Hello Ksmiles123 thank you for this explanation. I become more understand that when we feel some symptoms of an exacerbation, we should contact our doctor. The doctor will determine whether we need antibiotic or not. The antibiotic that will be given is based on sputum culture or previous antibiotic history.

Cant get a sputum for me being on a weekly antibiotic. Thank God I am in some what control now over the bronchiectasis so far.

The symptoms of an exacerbation have never been explained to me. I see from the comments above that that may be what I am experiencing now.  I've had low grade temp for a few weeks now, fatigue that sends me back to bed for two naps a day, and lots of coughing and mucous. I thought these symptoms were due to my starting Arikayce 3 months ago. I'd like to think these symptoms will go away soon because I like to be busy, not spend the day in bed like a sick person!

When I tell my pulmo having trouble first thing she asks what color is your sputum?  I have mostly inflammation which is white. 

Hi Kandy. I am happy that the zpak is giving positive effect to you. Also your communication with your pulmo is good. So when we feel unwell we should contact our doctor right away.

I can get my pulmo online I love that way called MyChart I never call them anymore you can get them this way very quick. Renewing new meds and anything. Amazing technology now days. My hospital and clinic has started this but been slow going wit them on this but getting better.

That's good Kandy. So you can contact your doctor online and communicate with him. Also the health history can be tracked via MyChart. That's cool! :)

@madepramana

What is a zpak?

@madepramana

I have been on about 6 or 7 courses of antibiotics this year and I really worry about resistance .  My Dr. has given me antibiotics to keep at home for the next time I need them but now I see I need to be tested for the correct antibiotic.
Can an infection run its course without antibiotics?

zpak is short for zithromax 

Hello Ksmiles123. Yes I agree with you. The ideal use of antibiotic should match the bacteria that is found in the sputum culture.
I wish every patient get the best treatment and management they can have.

So very true on the antibiotics!!

If your already on a 3 day of antibiotic I am sure you cant get a good sputum and I have to go 200 miles round trip to see my pulmo why my appointments are 3 to 4 months less something very bad comes up.

Here is a great video on when to use an antibiotics : I hope this helps.

http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/video/do-i-need-an-antibiotic

Hello Elaine. Zpak stands for azithromycin. It’s an antibiotic. I think lung infection is not easy to resolve on it’s own. I also took antibiotic this month because my mucus was green and sticky.

Hi Elaine. I’m sorry that I wasn’t replied to your question about antibiotic and infection. I think if we have a bacterial infection, we need to take antibiotic to treat the infection. Viral infection can run its course without antibiotic, but not sure with the bacterial infection. I hope that you are healthy and safe during the pandemic.

Hi all, I don't understand how we can wait for sputum culture results to determine what bacteria it iswhen they take weeks. That would mean that it could cause more damage to the airways with bronchiectasis. 

You can check yourself the color or it and report to your dr. What Does the Color of Mucus Mean? Cloudy or white mucus is a sign of a cold. Yellow or green mucus is a sign of a bacterial infection. Brown or orange mucus is sign of dried red blood cells and inflammation (aka a dry nose) always check with your dr.

Elaine,
Hello! Using antibiotics should be under a doctors care,....not to sound like a Debbie downer.  Overuse of Antibiotics can result in long term gastrointestinal / gut microbiome challenges and also resistance of antibiotics.  

My pulmonologist will not let me have antibiotics or pred on hand except for the weekly zpak I take.