Discussions

That is is not going to get any better. I have ppl keep asking are you better do you feel better? There is no getting better. That is the hard part. I have never had this before even with my asthma and emphysema I had no mucus or cough only with an infection.

My family just don't understand it at all. They think I can keep doing what I used to do and its hard even for myself to not be able to do what i used to do. For example the grands had a field and track today. There mom kept asking me if I was coming. I never missed one ever. Even my own kids. No I can't do it. Its along walk to the bleachers and also the wind was bad today. I don't know if they don't want to accept it and can't accept that I have gotten worse. It does cause anxiety for myself not being able to do what they want and what I used to do.

With summer around the corner, wondering what tips you have for dealing with increased humidity and heat?

Has anyone heard of Phage therapy to cure bronchiectasis? I read that the do this in the Republic of Georgia

Norma

Are there international programs offered to those with Bronchiectasis? I'm definitely interested to know what other countries are doing in terms of research and patient support!

As a novice to these diseases, I am curious about the connection, if any, between Bronchiectasis and NTM. Does anyone have information on this?

Does anyone know what causes Bronchiectasis? Also interested in hearing diagnosis experiences (i.e. did your doctor tell you how you got Bronchiectasis?) if anyone is willing to share.

Thanks!

I am interested in knowing how common Bronchiectasis is. Does anyone have any statistics associated with Bronchiectasis?

I have been diagnosed with Mycobacterium abcessus and Mycobacterium chelanae. Has anyone ever been cured from this? Does anyone know what life expectancy is? I am only 51 years old.

I have had asthma most my life then in 97 I was termed copd. So its emphysema, chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis and mild PH. I was diagnosed with bronchiectasis in 2015 by ct scan. I never coughed or had mucus unless infection till this happened. Last year March ended up in hospital with a exacerbation and never been the same since. In Oct 15 thru February one infection after another. Antibiotic and pred burst every month. Missing half of my pulmonary rehab each of those months. Asking my pulmo who is over 100 miles away about taking zpak 3 days a week he said no. Well after having so much trouble he finally agreed to it. So I take zpak 3 days a week so far so good off pred totally. I do 7% saline in neb or mycomyst 20 in neb if that dont work but the saline usually does it. Also he doubled my daily vials of pulmicort rather I have steroids that way than pred all the time. I am doing ok I have trouble its not easy but keep plugging along. I go to pulmonary rehab 3 days a week some days are good some are not. Been 4yrs this May since I started. I was wondering about tobramycin for bronchiectasis. Its used for CF but can be used for bronchiectasis. Do you have to prove the bacteria before the pulmo does ok this to use? I also seen a study on the floxin made into a inhaler for bronchiectasis. Its in the works yet. Had to add a nodule we are watching not caner yet just watching. Most of the nodules are not cancer.

I was diagnosed over 12 years ago with MAI and bronchiectasis. After having been to several doctors, I am going to one now that is treating me for asthma. I feel good using Symbicort but wonder if I should have more extensive testing to see if I still have MAI or if I should leave well enough alone. Help!

Can someone direct me to very general information on Bronchiectasis that I can share with friends who have never heard of the disease, but want to learn more?

Some of the descriptions out there on the web are lengthy and confusing - and I want to make sure I direct friends to comprehensive and accurate information!

Looking for a doctor in Dallas who specializes in bronchiectasis

Can anyone recommend a really good nebulizer for inhaling hypertonic saline solution? One that nebulizes pretty quickly, puts out a lot of "saline vapor," effective in getting the "gunk" out.

Thanks

Laura

Hi - found this site today and hope i can find a few answers - I have been on a quest to find the best place to live in the USA that is less likely to cause illness to people with bronchiectasis / NTM - also I would like to let the medical community realize that once you give a patient a diagnosis. of bronchiectasis the conversation should include what this means in the future for other illnesses that having bronc. makes you more apt to contract - i was officially dig in 2005 with bronch. after years of symptoms and now have been on meds for a year for NTM / MAI - I have been treated for puesdomonas also - I have been told that where I live is full of NTM but no one has any answers as to a better place - I found a little info on a medicare map of state with high NTM - I live on the east coast of Fl. and was told by my Dr. that this is about the worst place - any info would be great - hope this site is helpful for this community as we need some much needed answers about what life is like beyond diagnosis - thanks to all - norma

NTM is short for Nontuberculous Mycobacteria. NTM are naturally occurring environmental bacteria that can cause lung disease. The bacteria are widely found in the environment. More information about NTM can be found in the “What is NTM?” section of this website: https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/What-is-NTM.

To determine whether you have an NTM lung infection, your doctor needs to perform specific tests: an acid-fast bacilli (AFB) smear and culture of the sputum from your lungs, and a high-resolution CT scan without contrast.

I am just beginning to learn about bronchiectasis and engage in the bronch and NTM community. Is Bronchiectasis the same as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease?