What are the odds that the antibiotics will kill the Bronchiectasis?

@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.

Thank 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!

What 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.

If you are on Bactrim, please, please drink lots of water. I didn't and ended up with kidney stones.

Oh my!!! Thank you for the advice.

I have two different types of bacteria growing in my lungs (not sure of the names exactly). For Bactrim, I'm taking 2 pills every 12 hours (800 - 160 mg per dose), and I take the other pill, Arithromyacin, at the same time in the morning. I don't think I have to take them both together, I would need to ask my doctor.

Try and take Sprite or ginger ale with Bactrim. It makes so sick each time I take it.

Thank you. I must be an extremely sensitive person because I've tried that and it doesn't help. How long have you been on the meds? I'm ready to throw the towel in...

@designsbyginny I am sorry you are dealing with this . Antibiotics don’t kill bronchiectasis. They kill whatever is causing the infection. Bronchiectasis is a condition that is treatable but not curable. Nebulizing is an important part of that treatment. Who is the doctor you see in the Tampa area? I have been looking for one in Florida. And you are not alone- many of us are “sensitive” to the antibiotics. Take care! Irene5

Hello Irene.
Well said. At this point I can't be totally sure if the awful way I feel is partly from just recovering from the two broncoscopies and embolization combined with the antibiotics. It is probably both, During the hospital stay I was given IV antibiotics and I felt fine, Maybe that's the answer, we'll see.

My doctor's name is William Dwight Miller and he's part of TGH and USF Health.
Thank you.