How does bronchiectasis progress?

@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

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Sue, I always am glad to read your comments.
I have MAC and was unable to take the meds.
I am under observation by pulmonary doctor . I am asymptomatic except for
tiring easily.
Thank you for your words of encouragement !

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You are welcome. May I ask if you are doing airway clearance and using a saline neb? I truly believe these have kept me going in my 3+ years since quitting the antibiotics. I feel "naked" right now because my nebulizer died, and the backup is sitting on a shelf 1500 miles away! I am waiting for a new one and using my Aerobika.
Sue

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No, I am not doing airway clearance.

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Airway clearance is one of the cornerstones of "watchful waiting." The efforts help expel the sticky mucus where MAC grows and keep your lungs healthy. There is evidence that 7% saline also helps reduce the number of bacteria able to grow. In my humble opinion, waiting without doing airway clearance is just waiting for the infection to get worse.
Can you consult with the doc (and possibly a respiratory therapist) about airway clearance?
Otherwise, come on back to Connect and do some reading in our support group.
Sue

Jump to this post

Airway clearance is one of the cornerstones of "watchful waiting." The efforts help expel the sticky mucus where MAC grows and keep your lungs healthy. There is evidence that 7% saline also helps reduce the number of bacteria able to grow. In my humble opinion, waiting without doing airway clearance is just waiting for the infection to get worse.
Can you consult with the doc (and possibly a respiratory therapist) about airway clearance?
Otherwise, come on back to Connect and do some reading in our support group.
Sue

Jump to this post

You are welcome. May I ask if you are doing airway clearance and using a saline neb? I truly believe these have kept me going in my 3+ years since quitting the antibiotics. I feel "naked" right now because my nebulizer died, and the backup is sitting on a shelf 1500 miles away! I am waiting for a new one and using my Aerobika.
Sue

Jump to this post

I have two nebulizers and two battery operated back up options if the electricity were to go out. In my case I could not miss a day. If you can afford it have at least one back up option!

Jump to this post

Airway clearance is one of the cornerstones of "watchful waiting." The efforts help expel the sticky mucus where MAC grows and keep your lungs healthy. There is evidence that 7% saline also helps reduce the number of bacteria able to grow. In my humble opinion, waiting without doing airway clearance is just waiting for the infection to get worse.
Can you consult with the doc (and possibly a respiratory therapist) about airway clearance?
Otherwise, come on back to Connect and do some reading in our support group.
Sue

Jump to this post