Re: new topic...bronchiectasis?

[Guest guest]

,

Traction Bronchiectasis is when the bronchi attaches to our scarring and as it worsens, it stretches open and makes pockets where mucus can be trapped. When the mucus is trapped there it can and does breed all kinds of bacteria. It is necessary to keep the gunk cleaned out so that more pneumonia and scarring does not occur. Thus, the nebs and percussion therapy, etc.

Even when your cough is not productive it does not mean that there is not gunk hiding down there. It is not uncommon to pulmonary fibrosis once honeycombing has occured, but many docs ignore it...out of laziness and ignorance I believe.

I started on nebulizers while my cough was still dry. But usually I got up junk. Then it became more productive. Now, I spend half my day keeping my lungs clear.

If the gunk is allowed to stay down there, it will thicken and block off air. The docs call it plugs. It can be serious, even causing a lung to collapse.

When the doc told me that I had developed Bronchiectasis, I thought he meant some Bronchitis thing. Then one day I got my report out and was looking up the med terms used and was amazed reading the info.

There is a form of Bronchiectasis that is somewhat rare that occurs in people whose lungs are otherwise healthy. The walls of the bronchi just begin to collapse and form pouches. Much like diverticulitis in the intestines.

The way that it has affected me is that it limits me as to what I can do and when. Even where I go. I am so affected by smells and air quality. Almost anything can set off the coughing and gagging. I bring up a LOT of stuff now. When it is getting close to time to nebulize, my lungs feel like they are going to explode. I have to get somewhere and get it up and out. Can't breathe. I believe that my hard work keeping the gunk out has been one reason that I have lasted so long. It is so exhausting. I have said many times that this is the worse part of the disease for me.

Now, back to fun stuff. I am glad you got lots of Darah hugs. Best medicine on earth. Life is surely sweet.

Let me know what the docs says.

Hugs, Joyce D. >> Hello.. I hope you all had a great week-end. The weather in PA was HOT > and HUMID but we had a good week-end. I got to play with my 20 month > old wonderful grand daughter Darah all day today...I'm exhausted but > what a fun day.> > I've got a question....I just received a copy of the letter that my > Pulmonary Doc sent to the gastroenterologist> in preparation for my colonoscopy/endoscopy procedures. In the letter > he discussed the NSIP and also "traction Bronchiectasis".> He has never mentioned this to me before. I have read many of your > posts about this condition. Can you tell me how this has effected you?> I have emailed him. but I know that you will answer me quickly. Thanks > in advance.> > > > -- > > > Z fibriotic NSIP/o5/PA > > > Potter, reader,carousel lover and MomMom to Darah > > *"I'm gonna be iron like a lion in Zion" Bob Marley*>