Is bronchiectasis always progressive?

Posted by Jen_b @jenblalock, Dec 21, 2017

I really can't find the answer to this via Google. Does anyone know? I know it is for a lifetime but can it remain stable?

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@jlsilva I think you and your doctor are both right that bronchiectasis can be kept from progressing and it also depends on the lung and general physical conditions of each individual. I was diagnosed for bronchiectasis and MAC 3.5 years ago. I don't have any other lung disease and otherwise very healthy. So far my condition is stable and slightly improved per latest CT scan and chest X-ray. But I have not taken any antibiotic. All I have been doing is staying active and eating healthy. I will turn 65 in a few days. However, if you have other lung illnesses on top of bronchiectasis, the latter could be aggravated by the former or vice versa. Then the situation could become tricky. I assume your doctor's opinion was based on what he knew of your current physical condition. So that is what I would take to heart.

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@jlsilva

I just had an appointment yesterday and asked my doctor whether my bronchiectasis would become progressively worse (am 67 and was diagnosed 10 months ago). He said that I could expect it to remain stable if I continue to exercise and eat a healthy diet. I don't know if this would depend on individual cases, though.

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I was dx with bronch last Aug and my MD says infection will make it worse. Thus get flu and pneumonia shots as needed.
My MD also suggested zinc as a supplement. it helps with inflammation

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@jlsilva

I just had an appointment yesterday and asked my doctor whether my bronchiectasis would become progressively worse (am 67 and was diagnosed 10 months ago). He said that I could expect it to remain stable if I continue to exercise and eat a healthy diet. I don't know if this would depend on individual cases, though.

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Great advice, @pattywatty. Didn't know about Zinc. Will give it a try.

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@jlsilva

I just had an appointment yesterday and asked my doctor whether my bronchiectasis would become progressively worse (am 67 and was diagnosed 10 months ago). He said that I could expect it to remain stable if I continue to exercise and eat a healthy diet. I don't know if this would depend on individual cases, though.

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Always get the flu shot and pneumonia shot (when needed). My doctors wouldn’t let me leave the office this past year without those!

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@jlsilva consistently /daily getting rid of mucus thru a device such as an aerobika or vest is also part of formula to hopefully prevent more bronchiectasis tdrell

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I really need to get back to exercise in some form. I think sometimes anger comes directed toward me for getting "sick." My pulmonologist feels my husband's anger at yet another disease can be emotionally a downhill slide. Years ago, he never talked to people about sarcoidosis and now with the MAC's diagnosis, this has added to the stress. I do see a series of doctors who work around this with me. This can put more stress on me but this group helps me get through the really tough times. I need to hear what others have done with the physical and of course emotional side. Ironically I have a call waiting but will get back.

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@jlsilva

I just had an appointment yesterday and asked my doctor whether my bronchiectasis would become progressively worse (am 67 and was diagnosed 10 months ago). He said that I could expect it to remain stable if I continue to exercise and eat a healthy diet. I don't know if this would depend on individual cases, though.

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@pattywatty - how much zinc do you take daily? with or without food? thank you!

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@jlsilva

I just had an appointment yesterday and asked my doctor whether my bronchiectasis would become progressively worse (am 67 and was diagnosed 10 months ago). He said that I could expect it to remain stable if I continue to exercise and eat a healthy diet. I don't know if this would depend on individual cases, though.

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@jlsilva great your dr actually said that, it is what we all should be doing anyway so this is a great reminder when we go off track with diet and exercise to get back ontrack.

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This is a question I think I have hesitated to ask? I would like to see some answers and is exercise something you can push your way through despite the extreme fatigue.

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@jlsilva

I just had an appointment yesterday and asked my doctor whether my bronchiectasis would become progressively worse (am 67 and was diagnosed 10 months ago). He said that I could expect it to remain stable if I continue to exercise and eat a healthy diet. I don't know if this would depend on individual cases, though.

Jump to this post

I believe Zinc is the main ingredient in Zicam which is supposed to stop you from getting sick or shorten a cold. I take that whenever I’ve been around someone who is sick or I feel like I might get sick. So far it’s been helping me. I also get the flu shot

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