Background.
As a child I had chest infections frequently; I have not been a smoker but both my father and older brothers smoked. As I grew up the chest infections became less and I did not have much bother at all in this respect. I was very active taking part in sports and also liked walking and had no problem walking uphill. I generally did not have any bother with my chest.
How was I diagnosed?
It was not until I was in my 60’s that I began to have chest infections once more and noticed that I was becoming a bit breathless when walking a distance. It was one year when I had had six infections by October that my GP referred me to respiratory at RIE where after a CT scan I was diagnosed with bronchiectasis.
How do I feel about my treatment?
The only treatment I have is antibiotics when I develop a chest infection. I have learned to recognize the symptoms of one starting which is usually an increase in my cough as well as a bit of a temperature. I have a stand-by course of antibiotics at home and start them very quickly when I feel an infection coming on.
How does it affect my day to day living?
I live as normal a life as I can, not allowing my bronchiectsis to take over my life. I am now careful of infection and try to avoid contact with family and friends who have colds or virus infections but do not wrap myself in cotton wool, just use common sense. I attend the respiratory clinic twice a year and cannot speak too highly of the care I receive. I have also been going along to the Breathtakers Group where I have learned so much more about this condition which I have found very helpful.
