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Bronchiectasis
Three months ago I was diagnosed with pneumonia and bronchiectasis. I had several spots of pneumonia and wound up hospitalized. I am 78 and usually a very healthy 78. I have been sick with a nasty cough for about two years and have been put on antibiotics a couple of times and steroids. Nothing really helped. Nebulizing with three different kinds of medication after discharge. Nebulizing is not fun and time consuming. I started weaning off that through my own advice. And started drinking two or 3 cups of Mullein Tea. I have been using the Mullen tea for almost 3 weeks and I found that almost immediately the mucus was thinning out and I was able to get it up. I still cough, some days worse than others. But I do think that the Mullen tea is really helping me. My pulmonologist mentioned it to me, which is why I am taking it. I take the Stialto inhaler daily and use my albuterol inhaler as I feel I need it. Hope this information helps someone out there.
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@maryrn7 Have you been tested for the other opportunistic infections that often accompany Bronchiectasis - the most common are Non-tuberucular Mycobacteria (NTM/MAC) or Pseudomonas?
Please study up on Bronchiectasis and why we do airway clearance. Here is an older but excellent video from on of the experts in the field:
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2 ReactionsI didn't have a doctor recommend the Mullein tea; but I read about it. I also drink it. I also read that the bromeliad(a group of enzymes) in pineapple juice has anti-inflammatory and mucolytic properties. The coughing has been less frequent and the small amounts of mucus are thin. I have been doing this for the past four months. Yes you may have pseudomonas; but my Infectious Disease doctor told me I am most probably colonized with it and two other bacteria that can colonize in the lungs. I am on lineozolid, clofazamine and Arikayce for my NTM. My monthly sputum samples have been negative since August.
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1 Reaction@notnancy88 Great news Nancy!
Yes, we are hearing more and more about mullein tea - can you tell us where you get yours?
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1 ReactionI am in Texas. I get mine at the HEB. Target and Walmart also carries it. It tastes good too.
Good Luck
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2 ReactionsPlease read about preparing bulk mullien leaves for tea. It has tiny hairs that may irritate your throat and needs very careful double straining.
Thanks
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4 Reactions@sueinmn
@sueinmn I’m excited hearing about this tea, and the research I’ve seen is very positive. I ordered some from Amazon. They have both the bags and the leaves and lots of options..
Hello,
Onset of symptoms 12/22. Frequent dry, barking cough, fatigue, wheezing, multiple respiratory infections
PMD unable to see me. Treated at a Urgent Care facility. Symptoms persisted, advised see PMD no appointments available.
2/23 Endocrinologist (annual exam- hypothyroid, osteoporosis. ROS and exam Frequent dry, barking cough, fatigue, wheezing, multiple respiratory infections ordered a CT of Abdomen and Pelvis concerned about weight loss and issues with pancreas.
Findings: Infectious or inflammatory process seen in right middle middle lobe
3/23 PCP ordered CT of Chest w/ contrast
Findings: Bronchiectasis of right middle lobe, centrilobular and grouped in tree-in-bud clusters suggestive of an atypical mycobacterial infection, though not exclusive to that set of pathogens.
Referred to MD Pulmonary Specialist who also specializes in Pulmonary Disease Pulmonary Critical Care. Internal Medicine, Neurocritical Care. He is the clinical lead for Bronchiectasis and CP. Board certified in 4
specialties.
4/23- 10/23
Stated on inhaler and nebulizer.
Cultures x 3 sent, MAC, Pseudomonas, and 6 other pathogens.
Nothing grew.
6/23
Bronchoscopy- Right Middle Lobe Bronchiectasis
Bronch-Alveolar Lavage to obtain cultures, therapeutic aspiration
Cultures sent noththing grew.
PFT- low moderate compromised .
Immunized 9/10/2025- Moderna mNEXSPIKE and Fluzone HD.
9/20/2025- Positive for Covid and Flu A
Recieved treatment- very ill for 1 month. Seen by Pulmonologist.
11/2025- 12/21- Increasing symptoms but unable to be seen- Daughter- Pre eclamptic with second son (Born 12/2/2025- Emergancy C section, daughter needed care for newborn and 5 yo son before and for 5 weeks post-partum.
On 1/8/2026 Appointment with Pulmologist-
Chest x ray- no worsening, lungs hyperinflated.
Remain in inhaler and nebulizer.
Discussed Binsupri and initiated approval.
I realize this is long. I feel a through explanation might be helpful in order to get feedback re: Binsupri.
Thank you for your help
I’m also going to look into the Mullien tea. Thanks for the info.
@notnancy88 I also live in Texas. Would you mind telling me the brand you get ?