Minor Bronchiectasis all along/one time infection?

Posted by brdross @brdross, Dec 22, 2023

I had fever of unknown origin for 16 months before it was discovered from a bronchoscopy that I had pseudomonas and mucus buildup in my lungs. Six weeks of Cipro took care of it and I've been fever free for 8 months now. My Pulmonologist did say that my lungs show "minor" Bronchiectasis and was surprised that the cat scan showed such small indications. She prescribed a nebulizer twice a day anyway. My question is - could I have had this minor Bronchiectasis all along from a young age that never got worse and could the pseudomonas infection have been a one time occurrence? (I used to do hours of gardening.) I know this may be impossible to answer, but I'm wondering if the life long nebulizer treatments are necessary. I don't want to risk another infection, but does the prescribed nebulizer treatment fit my condition?

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cwal | @cwal | Dec 23, 2023

I don't know what your nebulizer treatment is. A lot of us use different things in our nebulizers. Most of us I would speculate use saline at the very least. However, I do know that daily airway clearance is of utmost importance.

pacathy | @pacathy | Dec 23, 2023

I don’t want to guess about which came first, but infections can cause bronchiectasis.
In regard to your neb, I think an important question is: do you get anything up with your treatment?
I had abnormal CT’s with mucus, trees in bud, etc before bronchiectasis showed, perhaps from sinuses. I went to Mayo and did nebs 2x/day for about 6 weeks. When the MAC culture was negative and I was producing zero sputum, doc told me I can do clearance 1x daily. I increase when/if I produce sputum.