How does bronchiectasis progress?

Thanks for asking this question as I am wondering the same thing.

@wangling and @equanimous
Progression in lung disease is a puzzle. I'm not sure anyone has an exact answer, but there are some ways to slow disease progress that most experts will agree on.

First, stop any and all smoking and vaping, or exposure to secondhand smoke.
Second AIRWAY CLEARANCE with 7% saline, if recommended.
Stay as healthy as you can with good diet, rest as much exercise as possible, even when you don't feel like it.
Avoid respiratory infections - stay away from sick people, indoor crowds in flu and cold season, mask when you can't avoid being "out there."
Follow treatment plans including maintenance meds, keeping other conditions under control (asthma, allergies, GERD, diabetes, blood pressure...) to avoid taxing your body.
Keep up with your doctor visits and tests, so changes are identified early and can be treated quickly.
Finally, a positive attitude goes a very long way. It helps keep you moving, and living rather than simply existing.

My mantra: "Bronchiectasis is what I have, not who I am. I cannot cure it, but I can manage it. I am living my best life in spite of it, and the other chronic conditions I have. "
Sue

Many thanks Sue for your inclusive and uplifting note.

Ling

Every day, airway clearance. Keep those airways open and don't let them collapse on you.
Every day...
And just as Sue says

Hello everyone! Ditto what equanimous said. 😉 When I finally got in to see the specialist he was not helpful and I didn’t know what to ask. He just seemed to not like me and kept saying I think you have bronchiectasis and a little emphysema in lower lung. But you have MGUS, you have MGUS. Said we will get a ct scan next year and sent me on my way.

Are there any resources any of you recommend? Such as books forums or videos?

😊🌷💞✌️

Very wise advice, Sue. I am, and have been, following many of your suggestions, i.e. diet, exercise, no smoking, etc. Since MAC is new to me, I am still struggling getting my hear around it and the lifestyle change/s. I have faith I will adjust soon. I feel fortunate to have found this Mayo Clinic site! Thank you to everyone!

Can I nebulize the saline three times in a day if extra mucus.

There are videos of webinars by National Jewish Health and NTMir available on YouTube and also on their websites.
Linda Esposito has a book called BE CLEAR about living with bronchiectasis and MAC. She also has a website called letsbecleartoday.com.

Once or twice a day is the usual recommendation, but you can certainly do airway clearance as often as you need to. Just remember, airway clearance is moving around or lying in positions to get the mucus moving, the deep breathing and "huff" coughing to bring it up. Coughing hard (what my daughter calls "hacking up a lung") is not recommended - it will just irritate your airways, give you a sore throat and make your ribs hurt.
Sue

I would second everything that Sue recommended but also reiterate the importance of exercise. When I visited NJH that was one thing that was emphasized. The more aerobic it is the better, running or bike riding, but walking or swimming is fine as well.