Why BE Flares MatterBE flares may feel like a big deal. And they can be.

Could it be a BE flare?

If you’re experiencing worsening bronchiectasis (BE) symptoms, such as coughing, increased mucus, shortness of breath, and fatigue, it could be a BE flare.

BE flares can contribute to lung damage, so it’s important to talk to your doctor if your symptoms are getting worse.

Your doctor may ask you which symptoms are getting worse and over what period of time, in order to determine if a change in treatment is necessary.

“I just felt like I’m not really the way I’m supposed to be…I’m getting more out of breath…I knew that this was not just a bad day.”

—John

BE flares can be physically damaging, and emotionally draining.

BE flares can be unpredictable, and repeated BE flares may lead to lung damage. This can impact not only your breathing but also your social life.

If you’re dealing with BE flares and feeling sad or overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Others with BE have said that BE flares make them feel:

Anxious

“It felt like we were never reaching the bottom, and I was on my own.”

—Sonia

Embarrassed

“I can’t have a conversation without having to turn my head and have a coughing fit.”

—Dwight

Out of control

“I felt like I was falling apart at the seams.”

—Rebecca

Unable to work

“I had that productive cough that I just kind of let hang around…until finally it put me in the hospital.”

—Mark

Symbolic illustration of a woman standing in front of a full-length mirror with a leg coming out of it.

Having repeated BE flares can increase your chance of having more BE flares in the future and may lead to hospitalization.

Think it might be a BE flare? Speak to your doctor.

BE flares can lead to lung damage. That’s why it’s so important to tell your doctor when you think you’re having flares and how they impact your life. This information can help your doctor determine how to best manage what you’re experiencing. And it all starts with tracking when your BE symptoms get worse.

To help you get on the same page with your doctor about BE flares, use the questions below and our tracking tool—the BE Symptom Snapshot.

Questions about BE flares you can ask your doctor

I think I’ve had about (insert number) BE flares since my last visit. Is there anything I can do to help reduce them?
I seem to have BE flares when (insert triggers), and it forces me to (insert how you cope). Is there anything we can do to manage my condition?
What can I do if my BE flares are starting to happen more often?
Are there any specific triggers or factors that increase my risk of BE flares?