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What are the odds that the antibiotics will kill the Bronchiectasis?
I was diagnosed in 2017 but I think I've had it years before the formal diagnosis. Being very sensitive to meds, I had opted not to take the antibiotics but to nebulize, etc. This worked pretty well until I had several nights coughing up excessive amounts of blood after laying down. I received Intervention Radiation at the hospital to embolise those areas where blood was leaking. What was supposed to be an in-and-out procedure ended up being a 6-day hospital stay. Right after the treatment, ID recommended I start on Bactrim & Azithromycin.
Not sure if the nausea I'm experiencing is solely from the meds or also part of the healing from the procedure. I guess time will tell, but it's not a happy place to be.
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@designsbyginny Welcome to our MAC and Bronchiectasis support group on Mayo Connect, a place where nobody likes to be, but a lot of really great people to support you on your journey.
First, let's clarify that Bronchiectasis is a lung disease where the Bronchii become stiff and less able to expel the mucus that naturally lubricates our lungs. Bronchiectasis itself is not curable, although good management can slow its progress.
The disorder can lead to bacteria colonizing in the mucus and causing infections. The infection and coughing lead to hemoptysis or coughing up blood. Sometimes, if our lungs are sensitive, using saline nebs (especially 7%) and excessive hard coughing can lead to bleeding too.
You said you were diagnosed in 2017 - have you had routine CT scans and sputum cultures since then to monitor how you are doing?
Also did they take a sputum culture while you were in the hospital to determine what is infecting your lungs now?
If I was in your changing situation, I would be looking for a doctor or clinic that specializes in treating Bronchiectasis and its related infections.
The good news is that there are more tools in the arsenal now than 8 years ago.
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1 ReactionThank you so much for clarifying...
Yes, I've had several CT scans and offered sputum cultures since the diagnosis. My doctor took a culture while performing the bronchoscopy which is taking a while to the get results of. Luckily, my doctor is the premier person who specializes in MAC and B here in FL where I live. He's part of USF Health and Tampa General. I consider myself lucky to have him treating me!
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1 ReactionWhat bacteria do you grow? What is your Bactrim dose? Do you have to take both at the same time? Bactrim is very harsh and it can drag the iron level down.