Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
My question is about a 90-year-old woman with a 10-year history of bronchiectasis complaining of increased clear sputum production/secretions for two weeks, but no fever, malaise, weakness, decreased sensorium, or headache.
Already she is on Fluticasone + Salmeterol, n-acetylcysteine, Montelukast + Levocetirizine, and Doxofylline.
Insisting that she is given Erythromycin, which was given to her back last year for bronchitis, because she believes it will cure her secretions. Are her current medicines adequate? Does she need antibiotics?
Kindly suggest.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I read your query and understand your concern.
She has been experiencing clear sputum production for the past two weeks and has had a history of bronchiectasis for the last ten years. Since the sputum has not changed in color to yellow or green, which would indicate an infection, there is currently no need for antibiotics such as Erythromycin.
She may take an oral corticosteroid once daily in the morning after meals for seven days to help reduce inflammation. If the sputum color changes, indicating a possible infection, antibiotics can then be started.
From my point of view, at this moment, antibiotics are not necessary.
Take care, and I hope I have answered your question. Please let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
My question is about a 90-year-old woman with a 10-year history of bronchiectasis complaining of increased clear sputum production/secretions for two weeks, but no fever, malaise, weakness, decreased sensorium, or headache.
Already she is on Fluticasone + Salmeterol, n-acetylcysteine, Montelukast + Levocetirizine, and Doxofylline.
Insisting that she is given Erythromycin, which was given to her back last year for bronchitis, because she believes it will cure her secretions. Are her current medicines adequate? Does she need antibiotics?
Kindly suggest.
Patient's Query
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I read your query and understand your concern.
She has been experiencing clear sputum production for the past two weeks and has had a history of bronchiectasis for the last ten years. Since the sputum has not changed in color to yellow or green, which would indicate an infection, there is currently no need for antibiotics such as Erythromycin.
She may take an oral corticosteroid once daily in the morning after meals for seven days to help reduce inflammation. If the sputum color changes, indicating a possible infection, antibiotics can then be started.
From my point of view, at this moment, antibiotics are not necessary.
Take care, and I hope I have answered your question. Please let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care.
Patient's Query
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thank you for the reply.
Are there other things she can do, like change her position when lying down in bed? Or inhale oxygen?
What are your other suggestions for nonpharmacological treatment?
Thank you.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
As she has respiratory problems, it will be very helpful for her to keep her in bed in a propped-up position. Place the pillows all the way down under her shoulder blades and not just under her neck.
Pillows placed lengthwise with pillows under her head, neck, and shoulder blades, and keeping her in a propped-up position will help her breathe easily.
Monitor her oxygen saturation level with a pulse oximeter regularly. If her oxygen saturation level declines below 92%, then oxygen inhalation is indicated for her at home or in the hospital.
Try to keep her away from any dust, dander, mites, smoke, or any other allergens that can worsen her situation. She should take corticosteroids in the oral form or injectable form after consulting her doctor or pulmonologist.
I hope this helps.
Take care.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thank you for the reply.
Are there other things she can do, like change her position when lying down in bed? Or inhale oxygen?
What are your other suggestions for nonpharmacological treatment?
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
As she has respiratory problems, it will be very helpful for her to keep her in bed in a propped-up position. Place the pillows all the way down under her shoulder blades and not just under her neck.
Pillows placed lengthwise with pillows under her head, neck, and shoulder blades, and keeping her in a propped-up position will help her breathe easily.
Monitor her oxygen saturation level with a pulse oximeter regularly. If her oxygen saturation level declines below 92%, then oxygen inhalation is indicated for her at home or in the hospital.
Try to keep her away from any dust, dander, mites, smoke, or any other allergens that can worsen her situation. She should take corticosteroids in the oral form or injectable form after consulting her doctor or pulmonologist.
I hope this helps.
Take care.
Patient's Query
Was this conversation helpful?
Answered byDr. Muhammad Zubayer Alam
Medically reviewed byDr. Vinodhini J.
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
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