Bronchiectasis flares may feel like a big deal. And they can be.
Could it be a bronchiectasis flare?
If you’re experiencing worsening symptoms, such as coughing, increased mucus, shortness of breath, and fatigue, it could be a BE .
BE flares can contribute to , so it’s important to talk to your doctor if your symptoms are getting worse.
Your doctor may ask you which symptoms are getting worse and over what period of time, in order to determine if a change in treatment is necessary.
Repeated BE flares can increase your chances of having more BE flares in the future and may lead to hospitalization.
See the real impact of bronchiectasis flares.
A BE flare caused Allison to miss out, so she decided to speak out.
BE flares can be physically damaging, and emotionally draining.
BE flares can be unpredictable, and repeated BE flares may lead to lung damage. This can impact not only your breathing but also your social life.
If you’re dealing with BE flares and feeling sad or overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Others with BE have said that BE flares make them feel:
Anxious
“It felt like we were never reaching the bottom, and I was on my own.”
—Sonia
Embarrassed
“I can’t have a conversation without having to turn my head and have a coughing fit.”
—Dwight
Out of control
“I felt like I was falling apart at the seams.”
—Rebecca
Unable to work
“I had that productive cough that I just kind of let hang around…until finally it put me in the hospital.”
—Mark
If your BE symptoms are worsening, it could be a BE flare. Your doctor may call them exacerbations, and they are common in BE. It is important to have a conversation with your doctor to get your questions about BE answered and to create a management plan that works for you.
Symptoms alone aren’t enough to identify BE.
Look deeper