Salt Caves: Do They Help Asthma, COPD and Bronchiectasis?
Halotherapy, asthma, COPD and bronchiectasis Salt Caves for Respiratory Health: Do They Help Asthma, COPD and Bronchiectasis? Salt caves are promoted as a natural way to ease cough, loosen mucus and improve breathing. But do they actually help asthma, COPD or bronchiectasis? This guide separates plausible theory from proven respiratory treatment. Halotherapy Asthma COPD Bronchiectasis […]
Plastic Bronchitis
Rare airway disease and bronchial casts Plastic Bronchitis: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment Plastic bronchitis is a rare condition in which firm, branching material forms inside the airways. These bronchial casts can partially or completely obstruct airflow and may occasionally cause a medical emergency. Bronchial casts Fontan circulation Lymphatic disease Eosinophilic inflammation Bronchoscopy DCMRL Plastic […]
Prophylactic Antibiotics in Bronchiectasis: Why, How, and What You Should Know
Bronchiectasis treatment guide Prophylactic Antibiotics in Bronchiectasis: Why, How, and What You Should Know Long-term antibiotics can reduce bronchiectasis flare-ups in selected patients. This guide explains why they are prescribed, how oral and nebulised options differ, and what monitoring patients should expect. Long-term antibiotics Azithromycin Nebulised antibiotics Pseudomonas Safety monitoring In this article What they […]
What People Should Know Before an NTM Diagnosis
NTM lung disease guide What People Should Know Before an NTM Diagnosis An NTM diagnosis can feel frightening, confusing and strangely lonely. Understanding what the test results mean, why diagnosis can take time and why treatment is individualised can make the process feel more manageable. NTM versus tuberculosis Diagnostic criteria Watchful monitoring Antibiotic treatment Airway […]
Precision Medicine in Bronchiectasis: Why Inhaled Antibiotics Help Some Patients More Than Others
Personalised bronchiectasis treatment Precision Medicine in Bronchiectasis: Why Inhaled Antibiotics Help Some Patients More Than Others Inhaled antibiotics can substantially reduce flare-ups for some people with bronchiectasis, yet provide limited benefit for others. Emerging research suggests that differences in airway microbiology, inflammation and host response may explain why. Precision medicine Inhaled antibiotics Pseudomonas endotypes Airway […]
Nebulised hypertonic saline: why one negative RCT does not mean it never helps
Bronchiectasis treatment evidence Nebulised Hypertonic Saline: Why One Negative RCT Does Not Mean It Never Helps The CLEAR trial did not show a significant reduction in bronchiectasis exacerbations across its overall population. That is important—but it does not answer every clinical question about thick, difficult-to-clear mucus. CLEAR trial Airway clearance Thick sputum Mucus impaction Patient […]
Prognosis of Bronchiectasis: How Accurate Are FACED, BSI and Other Scoring Systems?
Bronchiectasis prognosis guide Prognosis of Bronchiectasis: How Accurate Are FACED, BSI and Other Scoring Systems? Bronchiectasis severity scores can help estimate mortality, hospitalisation and exacerbation risk. They are useful clinical tools, but they describe probability rather than predicting exactly what will happen to an individual patient. BSI calculator FACED calculator E-FACED Mortality risk Exacerbation risk […]
Airway clearance devices: who might benefit and what to ask your physio
Airway clearance and chest physiotherapy Airway Clearance Devices: Who Might Benefit and What to Ask Your Physio Airway-clearance devices can help mobilise sticky mucus when the lungs struggle to remove it naturally. The most effective device is not necessarily the most expensive or sophisticated—it is the one that matches your condition, breathing pattern, cough strength […]
New 2025 ERS bronchiectasis guidelines: what you need to know
Updated adult bronchiectasis guidance New 2025 ERS Bronchiectasis Guidelines: What You Need to Know The 2025 European Respiratory Society bronchiectasis guideline strengthens the role of personalised care, airway clearance, pulmonary rehabilitation and targeted long-term antibiotics. It also moves away from a rigid, one-size-fits-all approach to exacerbation risk. Airway clearance Macrolides Inhaled antibiotics Pseudomonas eradication Pulmonary […]
Emerging treatments for bronchiectasis in 2025
Targeted and experimental respiratory treatments Emerging Treatments for Bronchiectasis in 2025 Bronchiectasis treatment is moving beyond a one-size-fits-all approach. Brensocatib has become the first medicine specifically licensed for non-cystic-fibrosis bronchiectasis, while several anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal treatments remain in clinical development. Brensocatib Benralizumab Ensifentrine Murepavadin Phage therapy Opelconazole In this article What has changed Brensocatib […]
Bronchiectasis Diet: Evidence-Based Nutritional Tips
Nutrition, healthy weight and respiratory wellbeing Bronchiectasis Diet: Evidence-Based Nutritional Tips There is no single diet that treats bronchiectasis. However, maintaining a healthy weight, preserving muscle, eating enough protein, correcting genuine deficiencies and planning for exacerbations can support respiratory health and recovery. Healthy weight Protein Vitamin D Zinc and magnesium Hydration Flare-up nutrition In this […]
Living with Bronchiectasis and Co-Morbidities
Personalised care for overlapping respiratory conditions Living with Bronchiectasis and Co-Morbidities Bronchiectasis frequently coexists with asthma, COPD, reflux, rhinosinusitis, rheumatoid arthritis, ABPA or nontuberculous mycobacterial lung disease. Recognising which condition is driving each symptom helps reduce treatment burden and improves the safety and precision of care. Asthma COPD Reflux Rhinosinusitis Rheumatoid arthritis ABPA NTM lung […]
Brensocatib: Is this breakthrough a Game-Changer for Bronchiectasis?
