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General advice 

  • When taking antibiotics make sure you complete the whole course, which should be 10-14 days
  • Have your annual flu vaccination and pneumonia vaccination
  • Stop smoking – ask your physio or GP about support for giving up.
  • If you usually have sputum and have not had to send a sample in the last year, send a sputum sample to your GP annually

My symptoms are normal for me
  • Regular airway clearance techniques as per plan
  • Take medication as prescribed

 

I feel my bronchiectasis is worse but there is no change in my sputum (colour, stickiness, amount)

 
  • Do your airway clearance techniques more often
  • If you have a reliever inhaler take this more often (use a spacer if you have a metered dose inhaler)
  • Drink plenty of fluids
  • Tell family/friend how you are feeling

 

 

I am coughing up more or darker coloured sputum
  • Take a sputum sample to your GP
  • Start standby or prescribed antibiotics (this may be changed later depending on results of sample)
  • Contact GP for emergency appointment if no standby medication, you have pain when breathing in, or are coughing up small streaks of blood.
  • If you are struggling with chest clearance call the Respiratory Physiotherapists or your respiratory team for support.

I have new symptoms of: Severe breathless Coughing up large amounts of blood

Feeling confused or drowsy

Acute chest pain
  • Call 999
  • Collect a sputum sample if able
  • Start standby or prescribed antibiotics (this may be changed later depending on results of sample)

Contact us

If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Respiratory medicine service.

About this information

Service:
Respiratory medicine

Reference:
W/019

Approval date:
21 February 2025

Review date:
1 November 2026

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Important note 

This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.