1. < MAC & Bronchiectasis

What Triggers Coughing Up Blood?

Posted by amyblossoms @amyblossoms, Mar 2, 2023

I have MAC & Bronchiectasis & GERD.

I'm actually quite healthy otherwise. LOL

My pulmonologist says I'm doing more with lifestyle & diet than they can do with modern medicine. YAY ME. Except lately I've been coughing up blood more than I'd like.

I'm eating small, healthy meals. Drinking a lot of herbal tea, but not too much. Exercising, meditating, enjoying life, doing work I love...

I would love more perspective on triggers if anyone has anything to share.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the MAC & Bronchiectasis Support Group.

lp8 | @lp8 | Mar 6, 2023
In reply to @nana43 "Hey Amy! I think over doing exercise or even having days packed too full tends to..." + (show)
@nana43

Hey Amy!
I think over doing exercise or even having days packed too full tends to lower my immunity to colds, viruses, etc. It is usually in the winter months when I experience. My symptoms are increased cough, fatigue, chest congestion and this last time coughing up some blood as you described. However, I do not produce sputum…. Only when I am sick or have exerbation. I keep a low grade fever daily from MAC, they think.
Dee

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Thank you for giving the site for hemoptysis on NTM talks. It helped me understand more. My pulmonologist doesn't explain much. It was very helpful.

REPLY
amyblossoms | @amyblossoms | Mar 13, 2023

Thanks everyone!
I really appreciate your thoughtful replies. @sueinmn @cate123456 @cayenne @maureen2022 @sher1 @lp8 @nana43 @liz440
My triggers have changed after a recent move to the desert, so I'm getting adjusted and paying attention.
In general, getting cheaty with my diet can send me into an unwell space.
Wearing myself out with too much activity / stress for consecutive days is another issue > trigger.
And recently, dealing with dust storms, dry air, and wind seem to be aggravating my airways.
Over-doing airway clearance seems to be a risk, too. I recently added Clear Lungs (Ridgecrest) to my diet and I'm noticing wonderful results.
When I have an incident of hemoptysis (coughing up blood), I back off on airway clearance for a day or two and reintroduce slowly to give my body time to heal.
A healthy, happy mindset and high quality rest always help me get back in the game of life.
Stay golden,
Amy

REPLY
1 reply
Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Mar 13, 2023
In reply to @amyblossoms "Thanks everyone! I really appreciate your thoughtful replies. @sueinmn @cate123456 @cayenne @maureen2022 @sher1 @lp8 @nana43 @liz440..." + (show)
@amyblossoms

Thanks everyone!
I really appreciate your thoughtful replies. @sueinmn @cate123456 @cayenne @maureen2022 @sher1 @lp8 @nana43 @liz440
My triggers have changed after a recent move to the desert, so I'm getting adjusted and paying attention.
In general, getting cheaty with my diet can send me into an unwell space.
Wearing myself out with too much activity / stress for consecutive days is another issue > trigger.
And recently, dealing with dust storms, dry air, and wind seem to be aggravating my airways.
Over-doing airway clearance seems to be a risk, too. I recently added Clear Lungs (Ridgecrest) to my diet and I'm noticing wonderful results.
When I have an incident of hemoptysis (coughing up blood), I back off on airway clearance for a day or two and reintroduce slowly to give my body time to heal.
A healthy, happy mindset and high quality rest always help me get back in the game of life.
Stay golden,
Amy

Jump to this post

I find wearing a medical mask (not N95 - the cheap pleated kind) helps a lot when it is windy & dusty (which is most of the time in deep south Texas.) On really bad days I resign myself to staying inside with AC & air filters running.
Sue

REPLY
1 reply
amyblossoms | @amyblossoms | Mar 14, 2023
In reply to @sueinmn "I find wearing a medical mask (not N95 - the cheap pleated kind) helps a lot..." + (show)
@sueinmn

I find wearing a medical mask (not N95 - the cheap pleated kind) helps a lot when it is windy & dusty (which is most of the time in deep south Texas.) On really bad days I resign myself to staying inside with AC & air filters running.
Sue

Jump to this post

Thanks, Sue!
As soon as I realized that the wind / dust was bothering me, I started wearing a mask when I go outside for walks if it's at all windy. Like you, if it's a really bad day, I stay in and enjoy indoor activities.
✌💗
Amy

REPLY
1 reply
Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Mar 14, 2023
In reply to @amyblossoms "Thanks, Sue! As soon as I realized that the wind / dust was bothering me, I..." + (show)
@amyblossoms

Thanks, Sue!
As soon as I realized that the wind / dust was bothering me, I started wearing a mask when I go outside for walks if it's at all windy. Like you, if it's a really bad day, I stay in and enjoy indoor activities.
✌💗
Amy

Jump to this post

We are facing a triple treat right now -pollen from the blooming trees, dust from the changing Spring winds, and smoke from the farmers burning the sugar cane before harvest...I'm thinking of investing in wrap-around sunglasses like my teen-aged nephews wear to protect my eyes.

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