New bronchiectasis treatment Brensocatib: Is This Breakthrough a Game-Changer for Bronchiectasis? Brensocatib is the first licensed medicine designed specifically to target neutrophilic inflammation in non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis. Here is what the clinical trials, regulatory approvals and current UK access position mean for patients. DPP1 inhibition ASPEN trial Exacerbation reduction FDA and MHRA approval NHS access […]
Fatigue in Bronchiectasis: Understanding and Managing a Debilitating Symptom
Bronchiectasis symptoms, fatigue and quality of life Fatigue in Bronchiectasis: Understanding and Managing a Debilitating Symptom Fatigue in bronchiectasis is common, often under-recognised, and can be as life-limiting as cough or sputum production. It may be driven by chronic inflammation, recurrent infection, poor sleep, breathlessness, reduced fitness and the psychological burden of living with a […]
Managing and Preventing Stress Incontinence in Bronchiectasis
Bronchiectasis and bladder health Managing and Preventing Stress Incontinence in Bronchiectasis Persistent coughing and repeated airway-clearance efforts can place additional pressure on the pelvic floor. Understanding this connection can help people with bronchiectasis manage urinary leakage and seek appropriate support earlier. Pelvic-floor support Cough management Practical prevention Chronic coughing can affect pelvic-floor and bladder control. […]
Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM): Where Did I Get It?
Understanding environmental exposure and NTM lung disease Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM): Where Did I Get It? Nontuberculous mycobacteria are naturally present in water, soil, dust and damp built environments. For most people, exposure causes no illness. NTM pulmonary disease usually develops when environmental exposure occurs alongside susceptible airways, impaired mucus clearance or altered immune defence. Water […]
Managing Refractory MAC Pulmonary Disease
Specialist management of treatment-refractory NTM lung infection Managing Refractory MAC Pulmonary Disease Mycobacterium avium complex pulmonary disease can be difficult to treat. When sputum cultures remain positive after at least six months of an appropriate guideline-based multidrug regimen, the disease may be classified as treatment refractory. Management requires a careful review of the diagnosis, antibiotic […]
Understanding and Managing the Treatment Burden in Bronchiectasis
Making bronchiectasis treatment effective, realistic and sustainable Understanding and Managing the Treatment Burden in Bronchiectasis Bronchiectasis treatment may involve airway clearance, nebulised medicines, inhalers, antibiotics, exercise, monitoring and repeated appointments. These treatments can improve health, but the combined workload can consume time, increase fatigue and affect emotional wellbeing. A good treatment plan should be clinically […]
Bronchiectasis Consultation: Key Symptoms and Essential Information for Your Doctor
Preparing for a productive specialist respiratory appointment Bronchiectasis Consultation: What to Tell Your Doctor A bronchiectasis consultation is most useful when your specialist has a clear picture of your usual symptoms, recent changes, chest infections, sputum results, treatments and the effect of the condition on daily life. Preparing this information can help identify treatable problems […]
Nebulised Antibiotics in Non-CF Bronchiectasis
Long-term infection suppression in selected adults with bronchiectasis Nebulised Antibiotics in Non-CF Bronchiectasis Nebulised antibiotics deliver antimicrobial treatment directly into the airways. They may be considered for selected adults with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis, particularly those with chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection and frequent exacerbations despite optimised bronchiectasis care. Chronic Pseudomonas infection Colistimethate Gentamicin Other inhaled antibiotics […]
Non-Tuberculous Mycobacterial infection: When to Treat?
