Bronchiectasis cough during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study.

AIM: Cough and airway secretions are part of daily life for people living with bronchiectasis. During the COVID-19 pandemic, infections associated with airway inflammation and cough amplified the health-related stigma and social unacceptability of coughing. This study explored the experiences and perceptions of adults with bronchiectasis during the pandemic to better understand the holistic impact of cough on their lives.

METHOD: A qualitative, interpretive descriptive study was undertaken using semi-structured interviews with 15 adults living with bronchiectasis resident in Counties Manukau, Aotearoa New Zealand.

RESULTS

Insights into the lives of adults living with bronchiectasis during the pandemic highlighted how they were impacted on multiple levels. Four key themes were developed that described participants' struggle: "feeling vulnerable but keeping safe"; "being treated differently"; adjusting to "becoming a virtual patient"; and participants articulating an increased focus on "self-care and supportive communities" as key strategies. Communication with health teams became crucial, offering essential support for respiratory health, medication access, reassurance and social connectivity.

CONCLUSIONS

Health professionals play a key role in increasing public awareness around bronchiectasis and cough, helping to reduce stigma. While it is unknown when another disease outbreak mirroring that of COVID-19 will occur, the stigma of cough continues and warrants improved understanding.