Bronchiectasis

Bronchiectasis

Overview


Bronchiectasis is a chronic lung condition that damages airways and makes it difficult to clear mucus.  This often leads to recurrent respiratory infections.

Types

  • Cystic
  • Cylindrical
  • Varicose     
       

Causes

  • Genetic diseases (cystic fibrosis)
  • Impaired immune system (reduce ability to fight infection)
  • Rheumatic disease (rheumatoid arthritis)
  • Past lung infections
  • Difficulty swallowing causing aspiration of food or fluid into the lungs
  • Other disease (allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency)

Symptoms

  • Chronic cough with daily sputum production
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain or tightness
  • Coughing up blood
  • Fatigue
  • Weight loss

Diagnosis

  • CBC with differential, immunoglobulin levels, sweat chloride test
  • Sputum culture to check for bacteria, mycobacteria, and fungi
  • Chest CT scan

Additional Tests

  • Rheumatoid factor, Alpha-1 antitrypsin level, aspergillus antibodies
  • Pulmonary function test
  • Bronchoscopy

Treatment

  • Antibiotics
  • Mucus thinning medications
  • Airway clearance devices

 

Patient Education and Resources

Airway Clearance Videos

 


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