Discussions
Discussions
Question about flare-ups from a newbie
My bronchiectasis diagnosis is very new, but not a shock to me. I've had well-managed serious asthma for decades and kept pressing my pulmonologist for high-res imaging because I knew something was happening to my lungs.
While I'm learning about the condition and ways to treat it, I am a bit unsure about how the potential mix of structural damage, asthma and bacterial infections interact for me.
Question: Can flare-ups simply be the base condition with inflammation and/or congestion having nothing bacterial-related? It seems to be the case for me and I'd rather treat those without going to antibiotics all the time unless I know it's a bacterial infection.
Curious about thoughts.
Replies
Seamus,
Hello! Welcome to the site. I am glad you found us. It can be confusing to determine what exactly is going on when one has multiple diagnoses. I also have asthma, mild Bronchiectasis and a history of NTM; many symptoms overlap. A sputum culture and sensitivity is the accurate way to determine if one has a bacterial infection. Below are links on Bronchiectasis, and on Diagnostic Testing, which includes sputum testing https://social.bronchandntm.org/resources/detail/25.
https://www.bronchandntm.org/For-Patients/Learn-More/Diagnoses-and-Evaluation/Testing-and-Evaluation
Please let us know if you have any specific questions after reviewing these materials.
Comments
It is not our intention to serve as a substitute for medical advice and any content posted should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. We make every effort to support our members, our medical professionals cannot and will not provide a diagnosis or suggest a specific medication; those decisions should be left to your personal medical team. While we encourage individuals to share their personal experiences with Bronchiectasis and NTM, please consult a physician before making changes to your own Bronchiectasis and NTM management plan.
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