As a child I developed bronchiectasis (not sure of spelling). Much of my childhood was pretty miserable because of it. At the age of twelve I was attending physiotherapy to clear my congested lungs plus taking antibiotics when the infection became worse. It was confined to one lung fortunately. At the age of 16 I underwent sugery to remove the lower left lobe of my lung. From that day my health improved a great deal. I even took up running, entered marathons etc. I have however always been prone to infections building from colds, but antibiotics always clear them up. I am 50 now and for the past two years the frequency of infections are becoming greater. I have visited specialists, had tests and they say my lungs are working properly. The reason for entering this forum, is to seek correspondance from other sufferers and enquire how you deal with this problem and if dietry changes, alternative medicine have helped you.
RE: Bronchiectasis
Hi James
Sorry to hear you've been suffering. I was diagnosed with Bronchiectatsis in 1991 after having chest infections for over a year every 2 weeks. It became a problem then but more recently I seem to have kept it under control.My Gp suggested 2 years ago that as I had Bronchiectasis it might be worth having a Flu Jab which I thought I was too young to ave but my Gp advised that all chest illnesses qualified for this. It might be worth having a chat with your Gp to see what he thinks? My condition was caused by an antibiotic I was given when I was a child my chest specialist tells me.
I try not to take antibiotics when I have a small infection but have used Echinacea & found it to be more helpful as I've found I can take it for longer through the winter period. It might be worth having a chat with your Gp to see what the options are for helping you cope when these episodes occur.I try to see a friend who is a complementary therapist as often as is physically possible & he has found some allergies and sensitivities through Kinesiology and muscle testing so I adjusted my diet to allow for these. I've also done a couple of detoxes & take various vitamins and minerals to enhance my immune system. You would need to see a qualified practitioner to advise you on the best ones for your own body as each person is different. I also try to fit in quite a few lymph drainage/sports massages in the autumn & winter months to ensure my body is clearing out the 'crap' it should. Different people find different treatments help but it's worth checking out some of the available treatments to see what works for you.
I will send you some Reiki Healing, Love & Light.
Best Wishes
RE: Bronchiectasis
Hi James - Yes, I "inherited" bronchiecstasis (conceived when my father had TB). It's an inflammatory condition/disease, so (theoretically/practically?) it's meant to worsen with age. I'm now 57...can't say it's worsened but certain things help alleviate it. Keeping your weight down, not overeating, minimising dairy products (produce cattarrh/phlegm). Since you're prone to colds, infections etc. bump up your raw garlic intake, e.c. rub it onto toast (like bruschetta) - could always chew parsley (to combat halitosis)! Also take anti-inflammatory foods, like ginger (can grate fresh root ginger, about 1 teaspoon, into a cup and pour on hot water for ginger tea. Flavour with honey and some lemon). Also fresh pineapple. Hope this helps.
RE: Bronchiectasis
Forgot to mention Oil of Olbas - wonderful for relieving congestion (a natural remedy). Also I cycle (mostly back streets where I can) - which helps improve lung condition (I think).
I have a client who had bronchiectasis as a child (whooping cough and measles in quick succession). I first saw her when she was in her 60's and she was almost permanently on antibiotics and other medication.
She's now just passed her 80th birthday and is doing really well.
I used kinesiology to help her. At first she had regular appointments but now I see her about once every 3-6 months and not always for respiratory stuff. (In fact she's one of the few clients I still see as I've retired frompractice now.)
When she was in her 70's she told me that she was healthier than she'd ever been in her whole life and it was thanks to me. As you can imagine, I was very moved by that.
Do try kinesiology.
Jane
Hello James
Although I've not had bronchiecstasis, we did have to move house when I was 7 because I'd had bronchitis every winter since I was 2, and have had a weak chest ever since (it runs in the family).
Anyway, I agree with the echinacea as already suggested: one a day for the winter months at least will help boost your immune system. I would also suggest a teaspoon of manuka honey (available from Tescos price £4.99) every day. And then my other favourite: Ravensara essential oil. Use this as an inhalation (maybe with steam) to relieve symptoms. Eve Taylor tells me you can put it neat on your clavicle (collarbone) and it will be absorbed into the skin that way - it's perfectly safe to use neat.
Hope this helps.