6 Tips for Managing Bronchiectasis

If you’ve recently been diagnosed with bronchiectasis, there are ways you can help slow down the progression of the disease and improve your quality of life. We’ve put together a list of tips to help improve your life with bronchiectasis using information from the National Institute of Health.

Avoid Lung Infections
Speak to your doctor about getting annual vaccinations against flu and pneumonia, and avoid spending time with people who are sick with colds, coughs, and the flu. Get into good hygiene habits to avoid picking up bacteria and germs.

Quit Smoking
Smoking will only speed up the progression of bronchiectasis. If you’re struggling to quit smoking on your own, speak to your healthcare team for advice and practical help.

Avoid Lung Irritants
Where possible, avoid being in environments with secondhand smoke, pollution, chemical fumes, dust particles and other substances which may be harmful to lungs.

MORE: Study reveals the risk factors identified for bronchiectasis in COPD patients. Read more here.

Maintain a Healthy Diet
Eat a healthy balanced diet with less processed foods and more whole foods. Avoid excessive salt, sugar and saturated fat and eat plenty of fiber in the form of fruit, vegetables, and whole grains. Aim to bring your weight to an acceptable level.

Exercise
Regular exercise will improve overall health and also help to loosen mucus in the lungs. Gentle exercise such as swimming and walking are ideal for patients with bronchiectasis.

Get Support
Having a chronic lung disease can be frightening and you may not know who to turn to for advice. Support groups, either local or online, can offer guidance and reassurance for patients, as well as an environment to share experiences.

Speak to your health care team if you’re suffering from anxiety or depression as this will need to be treated alongside your bronchiectasis.

MORE: Find out more about the pathology of bronchiectasis

Bronchiectasis News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

 

3 comments

  1. all this information is a complete wast of time. my doctors do nothing to improve my condition. im told i have to put up with my severe cough. ive never been asked to use a nebuliser so what is the use of doctors if i have to suffer like this. im deppressed and been told to phone a councilor. no meds offered. what a waste of time.

  2. Raj says:

    I found doing these to help with managing my symptoms
    1. Doing Yoga – Certain movements help to relieve chest congestion and bring out the mucus. Also I find more energetic after each session.
    2. Eating Salads – either fruits and vegetables helps in production of less mucus.
    3. Having Chicken Soup – Everyday having hot chicken soup helps a lot to reduce mucus build up and fight infection.
    4. Using humidifiers – While sleeping, I find that this device is very useful to help me while breating during sleep.
    5. Using Massage Cushions/Chair – Lying on a massaging cushion helps bring out the mucus when I feel congested.
    5.

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