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Bronchiectasis: New Diagnosis

MAC & Bronchiectasis | Last Active: Apr 15, 2023 | Replies (382)

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@mch

Jumping on this thread but might not be optimal place to ask. Trying to understand if I have Bronchiectasis. I've had 2 CT scans. Report neither mentions Bronchiectasis, but there are a number of mentions of Tree-in-Bud opacities, reticulonodular opacities, nodules, and cavitary lesions (which I understand are the basis of Cavitary MAC diagnosis). My pulmonologist never used the "B" term either when discussing my bronchoscopy results. I have another appt. with my pulmonologist right after New Year and will certainly ask for clarification, but in the meantime I've been trying to determine as I can see "B" would be a significant additional issue. From "googling" the terms in my CT scan I mention above, I don't find anything that says definitely these finding = "B". Can anyone shed light on this for me?

FYI, I have no symptoms other than a persistent cough that continued to diminish in frequency over about 4 months since its first abrupt onset (initially though it was a bad code/flu as it came on in a day or so). Cough was rare (once a day, often going several days w/o coughing at all,; just a few light coughs, no sputum even when I tried). In the last couple of weeks, coughing a little more and deeper sound, still little or no sputum even with my novice attempts at huff coughing technique. (How can you tell if you're getting sputum from lungs vs post-nasal drip when you feel something at back of through after coughing?). Wondering if recent increase is due to colder air temps?

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Replies to "Jumping on this thread but might not be optimal place to ask. Trying to understand if..."

Hello Mary Carol, and welcome to the MAC & Bronchiectasis group. While we are not doctors and cannot offer you a diagnosis, this is the right place to ask the question.

CT results may or may not mention bronchiectasis depending on the interpreting radiologist and what they were told in the doctor's order. It is possible to have cavitary MAC without bronchiectasis, especially if you have had frequent pneumonia, long term asthma, COPD or other lung problems.

As for sputum production, we are all very different, and weather, allergies and general health can vary the production. It might be helpful to ask your doc for a consult with a Respiratory Therapist at your next appointment. There are many strategies besides huff coughing to get the mucus out. The advantage of doing it is to limit the breeding ground for bacteria that the lungs provide so nicely - warm, dark & moist.

Was a sputum culture collected from you already to confirm your diagnosis?
Sue

Hi Mary Carol,

Lots of good questions!

Believe it or not, diagnosing bronchiectasis is not so black-and-white. There are a lot of criteria. That’s why whenever possible it’s best to go to a bronchiectasis center such as the Mayo Clinic, UT Tyler, National Jewish or NYU Langone.

Currently there are 19 centers that participate with the Bronchiectasis Research Registry. If you want to share where you live I can let you know which center is closest to you.

Best,
Linda Esposito