HIB Vaccine Helpful for HIB Bronchiecstatis?

Posted by kahkej @kahkej, 10 hours ago

Hi, I thought I had MAC and Bronchiecstatis as my CT scans mentioned it was likely. However, my bronchoscopy only showed HIB infection. I was wondering if getting an HIB vaccine would help reduce chances of reinfection. After staying clear of chest infections all winter, I have had two infections so far, one in June and currently.

Any thoughts? Thank you all for sharing and offering suggestions.

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scoop | @scoop | 10 hours ago

Has your immune system been checked for possible immune deficiency?

kahkej | @kahkej | 9 hours ago

In reply to @scoop "Has your immune system been checked for possible immune deficiency?" + (show)

Very good question. I had some blood work done today showing low white blood count (3.6) and low abs lymphocytes (.87). My original diagnosis, before Bronchiecstatis, was an autoimmune disorder - Giant Cell Arteritis. I was on prednisone for about 6 months. I asked for a lung ct scan due to coughing and chest heaviness. That’s when I was diagnosed with Bronchiecstatis. Should I ask for additional blood work to determine if I have immune deficiency? Thank you so much.

scoop | @scoop | 8 hours ago

In reply to @kahkej "Very good question. I had some blood work done today showing low white blood count (3.6)..." + (show)

Well, if you have a history of frequent infections then often an alert allergist/immunologist will run an immune panel. You mention infections in June and now. If that's it, that is not all that unusual with bronchiectasis, especially if clearance is an issue. If you have had years of frequent infections (sinus, pulmonary) then I would discuss with doctor.

There are many different causes of bronchiectasis, with about 40% idiopathic or unknown causes. Sorry, I do not know the answer to the HIB vaccine question but your doctor should.

Shared files

Causes of Disease in the Diagnosis of Bronchiectasis (Causes-of-Disease-in-the-Diagnosis-of-Bronchiectasis.pdf)

kahkej | @kahkej | 8 hours ago

In reply to @scoop "Well, if you have a history of frequent infections then often an alert allergist/immunologist will run..." + (show)

Thank you for replying. I have asked my pulmonologist via patient portal about HIB vaccine. We shall see what he thinks. I really haven’t had many infections before the Bronchiecstatis diagnosis. Guess I just need to figure out how to manage it better.