hello there
Im a 51 year old woman in good general health. I was diagnosed with bronchial atresia about 20 years ago after recurrent chest infections ands pleurisy prompted a CT scan.
At the time I was told that there was no problem with CBA ands that I could just carry on life as usual (though no more diving - shame as it had been a hobby of mine).
Anyway. I’ve not thought too much about it in the intervening years. However, since about 2019 I’ve had a series of debilitating chest infections.
My drs gave me more CT scans and a broncoscopy. But when my symptoms got better they concluded that all was ok again and I was signed off without treatment.
In the last year I’ve had several more chest infections that leave me achy, tired and with a persistent (and exhausting) cough and some pain in my chest.
I’m currently on holiday and haven’t sought medical help for my current infection. But I’m feeling a bit miserable that I keep missing fun things because of my dodgy chest.
I’ve done some poking around on the internet and read that symptomatic CBA is now usually treated with surgery. And that if untreated it can lead long term to pulmonary hypertension - which doesn’t look good.
Is there anyone reading this who might be an expert in Bronchial Atresia and who might have a view on what I ought to be asking my medical professionals for now?
i live in the UK. The doctors I’ve seen so far don’t seem to be very aware of Bronchial Atresia - I wonder if there’s someone in the UK who is an expert?
Any advice very gratefully received