Hi,
Just an update. I have been steadily under the care of my respirologist. She tested me for GERD and for any allergies that are not known. And I came out fine. But I was confused, because this last time I visited her, she asked how my "bronchitis" was doing? I thought you either have acute bronchitis, which I experienced about 4 months ago, or you have chronic bronchitis, which only smokers have. I agree that I still have problems with cough and excess mucous (though it doesn't rattle in my chest). However I have found that if I don't drink enough or have enough puffers I feel tight/congested in my chest. And I do find that I cough up more mucous when on a lower inhaler dose. She changed my inhalers to Pulmicort 400ug X 4puffs/day and Oxeze 12ug x 2 puffs/day plus an additional puff midday, because I was finding the effects of the inhaler was wearing off. Also my peak flow readings have still not fully recovered from before. My best peak flow was 500, and I could easily be over 450. Now I find that it sits around 380 to 430 most days and on very good days I can reach a maximum of 500. Will this improve eventually? I haven't asked about a CT scan yet. I'm really not how to approach her on that one. I get the feeling she is playing it by ear for now to see what my lungs do next. Actually the next time I see her in two months, I do another pulmonary function test.
Hi
Thanks for writing to the forum!
Bronchiectasis too can be an alternate diagnosis along with cystic fibrosis. Along with all the tests of obstructive lung disease a CT scan of lungs should also be done.
Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!