Different Ways To Treat Bronchiectasis

Take Expectorants Or Other Mucus-Thinning Medications

Patients with bronchiectasis typically need to take expectorants or other mucus-thinning medications. These medicines loosen mucus in the lungs and make it easier to remove from the body through coughing. Some patients may obtain more effective relief by taking these drugs together with decongestants. The majority of mucus-thinning medications for bronchiectasis, including acetylcysteine and dornase alfa, are given via a nebulizer or inhaler. To administer acetylcysteine with a nebulizer, a ten or twenty percent solution of the drug is mixed with hypertonic saline solution, and this mixture is turned into a mist. The patient wears a special mask over their nose and mouth that delivers the mist deep into their lungs. Nebulizers of acetylcysteine can be repeated every six to eight hours as needed for symptom management.

Patients taking acetylcysteine should be aware of potential side effects such as fevers, coughing up blood, runny nose, drowsiness, and shortness of breath. Dornase alfa is typically given with an inhaler, and the patient can self-administer this at home once or twice a day. Individuals using this medication should remain vigilant for side effects, including voice changes, eye irritation, rash, sore throat, and hoarseness. If these side effects persist or become severe, the patient should inform their physician.

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