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I've had bronchiectasis for over 30 years
Having delt with this most of my life it is getting a little more difficult. At the beginning I followed every recommendation the Dr's. suggested . CT every 6 months, multiple sputum samples, many bronscopy, many cases of pneumonia, & worst case was empyema in the hospital for 2 weeks. Chest tubes & the infection was so bad 3 people shoved multiple syringes in my back pulling pus out, I forgot how much the total was because I passed out at 4 when I seenthe dark gray/green pus in the syringe. I'm now in my mid 70s and feel I've been thru alot. If you have questions I will share some of my non conventional & experimental things I've done (not suggested by a doctor). I figure at this.point in my life I will experiment with my own body.
I am not a Dr. or have any medical experience.
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It sounds like a really long and tough road. I am interested in what you experimented with and the results.
Also, did you find that changing your diet or adding any specific vitamins made any noticeable difference? Have you found any breathing techniques or exercise routines useful? Does any particular climate or environment make it better or worse?
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1 Reaction1. I have not changed my diet, eat whatever I want. BUT - I do not drink any extremely ice cold drinks. The ice irritates my lungs causing massive coughing. Warm or hot drinks are easier because they do not irritate my lungs.(this is a old Chinese remedy) I occasionally sip a cool Sprite which helps eliminate the phlegm. Warm lemon water helps alot. Since I prefer fresh lemon juice, I buy 3# bags at Sam's cut them in half & put them in a gallon freezer bag. Just pull 1/2 one out & keep in fridge & squeeze as needed.
2. In the spring I go in the field & harvest mullin leaves, dry them, chop up fine & make mullin tea - but it must be strained thru a coffee filter before drinking. Or buy on Amazon as liquid tincture. MULLIN TEA is absolutely the most effective at thinning the phelm.
3. I take 1 each of zinc & B3 daily. No prescription medication, no inhalers. I focus on deep breaths & full exhale as needed. I ride my stationary bike 2 miles a day + 30 minutes resistance training at
home. I walk 1+ miles a day except on misty or rainy days. Walk in cold weather with a scarf over my nose & mouth.
If any other ? I will be happy to answer. Keep in mind I am not a doc. I'm just taking control of my own body after 30 years of of this. I have a lot of success on my own common sense.
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4 ReactionsCORRECTION OF TYPO. The vitamin I take is D3 not b3.
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4 ReactionsDrink boiled water and eat a lot of vegetables and protein. I only eat boiled and clean food.
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2 Reactions@dogtag
Do you have any chronic infections? Like MAC or Pseudo?
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1 ReactionYes, in the beginning I had multiple infections and was taking so many drugs - it was overwhelming. Told Dr. No more pills I need ti detox, he was not happy so I fired him
@dogtag
I’ve never heard of Mullin tea. I use NAC to loosen mucus.
Do you still get a CT scan once a year or so?
Do you get infections that need treatment with antibiotics, from time to time?
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1 ReactionMullein tea is effective for me; I could not tolerate the drying effects of NAC or mucinex.
I am curious if you have "uncomplicated bronchiectasis", i.e. with no other correlated conditions or auto immune disorders? I am 76 and have been dealing with the condition for many years, basically on my own, since mine is "uncomplicated", albeit moderate as far as staging or involvement goes. I am able to shift the mucus through exercise and ACTs, but as I get older the daily exercise is getting harder to acheive.
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2 Reactions@jnmy No infections in the last 4 years, No inhalers. Just deep breathing "Good Air In & Bad Air Out. When I exhale it is deep and as much as possible.
The doc. Suggested mucinex 2xday I stopped because it dried me out. That's when an older Chinese friend said go to the field & start chopping mullin leaves. They are ripe in the Spring so I harvest alot it, but also keep Mullin tincture on hand. You can buy the tincture on Amazon. Also exercise & spread those lungs out.
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2 ReactionsSorry typo of mullin is Mullein
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