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Bronchiectasis

What is Bronchiectasis?

Bronchiectasis is a chronic long-term condition characterised by scarred and inflamed airways resulting in a build-up of mucus/ sputum which can lead to frequent chest infections. Typical symptoms are primarily cough and sputum production, people with bronchiectasis can often feel breathless and fatigued especially when having an exacerbation (‘flare-up’) of their bronchiectasis.

Bronchiectasis Service

The bronchiectasis service consists of a multidisciplinary team, which is led by Respiratory consultant Dr Mark Pasteur. The specialist nurses are Jo Buxton, Lisa Jones and Ian Feaviour. We also have specialist respiratory physiotherapists and clinical pharmacists as part of the team. We all work closely with our fellow respiratory colleagues in both clinic and ward settings to provide clinical advice, education and support to bronchiectasis patients and their families.

What we offer:

  • Investigation/ diagnosis of bronchiectasis
  • Ongoing management of bronchiectasis. The aim being to reduce the severity and frequency of exacerbations (‘flare-ups’.)
  • Consultant and nurse led outpatient clinics.
  • Clinic appointments available at Cromer Hospital.
  • Inpatient review to optimise treatment plan.
  • Provide patient education.
  • Work with UEA to support undergraduate learning programmes and facilitate the teaching of student healthcare professionals.
  • Delivery of annual virtual bronchiectasis patient conference
  • Work collaboratively with other specialist respiratory centres for example Papworth and Brompton hospitals.
  • Provide individual self-management plan with ongoing evaluation of any treatment changes made.
  • Refer to physiotherapy colleagues for advice on chest clearance/ breathing techniques or for advice on adjuncts/ devices.
  • Teaching and support to complete domiciliary (home) IV antibiotic therapy allowing reduced length of hospital stay and for some patient’s admission avoidance. Collaborating with other teams/ services to facilitate this if appropriate.
  • Completion of nebulised medication/ drug challenges.
  • Management of venous access devices such as midlines, PICC lines & TIVAD (ports).

Referral

Referral to the bronchiectasis service is via GP or hospital medical team. The bronchiectasis service is happy to be contacted by GPs/ practice nurses for advice.

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