Don’t let this lung disease stop you staying active

TWO years ago I was diagnosed with the lung disease bronchiectasis. Since then it has been one chest infection after another. I have always been physically active and at 72 I feel I have become a blob. What can I do to help myself?

BRONCHIECTASIS – excessive mucus production in the lungs – certainly affects quality of life. It causes daily coughing, shortness of breath and recurrent chest infections. In turn this leads to difficulties with exercise because being active when you can’t breathe freely is just harder.

In at least a third of people with the condition, the cause of bronchiectasis is not known.

Psychologically it is very difficult to cope with any condition where the cause may be unknown and a cure not possible.

However, it is vital to appreciate that bronchiectasis has a good prognosis in many cases. Although remission is not possible, improvement certainly is. Antibiotics and inhalers are essential and although it may not be easy, exercise is important for ongoing health and is recommended by the British Lung Foundation as it helps to clear the chest: it is essential to continue exercises such as walking that may cause a little breathlessness.

Lung function should also be improved with ‘chest physio’ – designed specifically to improve bronchiectasis.

Patients are taught chest mucous removal techniques and special breathing techniques. These should be undertaken daily and with exercise can maintain an active quality of life. BELL’S palsy is a problem affecting the facial nerve. This mainly controls movement of the muscles of the face.

Speech problems could be related to issues with saliva production, making the voice dry or an issue with the muscles moving the mouth.

The larynx is controlled by a nerve separate to the facial nerve so voice production itself would not usually be affected

Problems with speech can be assessed and treated with the help of a speech and language therapist.

Referral would be routine on the NHS and can be arranged through a GP, and although a cause may not be identified, therapy could resolve the issue.

IT FEELS AS IF I’VE TURNED INTO A BLOB… WHAT CAN I DO?

MY SON developed Bell’s palsy a few years ago and has since suffered from speech problems. His voice will suddenly become hoarse and he can become incoherent. GRACE AND STYLE: Jada with Will in 2015 and, right, out recently in a headscarf