A team of health-care workers will support you in keeping you healthy. This team includes a nurse, physiotherapist, speciality (respiratory) doctors, GP, and a consultant. They will be able to provide you with the advice to manage symptoms, keep healthy and maintain a good quality of life.
I find exercise difficult and therefore avoid it!
This is a common mistake. Appropriate exercise, which is tailored to the individual, has shown to be highly effective in the treatment of chest conditions including bronchiectasis. Physiotherapists can advise on particular circumstances.
Studies have looked at the effects of pulmonary rehabilitation, a formal exercise training programme which involves aerobic exercise and resistance training. These studies have shown that pulmonary rehabilitation is associated with (BTS National Guidelines for bronchiectasis, 2019):
- an improvement in the ability to exercise (exercise tolerance)
- an improvement in health-related quality of life
- suggestion that it may reduce the number of chest infection over the course of a year
Studies in the Research Section: Edinburgh which relate to chest physiotherapy and pulmonary rehabilitation also demonstrate an increase in quality of life and exercise tolerance.
People with bronchiectasis also describe loosening of their sputum with or after exercise.
I am finding continuing to work increasingly difficult!
This is something that you should discuss with the GP, occupational health and with the doctor at the clinic. The position here depends upon the severity of your bronchiectasis and on the nature of your work. Some people are able to carry on working without any difficulty whereas others find it much more difficult.
For people who are self-employed or work in a company with 250 or less employees, Working Health Services Scotland, are able to provide free advice and support for health-related matters at work.
Last Reviewed – 10th July 2019