Coping and support

"My experience has been greatly helped over the last two or three years, or two years, since I’ve met the bronchiectasis nurse…He personally has helped me a lot, both psychologically and obviously as a patient…And he showed me a lot of things that I was unaware of, really…I feel as though I could always contact him, if I have a problem…and he will advise me accordingly." Chris, patient

• The impact of having bronchiectasis can vary from person to person. It can also vary at different time points, as you may have times where you have very few symptoms, and times when they are more troublesome.
• We know from previous work with patients and their families that bronchiectasis can affect more than just your physical health. It is not surprising that bronchiectasis can have a huge emotional impact and that it can also affect people’s families and friends, their work and their day to day life and social activities.
• It is important to remember that you are not alone. There are lots of others who have similar feelings and you may find it helpful to see some of the videos on this website of patients talking about their experiences. It is also important to have a support network, which could include family, friends and your health care team, such as your GP, or specialist nurse in clinic. The British Lung Foundation can also offer support through a helpline and also an online community where you can talk to others in similar situations.

This website has been co-developed with patients and carers, to meet their needs. The following websites have been developed by patients who have bronchiectasis:

http://www.bronchiectasishelp.org.uk/#features/
http://www.bronchiectasis.info/

The British Lung Foundation can also offer some general advice on living with a lung condition.