Balancing disease progression, treatment toxicity and patient priorities Non-Tuberculous Mycobacterial Infection: When to Treat? Finding non-tuberculous mycobacteria in sputum does not automatically mean that treatment should start. The decision depends on whether true NTM pulmonary disease is present, which species has been identified, how active or progressive the disease appears and whether the expected benefit […]
The Breath Behind the Ache: Rheumatoid Arthritis and the Lungs
Understanding respiratory complications of rheumatoid arthritis The Breath Behind the Ache: Rheumatoid Arthritis and the Lungs Rheumatoid arthritis is best known for causing painful, swollen joints, but it is a systemic autoimmune disease that can also affect the lung tissue, airways, pleura and pulmonary circulation. Lung symptoms may develop before, alongside or after joint disease […]
Introduction to Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD)
A genetic disorder of the lungs, sinuses, ears and motile cilia Introduction to Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD) Primary ciliary dyskinesia is a rare inherited condition in which motile cilia do not form or move normally. Impaired mucus clearance can cause a wet cough from early life, chronic sinus and ear disease, recurrent chest infections and […]
Demystifying Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis
Understanding an important Aspergillus-related airway disorder Demystifying Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, usually shortened to ABPA, is an exaggerated immune response to Aspergillus within susceptible airways. It most often affects people with asthma or cystic fibrosis and can cause worsening wheeze, thick mucus, recurrent lung abnormalities and bronchiectasis. Aspergillus allergy Asthma Thick mucus plugs […]
The Unravelling of Green Sputum: A Comprehensive Insight
Mucus, airway defence and respiratory health The Unravelling of Green Sputum: A Comprehensive Insight Green sputum can be alarming, but colour alone cannot diagnose a bacterial infection or determine whether antibiotics are needed. Understanding how mucus is produced, why its appearance changes and which accompanying symptoms matter can help distinguish a short-lived respiratory illness from […]
Understanding Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis
Fungal lung infection, aspergilloma and lung cavities Understanding Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis is a group of slowly progressive lung conditions caused by Aspergillus mould. It most often develops in people with damaged or structurally abnormal lungs and can cause persistent cough, fatigue, weight loss, breathlessness and coughing up blood. Aspergillus mould Lung cavities […]
Deciphering Lung Infections and the Essential Role of Your Lung Infection Specialist
Lung infection guide Deciphering Lung Infections and the Essential Role of Your Lung Infection Specialist Lung infections can affect the airways, lung tissue or the lining around the lungs. Understanding where the infection is, what may be causing it and when specialist assessment is needed can help guide accurate treatment. Airway infections Pneumonia Pleural infection […]
Who Should Have the Pneumococcal Vaccine?
Pneumococcal disease, eligibility and current vaccine guidance Who Should Have the Pneumococcal Vaccine? Pneumococcal vaccination helps protect against serious infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, including pneumonia, meningitis and sepsis. Eligibility depends on age, health, vaccination history and national guidance. Adults aged 65 and over Clinical-risk groups PCV20 Children Immune suppression Chronic lung disease Pneumococcal vaccination […]
Pseudomonas Aeruginosa: A Problem in Chronic Lung disease
We live in a world teeming with invisible life forms. One such organism that has emerged as a major concern in recent years is Pseudomonas Aeruginosa. You might not have heard of it, or you might have come across this term but haven’t quite understood what it signifies. It’s not as familiar as common germs […]
Phages in Bronchiectasis Treatment: A Revolutionary Approach?
The Burden of Bronchiectasis Bronchiectasis presents a significant health challenge worldwide. This condition is characterised by a permanent enlargement of the airways. It results in a chronic cough, fatigue, and persistent chest infections. Current treatments help manage symptoms and control infection but do not offer a permanent solution to the presence of colonising bacteria. However, […]
Comprehensive Guide to NTM Treatment: Key Medications Explained
Non-tuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) infections present a significant public health concern globally. NTM, unlike tuberculosis, aren’t transmitted from person to person. However, they can cause severe lung disease, particularly in individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions. Accurate diagnosis and effective treatment are vital in managing these infections. With an increasing number of cases each year, understanding NTM […]
Understanding Bronchiectasis: A Look into its Complications
The world of respiratory health presents many challenges, and this includes the complications of bronchiectasis. Bronchiectasis is a condition, characterised by the permanent enlargement of the bronchial tubes, and is often debilitating. This blog article highlights some of the important complications of bronchiectasis, with a focus on bacterial colonisation, frequent exacerbations, non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infections, […]
Finding Your Best Bronchiectasis Doctor and Treatment Strategies
Bronchiectasis care guide How to Find the Best Bronchiectasis Doctor for Your Care Bronchiectasis is a complex, long-term lung condition. Finding a respiratory specialist with focused experience in bronchiectasis and recurrent chest infections can make a significant difference to diagnosis, treatment and quality of life. Specialist experience Diagnostic testing Airway clearance Infection management Multidisciplinary care […]
Airway clearance in bronchiectasis
Bronchiectasis is a chronic lung condition that results in permanent and abnormal widening of the bronchi. This condition can lead to recurrent infections and respiratory symptoms such as cough, sputum production, and shortness of breath. While there is no cure for bronchiectasis, several treatment options can help manage the symptoms and improve the quality of […]
Treatment of bronchiectasis: What should I know?
What is bronchiectasis? Before discussing the treatment of bronchiectasis it is important to understand what bronchiectasis is and how it affects people. Bronchiectasis is a condition where there is abnormal dilation of the bronchi. There are several medical conditions that lead to this condition and need to be considered when treating people with bronchiectasis. However, […]
