Is Bronchiectasis treated in patients with lung cancer with antibiotics or opiates? My husband has been given fentanyl patch/nasal spray and inhaler for cough. No real change to mucous production which can be horrific at times and cough which is relentless and violent. Oncologists reluctant to prescribe antibiotics as he is concerned that a tolerance will be built up and if he should come to a situation where he really needs antibiotics they are afraid it won't work. We just found up he had this condition but they have been aware for about 2 years and didn't say anything. Expect they were concentrating on the cancer. What concerns me is that when I read up on this condition it said the cough should not be suppressed yet by virtue of prescribing the fentanyl are we not suppressing the cough? I am trying to educate myself so that at our upcoming meeting with Oncologist I can ask clear, concise questions, so hopefully I will get clear, consise response back.
Bronchiestasis and stage IV LC - 1265896
drgoogle
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Reply # - September 11, 2014, 05:31 PM
Hi drgoogle, I hope your
Hi drgoogle, I hope your husband is feeling alright despite everything.
There has been some very good conversations (in that patients caregivers have made suggestions doctors have found useful) on the subject of expelling mucous.
Some people have gotten workups on bacterial cultures to streamline better antibiotic choices (not just the norm) and some with good outcomes. Certain Spring comes to mind.
Also there are discussions about ridding oneself of collected mucous. http://cancergrace.org/topic/any-updates-on-treatment-of-bronchorrhea In this conversation bronchiectasis may not be specifically mentioned but certainly these members have an extremely good understanding of their own difficulties with mucous. The idea of treating it as you would one with cystic fibrosis has been successful such as incorporating physiotherapy to help remove secretions.
I hope your husband, you and the rest of the team are able to find a way to make your husband more comfortable.
Always hopeful,
Janine
Reply # - September 11, 2014, 06:23 PM
drgoogle
drgoogle
I have come across this problem also - some bronchiectasis due to radiaton. I have been given Mucomyst and Albuterol to use in nebulizer machine. this helps to thin out mucous and open up your airways. Please ask for this from your onc.
ssflxl
Reply # - September 11, 2014, 10:36 PM
I'm afraid that a
I'm afraid that a pulmonologist would really be the person with the greatest expertise in this issue. Though I'm an oncologist focused on lung cancer, there are some things that are better addressed by someone with a focus on the non-cancer aspects of lung function and disease.
-Dr. West
Reply # - September 13, 2014, 08:10 AM
Wow..thank you all so much
Wow..thank you all so much for your quick responses. We have made an appt. with a Respirologist who has prev. cancelled 3 appts. with us. This time they assure us he will be there! And we have our already scheduled appt. with primary Oncologist .I will certainly bring to their attention information I have gained from being on this site. This site and the community are a god send. Thank you each and everyone of you.