1. < MAC & Bronchiectasis

Newly Dx Advise, Tips Needed

Posted by wffwife5222 @wffwife5222, May 31 9:26pm

Fairly newly diagnosed with Bronchiectasis. Only have my GP and she has had me on two courses of antibiotics. No mucous clearing things whatsoever. My green/yellow phelgm cleared up for just a short while but it's come back. Coughing fits are quite as bad, but coming back slowly as well.

I'm mainly curious for the big rules you guys do. I see a lot about pools, bacteria, water bottles, etc. Like what should I watch out for most?
And what about other infections in our bodies rather tooth or an infected boil or something, should I worry about that as well?

Also, just a short medical background. I have graves disease, mgus, fatty liver, liver lesions, think that's the main things.

Thanks so much this has been all a lot for me. I'm so exhausted and short of breath all the time. Been a big life change for me.

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

cwal | @cwal | Jun 1 6:28am

In addressing your Bronchiectasis with cough and phlegm production:
Start airway clearance as soon as possible. It is very important to assist your lungs in clearing out that phlegm. If not, then more problems pile up and lead to a viscous cycle of illness and misery.

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1 reply
upnorth6 | @upnorth6 | Jun 1 8:04am
In reply to @cwal "In addressing your Bronchiectasis with cough and phlegm production: Start airway clearance as soon as possible...." + (show)
@cwal

In addressing your Bronchiectasis with cough and phlegm production:
Start airway clearance as soon as possible. It is very important to assist your lungs in clearing out that phlegm. If not, then more problems pile up and lead to a viscous cycle of illness and misery.

Jump to this post

I agree w/cwal, airway clearance for me is HUGE. I use a nebulizer w/albuterol 2xs day, but my Aerobika handheld device helps "move" things. I exercise, if even a walk to get chest moving. Huffing and positional exercises help also. Drink plenty of water, thins mucus to help expel. I avoid triggers of dusty areas, fans, aerosols- those really set off coughing fits when exposed. I just stay diligent as possible keeping lungs moving. Have broncheactasis for 7 yrs, MS 40 yrs, Sjogrens, Lupus, RA. I work at preventing exacerbation by keeping lungs clear as possible!

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Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Jun 1 9:25am

@wffwife5222 Hello, and welcom to Mayo Connect and our great MAC & Bronchiectasis support group. I see you have already met @cwal and @upnorth6, who have given you some great information about airway clearance.

We all seem to gravitate to Connect because bronchiectasis is a rare disease, and not all doctors are familiar with the very specific treatment protocols that help keep us healthy.

Here are a couple of places to begin reading:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/resources-for-the-abcs-on-bronchiectasis-and-mac-ntm/
and: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/macntm-is-different-for-everyone-treatment-might-be-different-too/

Here is a long, but very helpfulnvideo about why and how to do airway clearance.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnQIXc699d0
I suggest you grab a cup of tea or coffee, a pencil and paper, and sit down to watch it. You might event want to share it with your GP.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnQIXc699d0

Have you asked your provider to help you find a pulmonologist who is experienced in treating Bronchiectasis? If you are in a rural area, it may require some travel on your part initially, but then a treatment protocol can be developed to keep you healthy and routine care can be managed by your primary.

We are all here to answer your questions!
Sue

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