Suggest treatment for bronchiectasis
Patient: Hi My son heard a programme on radio 4 concerning a lady with CBID and feels I may have this too. I have this year been diagnosed with bronchiectasis, I have had psoriasis for the last few years, a persistent vitamin D deficiency, inspite of sunny holidays, and I find it very difficult to shake off colds which usually develop into laryngitis or/and chest infections. I have had ct scans of my chest and sinuses, the sinuses now being clear and no tumours in my lungs. Other than this I am very fit and healthy, my cholesterol is fine and blood pressure on the low side. I am 65 and slim. Should I have a test for immunoglobulin and is there any treatment should I have CBID? Many thanks. Sue Doctor: Thanks for your question on Health Care Magic. I can understand your concern. Possibility of immune deficiency is low in your case. Immune deficiency diseases present at early age. But better to get done IgE, IgM and IgG levels. If all are normal than no need to worry for immune deficiency. Bronchiectesis is chronic, structural lung disease. It needs life long treatment. It requires inhaled bronchodilators, inhaled corticosteroid (ICS), oral expectorant, mucolytic and antioxidants. Chest physiotherapy and deep breathing exercises are also important in bronchiectesis. Vaccination with pneumococcal and Influenza vaccines are also helpful to prevent recurrent respiratory tract infection. So consult pulmonologist and discuss all these. Hope I have solved your query. Wish you good health. Thanks.