Treatment

We’re here to help you understand your treatment options.

Medical treatment options for bronchiectasis

Medications

• Antibiotics: These are the most common medications for treating infections during flare-ups. You can take them by mouth, inhale them or have them given through an injection
• Nebulised medications: These are medications you can breathe in using a nebuliser, a machine that turns liquids into a mist. The inhaled medications can help clear mucus from your airways. One example is nebulised saline (salty water)
• Long-term antibiotics: Sometimes, doctors may prescribe antibiotics that you take every day. These can help reduce flare-ups.

Oxygen therapy

Oxygen therapy may be prescribed by your specialist. It can help with shortness of breath and help you stay active. Some people only use oxygen when they’re active, while others need to use it all the time.

Airway clearance

It’s really important to clear mucus from your chest every day. This helps to prevent flare-ups. A physiotherapist can teach you how to clear your airways. This may include breathing exercises, using special devices, inhaling saline, positioning your body to open your airways and doing exercises. Regular airway clearance is one of the most important things you can do to stay well. 

Self-management for bronchiectasis

Even if you take medications for bronchiectasis, there are other ways to help you live well. These include learning breathing techniques,  quitting smoking, exercising, managing stress and eating well. It’s good to have a personal action plan for when your COPD gets worse, watch your symptoms and talk to your doctor when you need to.

Respiratory care nurse

Our Respiratory Care Nurse phone service is for people living with COPD or bronchiectasis. Our nurses can give you advice about your condition based on the latest guidelines. To make a free phone appointment, call our Information and Support Centre on 1800 654 301 (free call) or book online.