Bronchiectasis what are the stages and symptoms

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That's a lot of questions! Let's start at the beginning with a welcome to Mayo Connect and to our group of extremely knowledgeable and helpful MAC & Bronchiectasis group members.

First, I too was on a beta blocker for heart rhythm issues, and had to stop it because it rendered my asthma meds ineffective. My PCP and her med specialist/pharm doc could not find any others that worked for me, so I just live with it.

Second, that's a lot of treatments for bronchiectasis unless you have other issues. Most of us neb and use either a Smart Vest or Aerobika. I'm not sure how many also do nasal washes & gargling - what was the explanation for needing these? My treatment is 7% saline + Aerobika once a day, unless in an exacerbation. Then it is twice a day + Duoneb (budosenide + albuterol.) Neb plus airway clearance takes less than 30 minutes, while I read email and the newspaper.

Can you tell us a little more about what led to your diagnosis (symptoms, tests, etc) and whether you have been tested for any infections in conjunction with the Bronchiectasis? Were you diagnosed with any other issues at the same time? You mentioned you do have a heart problem, but what about asthma, GERD, sinusitis, cough, shortness of breath...

Finally, are you seeing a pulmonologist who is experienced in treating bronchiectasis?

Once we know more about your symptoms and other conditions, I'm sure you will hear lots of suggestions. In the meantime, there is a lot of information available in this discussion that may help you in this journey.

Sue

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I am sorry but unsure how to start a new post. I just received a Volara nebulizing machine with instruction from the respiratory therapist. I used it for the first time this morning. There is still saline in the nebulizing port. Does anyone have this Volara and does it not use up all the saline during a treatment? My machine is also set on "medium" for now. The therapist said to start there and work up to the "high" setting. Maybe more solution will be gone on that setting? And do most use the high setting? I do feel it works better than my nebulizer I had that was 3 years old. Thanks for any help/suggestion.

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I have bronchiectasis and MAI, also have had pseudomonas in lungs about 9 months ago. Treated 3 weeks with Cypro. Diagnosed 2 years ago but problem started with severe and lengthy bronchial infection.
Other problems: Heart block with pace maker and beta blocker, (Bisoprolol Fumate to control atril fib.
GERD following a bleeding ulcer 3 years ago.
Chronic sinusitis with post nasal drip
Have had reactions to nasal sprays and inhalers due to interaction with beta blocker for heart. Caused Shortness of breath and one severe reaction with rash over entire body and an ER visit.
Bronchodilators (Albuterol and Levalbuterol help with mucus clearing but severe tachycardia and SOB, so stopped brochodilator 1 week ago.
Now only Neb 7% saleine followed by Budesonide and using Smart Vest and Aeroika at intervals during the 7% saline inhalation.
I am on oxygen at 2 L/M for sleep Oxygen was dropping to dangerously low during the night.
Would like suggestions on:
1. Ways to decrease the airway clearance time
2. Meds for chronic sinusitis ( I have tried Azelastine;
Fluticasone Propionate; Mometasone. Each worked for sinusitis but could not use because of causing sever SOB .
3 Bronchodilatro that may work with cardiac Beta blocker, Bisoprolol Fumarate.

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It sounds to me like your questions are mostly surrounding me dicationsand issues you have with the side effects and interactions. We don't provide medical advice here, but when ihad a conflict, a thorough consult with our clinic's medication management specialists, who are pharmacists with additional training got me on track. I used a beta blocker for heart rhythm management, and after several trials, it was determined that my breathing issues were more crucial, so I sometimes have to rapid heartrate.
As for mucus clearing, I use Mucinex LA which thins the mucus without affecting my heart or asthma. It also seems to relieve post nasal drip, so I don't need sprays or nasal washes.
How was your MAI diagnosed, and has any decision been made about treating it?
Sue

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Thank you. Yes, I also take Mucinex LA 2 times a day. Thank you for suggestion of clinic medication management specialist. MAI. Another story. It was seen on a sputum culture and areas in my lungs that doc suspected was MAI. Treatment? I changed PCP & pulmonologist about 6 months after the sputum spec and CT Scan when I saw on the summary from Pulmo to PCP that: "....I do not believe that this lady is a good candidate for long term antibiotic therapy." Neither of them had explained to me what MAI was or what the treatment was or possible other fungus in the lungs? I have a different PCP and a different Pulmo now and I have been to UNC Chapel Hill, NC' Bronchiectasis Clinic. The Pulmo at UNC Chapel Hill told me that I should have a local pulmo and I will go to Chapel Hill every 6 months.

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I am so glad you have found the Chapel Hill Clinic, as well as local PCP and pulmonologist.
The medication regimen for MAI is definitely tough, so if you are well-controlled, the 7% saline may just be the thing for you (it has worked for me for 22 months now after I had to stop the antibiotics due to side effects.)

Sorry I cannot help with the Navage question - my ENT told me years ago that I wasn't a good candidate for nasal washes, which didn't hurt my feelings one bit! Putting liquid up my nose makes me feel like I am drowning.

Sue

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Thank you Sue. I have so many questions and this group is a blessing. I have read about "flare ups" with fever, etc. But wondering if the thick clear mucus (large amounts) daily is to be expected forever or with right treatment will it eventually be less. That is another reason the airway clearance takes 3 hours each time. I never get all the mucus at any session.

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