Is yoour specialist an Infectious Disease doctor? If not, you may want to seek out one in your area. I think a sputum culture is definitely needed, however, it takes 6-8 weeks to produce results. All medications have side effects. Check into the sleeping tablets you take. If there still are no answers or explanations to your breathlessness, possibly check with a cardiologist? Maybe a stress test is necessary. I'm not a medical expert just offering suggestions. Best of luck and I hope you feel better quickly. I'm sure it is difficult not having answers.

Elaine

I ditto Lusaka response

1) sputum culture/ AFB test is necessary if not done recently

2) cardiology visit

3) I don’t think an occasional sleeping pill will contribute to breathlessness

I would seek a 2nd opinion if your doctor isn’t willing to order a sputum test.

Don’t give up hope! Please keep us posted.

HI Elaine F.L..

This is a great question (and probably one that many in our community have). When you have a lung condition, lots of things can contribute to feeling short of breath. In my professional opinion, when you have a progressive chronic lung condition, your GP can't tell you that you should be breathing normally. Some things that can impact your shortness of breath are mucus pooling, seasonal allergies, strong fumes, exertion and so much more.

You mentioned your mucus production. Are you doing airway clearance once or twice daily? (Typically, twice daily is best.) Also, do you have any fast-acting rescue inhalers (e.g., albuterol) prescribed to you? If you "prep" your lungs with the inhaler before an activity that typically makes you breathless, it may help to prevent the breathlessness from coming on so fast. (And more than likely, it will help with how fast your breathing recovers as well.)

I agree with Katie. It may be time to get a sputum culture to make sure you don't have any infections going on in your lungs. I also don't think that taking a half sleeping pill is impacting your breathlessness. If anything, getting a restful night's sleep is helping you have the energy to manage your breathlessness better.

Elaine,

Sleep issues are very common for respiratory patients especially as we age. I assume that you have discussed this with your doctor?

Elaine,

Below is a link to get more information on sleep 💤 disorders: https://insomnia.sleep-disorders.net/living/racing-thoughts-and-anxiety

Elaine,

Here is another link:

https://insomnia.sleep-disorders.net/living/managing-fatigue

You can subscribe to the newsletter if you are interested.

Elaine ,

Information on background white noise devices that assist you with sleep: https://www.sleepfoundation.org/noise-and-sleep/white-noise

A couple of weeks ago I had another CT which also came back very mild Bronchiectasis which means I should be breathing normally.. I do believe the sleeping tablets I take some nights cause my breathlessness. The Dr. changed the one I am on and there has been a little improvement. I still bring phlegm up. The Dr. does not believe me and I would change him if there wasn't a shortage of Drs. taking new patients and charging Medicare only.

I will accept the situation as reading the report I can see there is nothing to be done. I exercise and use my inhalers daily as perscribed.

Elaine,

You are doing the right thing by trying a different sleep medication. Have you seen an allergist/ ENT doctor recently?
I am glad you are exercising,??regular airway clearance?