Bronchiectasis

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nala2008
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Joined: Wed Apr 08, 2015 11:27 am
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by nala2008 on Wed Apr 08, 2015 11:36 am

Bronchiectasis

Can you please explain Bronchiectasis to me and what daily symptons are normal! I was diagnosed a year ago if i get a cold i end up very breathless! I seem to be getting worse please help me understand!

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Professor Jeremy Brown
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Joined: Wed Apr 08, 2015 10:42 am
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by Professor Jeremy Brown on Thu Apr 16, 2015 8:13 pm

Re: Bronchiectasis

Bronchiectasis is when the bronchi (the tubes that take air into the lungs) have been damaged and are bigger, baggier and less smooth than they should be - this allows bacteria to become stuck in the bronchi and cause a chronic infection. As the previous reply said the commonest symptom of bronchiectasis is cough productive of phlegm, and this is because the bacteria in the bronchi stimulate a lot of mucous production. If the disease is severe enough it causes the smaller air tubes (the ones which are further into the lung, 'downstream' of the bronchi) to be clogged up, and that makes you short of breath as you can not get air in and out of the lung as well as you should be able to. If your breathing is getting worse then that could be because the bronchiectasis has not been adequately controlled, and this is needs to be looked into. If you are not already seeing a lung doctor (a respiratory physician) then it sounds like you should be seen by one.
Professor Jeremy Brown
Clinical Lead of Lung Infection at Breathing Matters
http://www.talkhealthpartnership.com/on ... _brown.php

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Vicky Barber
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by Vicky Barber on Fri Apr 17, 2015 12:06 pm

Re: Bronchiectasis

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OOvfsTtTYM&sns=em[url][/url]


Bronchiectasis is my pet subject and one of the most common enquiries to the helpline.

It is not a cookie cutter disease, has many causes and requires specialist diagnosis and care.

Above is a link to a video which discusses the condition

It is very important to have a disciplined approach to the management of this condition, below is a list of key points

Have a management plan to follow so that you know when to use your rescue pack.
Sputum samples even when you are well.
Good fluid intake to break the sputum up.
Good diet in order to keep your body in tip top condition.
Exercise such as yoga, and at the very least breathing control exercises.
Have received education from a respiratory physiotherapist on airway clearance , and practice this morning and evening.
Have all the usual influenza and pneumococcal vaccines as recommended
Good infection control procedures and hand washing and staying away from people with infections
There are many other things that are available to help manage this condition and maybe research what else is possible.
It is a condition that can be managed but does require a good deal of input.

Best wishes

Vicky
Vicky Barber
Nurse Manager- British Lung Foundation
http://www.talkhealthpartnership.com/on ... barber.php

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