General information
Living well with bronchiectasis relies on the successful ability to manage your condition, in amongst daily life at the same time. Some aspects of care can be challenging to address, and it is important to lean on your healthcare team to assist you. This section describes some of the broader issues to address to help you be as well supported as possible.
Getting help for health care and well-being after a flare-up
- A follow up appointment with your GP or lung specialist is ideal, within a timely manner of you being discharge.
- You may also benefit from a review with a physiotherapist, should this option be available to you.
- Speak to your GP or a mental health practitioner if your mood or levels of motivation are impacting on your ability to manage your condition or daily tasks
- Consider contacting Lung Foundation Australia if you feel a peer support program (talking to others with lung disease who understand what you are experiencing) might be helpful to you (link to https://lungfoundation.com.au/resources/lung-foundation-australia-services-brochure-dl/). (also have flyer for Connect care from LFA)
Lifestyle changes
Achieving the best possible health and well-being for people with bronchiectasis involves both effective treatments and changes to some habitual behaviours (also called self-management).
These behaviours can vary from person to person, but common examples include:
Maintaining an effective airway clearance routine
Becoming physical active or restoring your level of physical activity
Regular, correct medication use
Use of a Bronchiectasis Action plan
Eating well
The goal of self-management in bronchiectasis is to empower you to manage your condition as effectively as you can and seek care in a timely manner. This may include regularly doing your airway clearance therapy, taking your medication correctly, and managing your symptoms. Different items will be a priority for each individual. Review some of the key actions to take in this Bronchiectasis Checklist.