Support for Bronchiectasis

Bronchiectasis is a chronic, or long-term condition, but many people with the condition are able to remain active and enjoy a high quality of life. Your NYU Langone doctor monitors your lung function through regular follow-up visits and collects sputum samples to check for possible infection. In addition, NYU Langone specialists offer services to help you manage bronchiectasis over the long term.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Pulmonary rehabilitation is an important component of treatment for bronchiectasis. At NYU Langone’s Rusk Rehabilitation, doctors who specialize in pulmonary rehabilitation provide evaluations for people with bronchiectasis. 

The doctor administers a stress test to determine how well your lungs and heart are working. He or she then prescribes a customized pulmonary rehabilitation exercise program for you, based on your goals and challenges. A certified physical therapist or exercise physiologist supervises the exercise program.

A pulmonary rehabilitation program typically includes sustained aerobic exercise, which lasts from 45 to 60 minutes. It helps to strengthen muscles throughout your body and recondition your heart and lungs. While you exercise, our specialists monitor your blood pressure and heart rate and measure how much oxygen is being pumped through your body. You can use supplemental oxygen if needed.

Your rehabilitation program may also include exercises that help you control your breathing patterns. Diaphragmatic breathing maximizes your use of the diaphragm muscle and helps increase the amount of oxygen you take in. Pursed-lip breathing helps to keep the airways open longer and releases trapped air in the lungs. Both exercises, which our experts teach you, help keep the airways open, control shortness of breath, and relax the body. These techniques help you comfortably participate in your daily activities.

Clinical Trials

NYU Langone pulmonologists regularly participate in clinical trials of new medications for chronic pulmonary diseases, including bronchiectasis. Clinical trials are scientific research studies designed to test the effectiveness of new medications, medical devices, or other treatments. These studies are required before new therapies can be approved by government agencies, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 

Your doctor can help you decide if a clinical trial is right for you. 

Smoking Cessation

Doctors strongly discourage people with bronchiectasis from smoking since it promotes inflammation of the airways. This impairs mucus clearance and worsens symptoms. NYU Langone’s Tobacco Cessation Programs can help you quit smoking for good.