1. < MAC & Bronchiectasis
Profile picture for lauraws

Chest heaviness

Posted by lauraws @lauraws, Aug 30 3:00pm

I’m having difficulty managing my symptom of occasional chest heaviness and slight rattle at night if I’m not propped up when sleeping. I was diagnosed with MAC and bronchiectasis earlier this year. I started the antibiotics in May and had to stop after 2.5 weeks due to the side effects. I use the Levalbuterol inhaler, nebulizer with 7% saline, use the acapella device and do airway clearance twice a day along with exercising. I was using the Breyna inhaler after that, but concerned if I should keep using that since I don’t have asthma or COPD? Are there other options for a long lasting inhaler besides a corticosteroid inhaler that would help with chest heaviness? I’m feeling good and no longer have coughing fits as I did previously. My main symptom is the chest heaviness I’m having trouble managing. Does anyone have any thoughts or information on what would work best for me or is this a symptom that doesn’t get better with this lung disease?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the MAC & Bronchiectasis Support Group.

Profile picture for Sue, Volunteer Mentor
Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Aug 30 10:04pm

@lauraws Not being medical professionals, we are not in a very good position to suggest a diagnosis. It would be a good idea to bring this to your pulmonologist- don't wait for your next appointment, though, consult them by phone or through an email or virtual appointment.
Also, if all possible lung causes have been ruled out, you should have a complete physical with a cardiac workup. The cause could be GERD, a heart issue or something else. Only a thorough exam can tell.
Has GERD been ruled out?

REPLY
1 reply
Profile picture for lauraws
lauraws | @lauraws | Aug 31 2:36pm
In reply to @sueinmn "@lauraws Not being medical professionals, we are not in a very good position to suggest a..." + (show)
Profile picture for Sue, Volunteer Mentor @sueinmn

@lauraws Not being medical professionals, we are not in a very good position to suggest a diagnosis. It would be a good idea to bring this to your pulmonologist- don't wait for your next appointment, though, consult them by phone or through an email or virtual appointment.
Also, if all possible lung causes have been ruled out, you should have a complete physical with a cardiac workup. The cause could be GERD, a heart issue or something else. Only a thorough exam can tell.
Has GERD been ruled out?

Jump to this post

Thanks for your reply, Sue. I’m seeing the pulmonologist soon. I haven’t been diagnosed with GERD at this time. Slight chest heaviness after a bout with covid in 2021 was the reason for me to have a CT then. It was determined I had some small nodules at that time and everything else was normal. A year ago is when I started having some issues and my new pulmonologist requested another CT. Bronchiectasis and Mac was diagnosed thereafter. I wish I had been aware to nebulizer with saline back then when I had my first CT. Appreciate all the info you and so many others provide on the site. Still trying to learn the best way to manage my situation.

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.