because of BE became a bad bronchial infection, dr started antibiotics, 14 days, got well for about 5 days, still coughing a lot; went down with the worse mucus ever and non-stop coughing, after 2 wks on AWC and some over the counter to help with congestion, dr ordered a new antibiogram which showed the same bacteria as previously, but this time the antibiotic sensitivity showed to de different, dr consulted with ID and put me on a different antibiotic, again 14 d. Afterwards I was fine but still coughing and feeling extremely tired, for about 2 more months. The only thing that helped me to stop coughing was stop nebulizing saline. Initially I did 5% then 3%, still coughing , decided to stop as suggested. Fortunately, I have been fine doing only respiratory exercises, which I am doing several times a day, no more than 2-3 min each time. Friday dr call me in for a mucus sample, I had no mucus at all. I am not saying that I will stop nebulizing saline for good, just that my system seemed to need a break from it. Please do note that it is summertime here, nice weather here , I will be back to neb before the clean warm air changes bringing more viruses. Hopefully my experience feeds the ever growing aggregates of anecdotes that we all share.

My pulmonologist suggested dupixent for asthma and he also suggested Brinsupri for lung infections said it’s a daily antibiotic. That’s worries me, haven’t looked into it but would think the body would develop a resistance to it eventually.?

@taracronwall Good morning. Brinsupri is not an antibiotic, and your pulmonologist should know that. It is a new drug used in the treatment of bronchiectasis (BE). Do you have BE? Do you have a nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infection in your lungs? NTMs are sometimes treated with antibiotics, depending on severity of the infection and damage to the lungs. Good luck with your research.

@tcd518
Thank you for clarifying, I have BE
When I get any illness it turns into pneumonia so my pulmonary was suggesting that I do dupixent🤦🏻‍♀️ and Brinsupri, which he said was an antibiotic! From what I’ve read it doesn’t really have great effectiveness with killing bacteria. I don’t know anything about NTM??? I just forced a sputum culture as they just seem to treat me with a vest and double antibiotics and tons of steroids. I’m wondering if the culture will tell if I have a certain type of NTM? I prefer more natural ways like bronchial clear thyme ivy, NAC, hydrogen tabs, looking into purchasing a hydrogen machine and a portable oxygen machine. I find these forums wonderful plethora of information and everyone’s walk is so different. Appreciate all the feedback 🙏💕🌸

@taracronwall
Brinsupri is not for "killing bacteria" it is for the continuous cycle of inflammation that is a big problem with bronchiectasis.
The bronchiectasis inflammatory cycle, often called a "vicious cycle" or "vortex," is a self-perpetuating loop where airway damage leads to mucus buildup, trapping bacteria, which triggers intense inflammation (especially neutrophilic), releasing enzymes that further damage airways, causing thickening and dilation, hindering mucus clearance, and perpetuating infection and inflammation. This cycle involves impaired mucociliary clearance, chronic infection, sustained inflammation (neutrophils, macrophages, lymphocytes), and structural airway damage, creating a progressive, damaging feedback loop that worsens lung function.

@taracronwell...I was treated for NTM 17 years ago and was left with a dead lower right lung. Diagnosed with BE and treated with steroids and antibiotics. Ciprofloxacin and tobramycin in nebulizer twice a day 14 days on and averaged 11 days off. Now I have a much longer time between exacerbations due to Brinsupri. My lung function is continuing to improve, It is meant to extend periods between exacerbation and the need for antibiotics. Months instead of weeks. This has proven true over the 5 months I've been taking it. I also take Dupixent and have fewer asthma attacks. I also use postural drainage and take Albuterol with Budesonide daily. I suggest that you try the new treatments your doctor has suggested are appropriate for you and you may have good results.

@tcd518
Hello, this is not a reply but a question, How does the severity of the infection by NTM is measured? And the extension of lung damage? Thanks.