I worry about antibiotic resistance!
Resistance is a potential issue but the clinic doctors are well aware of this problem and seek to recommend treatments which minimise such resistance. Local, national and international guidelines are available to guide clinic staff when to prescribe antibiotics and which type may be most beneficial.
I also worry about side effects…
Any medicine can have side effects – but again the clinic doctors are well aware of these problems and most side effects are well known through the testing programmes that drugs go through before they can be used for treatment.
If you are on long-term (prophylactic) antibiotics you will be automatically followed-up and monitored in the bronchiectasis clinic.
Common side effects include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Your doctor will let you know of the most common or important side-effects to look out for. There is also a leaflet that comes with your antibiotics that includes a more detailed list of potential side-effects. If you do have side-effects from any of the drugs prescribed for you, tell you GP or clinic doctor as soon as possible.
What about allergic reactions?
Yes this can be a problem – but again the clinic doctors are alert to potential problems here. Common allergic reactions are drug rash, severe wheezing and severe breathlessness. Anaphylaxis is a rare severe reaction. If you do have an allergic reaction contact your GP immediately. If you are very unwell seek emergency help/call 999.
Last Reviewed -10th July 2019