Will Zinc supplements help with healing lungs with Bronchiectasis?

I would add to the above that if you have any autoimmune conditions you really must consult a knowledgeable rheumatologist about zinc before taking any.

I just read the question and answers above. Thank you for including the autoimmune info as I have lupus and that affects my pulmonary issues as well. So I appreciate that little reminder!!

I read this the other day as a matter of fact which somehow stayed in my mind (was wondering about zinc and covid help if I caught it) I have an autoimmune vasculitis that I don't want to stir up.

"John Hardin, MD, professor emeritus in medicine in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology and Orthopedic Surgery at Montefiore Medical Center, New York, commented on the study in an email to Reuters Health.

“This study raises the possibility that … people with an autoimmune disease, such as RA [may] be harmed by increased exposure to zinc,” he says. “It seems urgently important to explore this possibility, given the very large number of people who consume over-the-counter zinc supplements.”
https://www.the-rheumatologist.org/article/lab-study-suggests-zinc-may-worsen-rheumatoid-arthritis/

@rosalynclifton This is a very interesting question to which there is, as yet, no good answer.
Here are a few positive things we know -
Zinc deficiencies have been shown in a number of people with bronchiectasis and other lung conditions.
(https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnut.2021.652410/full) But the mechanism is not yet understood - that is, which came first, the deficiency or the disease? And, is it a dietary issue, a metabolic problem, or the disease taking up too much zinc?

Very recently, zinc has shown promise in helping reverse lung damage in people with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) which was formerly thought to be irreversible and incurable.
Some studies have shown benefits of zinc supplementation for people with Cystic Fibrosis and asthma.
Quite a few studies have shown anti-inflammatory effects of zinc on lungs of some people with pneumonia.
Zinc also has shown some antiviral properties in the respiratory system.

Here are other things we know about zinc - TOO much is not good for you. The upper limit known to be safe is 40mg per day from all sources - dietary and supplemental. Too much can interfere with other elemental metal in your body. Zinc supplements can also interfere with some medications, especially blood pressure meds and antibiotics. (https://www.matherhospital.org/related-content/bariatrics/excessive-zinc-supplementation-can-be-dangerous-to-your-health/)

What does that mean to you and me, as we live with bronchiectasis, and possibly asthma, MAC and other conditions?
Try to get enough zinc from your diet - meats, beans, nuts, seafood, whole grains and dairy.
Don't take extra zinc every day unless your provider tests you and determines you are deficient.
Sue

I remember when taking zinc lozenges was a thing to help get over colds and such. I learned not to take straight zinc on an empty stomach. It made me very sick and nauseous. I don’t take zinc lozenges or supplements anymore. Now I try to get my zinc by eating pumpkin seeds.

I agree, try and get everything from your diet.
I would also add that if you are on Ethambutol, ask a professional about getting extra zinc and copper in your diet to help preserve your sight from the effects of Ethambutol. (That affect some people)