That is hard as once it gets in seems like you cant get rid of it. That is what happened to me it just stays and keeps making more mucus. I never had trouble till this diagnosis over a year ago and ended up in hospital in March of 15 with exacerbation I hadn't been in a hospital since 06. With 3 days of zpak every week see if that keeps in order. I have read where some take it every day and some have 500 mg my pulmo won't go for that its 250 mg.

Hello Laura, how are you? I have bronchiectasis, had many exacerbations in the past.

I'm agree with Kandy, there is a drug called azythromycin, which usually given by the doctor to prevent infection. This drug can be helpful for some patients, but unfortunately I didn't get the good effect.

As we know there are so many things that we can do to prevent exacerbation.

The first one is airway clearance. It's good for the bronch patient to release the mucus. We should not let the mucus accumulate inside our lung. We can do this by postural drainage, airway clearance device (flutter, acapella, etc), etc. Drink plenty of water to make the mucus more thin.

I think it's also good to reduce contact or wearing a mask when meeting with someone with flu or in sick condition.

Then the most important are exercise and good nutrition, great to improve health condition and immune system.

Thanks Kandy and MP,

I would prefer not to use antibiotics on a continuous basis as I don't want to develop resistance, though I do know some physicians recommend taking it daily.

I agree MP with your suggestions and just need to stay diligent with the exercise and the airway clearance. Thanks!

I have the acapella, flutter and aerobika for clearance along with the the vest airway clearance system. I am do treatments twice a day. To tell you the truth I am still not sure it works. Still say the hypertonic saline is a winner so far. My pulmo thinks the 7% is the best. It does cause some airway disturbance but will be ok after a while.

As far as I understand things, follow your doctor's instructions, don't breathe steam, get enough rest, and exercise. I walk 45 minutes a day and even if it doesn't keep me well (how would I know?), it makes me feel better.