BRONCHIECTASIS

@sunny1971 Hello, not only do we have members who have been diagnosed with Bronchiectasis, there are so many of us that we have our own support group!
Find us here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/mac-bronchiectasis/

A good place to start might be this discussion, which contains lots of references:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/resources-for-the-abcs-on-bronchiectasis-and-mac-ntm/
Bronchiectasis is a lung disorder that is characterized by coughing, excess mucus production and susceptibility to infections. It often occurs after lung infections. Your friend should find a pulmonologist who is experienced in managing bronchiectasis to help minimize further lung damage. He should also discuss whether it is safe for him to continue diving.

You might want to encourage him to join our group.

Sue: that is a great post.

Thank you, I’ve been doing a lot of research and so has he we’ve been reading up on it he’s pretty healthy, but he still has that lingering mucus. What reread is in the future it make it worse and we understand that and being 71, my question to throw out there is there any kind of alternative health supplement that anyone knows of that he could get help with ?believe it or not he takes garlic every night with a mixture and it’s totally helped his lungs 50%

@sunny1971
Here is what AI responds with:

“Bronchiectasis is a condition characterized by the abnormal and permanent dilation of the bronchi, which can lead to chronic cough, sputum production, and recurrent respiratory infections. It can sometimes develop after respiratory infections, including COVID-19. Here are some key points regarding bronchiectasis, especially in the context of post-COVID recovery:
1. Understanding Bronchiectasis
Causes: Bronchiectasis can result from various factors, including infections (like COVID-19), genetic conditions, or other lung diseases. In your boyfriend's case, it may have developed as a post-viral complication.
Symptoms: Common symptoms include a persistent cough, production of discolored sputum, and recurrent respiratory infections. The absence of shortness of breath is not uncommon, especially in the early stages.
2. Diagnosis and Monitoring
Imaging and Tests: CT scans are often used to diagnose bronchiectasis and assess its severity. Regular follow-ups with a pulmonologist are essential to monitor the condition and manage symptoms.
Sputum Cultures: Testing the sputum can help identify any underlying infections that may require targeted treatment.
3. Treatment Options
Antibiotics: As you've mentioned, antibiotics are commonly prescribed to manage infections associated with bronchiectasis. It's important to complete the full course as directed.
Airway Clearance Techniques: Techniques such as chest physiotherapy, postural drainage, or using devices like a flutter valve can help clear mucus from the lungs.
Bronchodilators and Inhaled Medications: These may be prescribed to help open the airways and improve breathing.
4. Lifestyle and Support
Hydration: Staying well-hydrated can help thin mucus, making it easier to expel.
Avoiding Irritants: It's important to avoid smoke, pollution, and other respiratory irritants that can exacerbate symptoms.
Vaccinations: Keeping up with vaccinations, including the flu and pneumonia vaccines, can help prevent respiratory infections.
5. Long-Term Management
Regular Follow-Ups: Continuous monitoring by a healthcare provider is crucial for managing bronchiectasis effectively.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation: This program can help improve lung function and overall quality of life through exercise and education.
Conclusion
While bronchiectasis can be a chronic condition, many people manage it successfully with appropriate treatment and lifestyle adjustments. It's essential for your boyfriend to work closely with his healthcare team to develop a personalized management plan. If he has concerns about his treatment or symptoms, he should discuss them with his pulmonologist, who can provide guidance based on his specific situation.”

As others have commented, be sure to follow with a pulmonolgist who specializes in bronchiectasis - Specialists have sub-specialties - they do not all have the same expertise in a specific area and do prescribe different treatments.
I also repeat what my Pulmonologist told me => stay up to date on vaccinations (RSV, Flu, Shingles, Covid, Pneumonia)
And check about that diving. I am on Oxygen for exertion and sleep and my Pulmonologist said no snorkeling, and only swimming in shallow water gently (can't take the oxygen in, it is battery powered)

I agree. Thank you again, Sue, for all the time and effort you put in for all of us in the BE and NTM group(s).

Hello @dlydailyhope. AI has changed the way many things work and certainly how things are going to be shaped in the future moving forward. Institutions across the world are learning how to integrate AI into their processes to help streamline their delivery, including medical institutions.

When it comes to searching healthcare, AI can be useful in that it may summarize complex situations, diagnoses and research in a more concise manner. However, general-use AI for the public is typically crawling the internet for its information and although it uses a ranking system and gives preference to more credible sourcing, it cannot be relied upon for definitive information. As I am sure you are aware, it is always best to work with a specialist in the medical field to help determine treatment options and to discuss something you may have learned by using AI or researching on your own as @vic83 mentioned.

@JustinMcClanahan
AI summaries do suggest working with individual healthcare professionals for personal treatment. AI helps raise topics for individuals to discuss with their medical professionals. People will be able to use AI freely, on their own, to help them when there are open questions. Many do not get answers or clarity from their medical professionals and need to fill in gaps on their own. Medical professionals are human and make mistakes. I had a doctor imply I was a hypochondriac when I was suffering from misdiagnosed/undiagnosed cervical myelopathy spinal cord injury that caused many complex symptoms. I am a rational, masters level educated professional who was being dismissed and disrespected so I fired her. AI would definitely provide me with much better information and suggestions than that doctor on my myelopathy symptoms.

My Diagonisis Bronchiectasis:
Future treatments on the horizon are P63 Lung Basal Stem Cells.
Phase two results out soon.
Trial is done in China.
The cells (Autologus) are harvested via Bronscopy and cultered and re inserted back into the lungs by the same procedure after the required time frame.
Early results have shown great promise.
I have had a Autologus stem cell infusion (400 millions cells), feeling alot better on 75% less steriods medication, post infusion at 3 and a half months.
Only way to go!

Are you participating in a clinical trial through a university or research hospital? We have all been waiting anxiously for this therapy to become a reality. I don't see stem cells for bronchiectasis on the current list of FDA cleared treatments.