MEDICATIONS
Medications are a key component to the management of bronchiectasis and for some reduce the severity of symptoms and reduce the risk of exacerbation and flare ups. Every person’s medication routine is individualized to them
Medications can be referred to by their generic name (e.g. Salbutamol) or brand name (e.g. Ventolin). Side effects may be present with specific types of medications and your doctor will work out the optimal prescription for you. The field of medications is constantly changing and evolving.
Antibiotics and anti-inflammatories
Antibiotic selection should be based on lower airway culture results (for example, from sputum/mucus results) and should consider the clinical severity and patient tolerance. In the case of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa being newly detected, eradication therapy should be offered. Oral antibiotic therapy may be offered for an acute exacerbation. In the case of patients failing oral therapy, parenteral antibiotics should be considered. Common types are Macrolides, Ciprofloxacin and Colistin.
Anti-inflammatory medication is currently being explored in a range of Phase II and Phase III clinical trials.
Inhaled medication
Some medications in bronchiectasis are taken via an inhaler device and delivered directly to the lung airways. These are a mix of short-acting bronchodilator or inhaled corticosteroids. Some of these medications may be prescribed for another underlying lung condition (such as asthma or COPD) or it could be for your bronchiectasis. Different inhaled medications are delivered through different inhaler devices, with some devices suiting your abilities or severity of lung disease better than others. Your doctor of pharmacist will be best positioned to advice you on the right option for you.
A guide to how to use these medications can be found here (https://lungflarecare.com/about-copd/medications/).
Mucoactive agents
While not recommended routinely, these medications which help to reduce the thickness of lung mucus can be helpful to use for those experiencing recurrent exacerbations, despite optimal therapy. Hypertonic saline or isotonic saline may be given. This can be combined in with other physiotherapy airway clearance techniques, which may help to save time.
Vaccinations
Individuals with bronchiectasis are more susceptible to chest infections. IN addition to all the steps already outlined for managing your condition, vaccinations a key to avoid some respiratory infections.
Key vaccinations to have on a regular basis include Influenza and Pneumococcal vaccination. In addition, keeping up to date with your COVID-19 boosters is also important. Discuss with your medical practitioner your current plan for annual vaccinations.