Thank you for this follow-up. I am sorry to hear that you continue to have problems. As I mentioned in my prior response, Bronchiectasis should be high on the list of possibilities, to account for your repetitive lung infections. The diagnosis of standard tuberculosis, related to your exposures years ago, could well be the correct diagnosis. The following is from my previous response:
"In the meantime, however you should also ask the lung specialist (Pulmonologist) in the respiratory to determine if you have any other lung disease that has developed independently of reflux induced lung disease. One you specifically might ask about is mycobacterial infection; specifically MAC disease, with or without bronchiectasis. Obtaining the CT scan of your lungs should be a priority, as it could well establish a diagnosis with reasonable certainty."
You will note my reference to MAC. That is an infectious disease caused by bacteria related to the common form of Tuberculosis, called Atypical Mycobacteria. I did not explain this the first time, as I knew your pulmonary doctor would know what I was referring to. I still believe this is a reasonable diagnosis to consider.
A CT scan will definitely establish the diagnosis of bronchiectasis if present. As I suggested, bronchiectasis, a disease in which “pockets” of infection develop in the lungs in areas of the lung where the normal small bronchial tubes are badly damaged or destroyed. This can occur with a variety of bacteria, including the MAC. It can occur with diseases present at birth, such as Cystic Fibrosis (CF) or develop in later years in previously normal lungs, secondary to chronic lung disease. You should have testing performed, for CF
Given the chronicity of your illness, a wait of two weeks to do a CT Scan is not unreasonable but you might ask your lung specialist if there is a way it might be scheduled sooner. In the meantime, what should not be delayed is sending samples of your sputum to the Microbiology Lab, at the nearest large hospital, these specimens to be cultured for TB, fungi and all “routine” bacteria. The specimens should also be stained and examined under a microscope, on arrival at the laboratory.
Do not delay.
Good luck
August 30th,2010
This pranayam will get extra oxygen into the lungs, and help to heal.The effect is gradual so allow time to notice benefits.
Build up your timing gradually.If you feel tired or dizzy, stop and resume after one minute.
Kapalbhati -(Do it before eating) Push air forcefully out through the nose about once per second. Stomach will itself go in(contract in). The breathing in(through the nose) will happen automatically. Establish a rhythm and do for 20 to 30 minutes twice a day. Children under 15 years – do 5 to 10 minutes twice a day.
Not for pregnant women. Seriously ill people do it gently.
Anulom Vilom –
Close your right nostril with thumb and deep breath-in through left nostril
then – close left nostril with two fingers and breath-out through right nostril
then -keeping the left nostril closed deep breath-in through right nostril
then - close your right nostril with thumb and breath-out through left nostril.
This is one cycle of anulom vilom.
Repeat this cycle for 15 to 30 minutes twice a day.
Children under 15 years – do 5 to 10 minutes twice a day.
You can do this before breakfast/lunch/dinner or before bedtime or in bed.Remember to take deep long breaths into the lungs.You can do this while sitting on floor or chair or lying in bed.