Consultant mentioned 'bronchiectasis' does anyone know what this is?

[KatyMac]

I really don't want to google

We aren't sure if this is what DH has....but it is a possibility

It means that the ends of the bronchi (the windpipe splits into smaller and smaller branches that go everywhere in your lungs for air exchange) are becoming dilated (enlarging) and staying that way. It's not good because several of the bronchi sort of merge together which means that less blood can get to them, so the blood in the body becomes less oxygenated and leads to difficulty breathing.
When will you know for sure?

Well she sort of said it in passing....as if we should know

I guess it doesn't go well with chronic asthma

Oh hell - it might have been 'Bronchetasis'

yes, jacks has it right

unfortunately, bronchiectasis implies permanent lung damage. As the airways dilate, they become more predisposed to infections, thereby damaging them further

however, it can be managed with regular antibiotics to control infections and in some cases, infusions to boost the immune system and steroids

I don't think there is such a word as "bronchetasis" katy

I think I need to ring them & get it written down or spelt out to me don't I?

Would the first spelling fit with recurrent chest infection - about 13 in a year?

He is suspectable to haemophilus influenzae & is having 2 weeks of A-B's when ever he gets a chest infection & is also on one a day doxycycline

yes katy, it does sound like bronchiectasis

how was it confirmed ?, if indeed it has been

has dh had a ct scan or is one being planned ?

2 or 3 ct scans - e had 2 weeks IV a-bs in july & has only had 2 infections since

They just kept saying recurrent chest infections rather than giving it a name

the recurring chest infections are likely to have caused the damage that led to the bronchiectasis

They think it may have been a very bad asthma attack (In Feb 1993) held at bay by large amounts of steroids/asthma medication & it has been getting very gradually worse as his asthma medication has been reduced in recent years (eg 2004-6)

My MIL has this it was undiagnosed for years

She had whooping cough when she was pg with dh and they think it caused it. She has had a chronic cough for ever, it used to be really really bad, she would cough uncontrollably about 20 times a day. And gets lots of chest infections.

Hope it isn't, but if it is it has not hindered her very active life in any way

Poor her

DH just gets tireder & tireder (the spell checker wanted to change this to tiresome) each time he has an infection

Apparently exercise is a good thing (which gives me a big stick to hit him with) & he mustn't lose any weight (which is another major argument we have)