Anyone have experience with bronchiectasis and Haemophilus influenzae?

I was diagnosed from a bronchoscopy with MAC in Oct 2021 and resisted going on the big 3 because I didn’t have any symptoms and felt fine. I started developing some symptoms but I held out until I went to NJH this past December. Before going, I had to send in a sputum sample months before going. First sputum check/culture I’ve ever had. Results showed no MAC grew but I did have the H-influenzae. The doctor there put me on Bactrim for 15 days. I haven’t submitted a follow-up sample since then. I was so excited that I would have to take just one antibiotic for 15 days, that I didn’t think of asking the possibility of it returning.

Thanks. Doxycyline was only 7 days. Good to know about the Bactrim, information I will share with my doctor if my symptoms come back. I share the excitement of just one antibiotic. May you stay symptom free.

Before I was diagnosed with MAC & bronchiectasis, I was treated about 4-5 times over a period of 3 winters for H. influenza - each time a single course of bactrim or a similar antibiotic made me feel better, but the next cold would immediately progress into bronchitis then pneumonia again. It was a followup to are particularly nasty bout that led to my diagnosis & two years of treatment.

Do you do daily airway clearance to help keep your lungs healthy? Since the H. influenza can persist, just like MAC, it might help to avoid a recurrence. I don't know if a saline neb would help disable the H.I., but you could ask your doc.
Sue

Thank you, Sue. I started nebulizing about 10 months ago, once a day and increased to 2x daily after seeing pulmonologist in October. Was pretty much on my own though, no directions given. I had no idea the nebulizer cup that came with with my Power Neb Ultra was "disposable"! Thanks to info from this group I got my Pari LC Sprint cup yesterday (so much more effective!) and have ordered an Aerobica and sterilizer. I'm also doing a lot more walking, so I hope to keep airways as clear as possible. This group is so helpful. Thank you all so much!

I tol am so happy that I found this group. I have learned so much from others and I no longer feel so alone..

@annagh @sueinmn Funny I was getting ready to start the same post about Bronchiectasis and Haemophilus influenzae. My yearly check-up at Mayo Jacksonville in early Dec. went well except my sputum sample was positive for Haemophilus (Negative for Mycobacteria). I was started on Amoxi/Clav and by the end of 10 day treatment my productive cough was completely gone, and still is as of today, keeping my fingers crossed as I had this cough and the same light brown sputum for for about 6 years. I have had multiple sputum samples over the last 3 years, none Pos for Haemophilus, a few positive for M. abscessus (no more than 2 colonies), the thinking by the doctors was that M. abscessus was not a "major player" with my productive cough and it was just due to the inflammatory process from the bronchiectasis. Well the amazing way I have responded after the Amoxi/Clav makes me think my issue was Haemophilus all along. Sue, any comments? Bill

The doctor originally mentioned amoxicillin/clavulanate for me, but I have problems with the clavulanate, so that is why he did the generic Bactrim.

Hi Bill - I would be afraid to guess! My docs, in two states, were sure my problem was H. Influenza, and it turned out to be Pseudomonas and two strains of mycobacteria. I think that damaged lungs are the perfect breeding ground for dozens of nasty bugs - those listed above plus Aspergillus, MRSA, RSV, the list goes on...It always impresses me when the docs figure out which to treat first.

My main comment is that continuing mucus-thinning meds and airway clearance is probably the best way to keep all the infections tamped down. Forcing the germs and their breeding media out has made a tremendous difference. Any time I get the least hint of congestion, I double down on airway clearance - fingers crossed, it has kept me off antibiotics for a good while now.

Sue

Thanks Sue. Although Haemophilus influenzae may be cleared the Bronchiectasis and therefore potential for future infections, will be with me forever. I will certainly continue nebbing 7% saline indefinitely and all the other airway clearance techniques as needed. Bill

Thank you Bill. May I know what is 2 colonies? Does it mean 2+? Glad to hear your cough and sputum stopped. I'm still hanging in there.