Definition
Bronchiectasis is destruction and widening of the large airways.
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If the condition is present at birth, it is called congenital bronchiectasis.
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If it develops later in life, it is called acquired bronchiectasis.
Alternative Names
Acquired bronchiectasis; Congenital bronchiectasis
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Bronchiectasis is often caused by recurrent inflammation or infection of the airways. Sometimes it begins in childhood after a more severe lung infection or
The condition can also be caused by routinely breathing in food particles while eating.
Symptoms
Symptoms often develop gradually, and may occur months or years after the event that causes the bronchiectasis.
They may include:
Bluish skin color Breath odor - Chronic
cough with large amounts of foul-smelling sputum Clubbing of fingersCoughing up blood - Cough that gets worse when lying on one side
Fatigue Paleness Shortness of breath that gets worse with exerciseWeight loss Wheezing
Signs and tests
When listening to the chest with a stethoscope, the doctor may hear small clicking, bubbling, wheezing, rattling, or other sounds, usually in the lower lobes of the lungs.
Tests may include:
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Aspergillosis precipitin test (to check for signs of the aspergillosis fungus)
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Alpha-1 antitrypsin blood test
Chest x-ray Chest CT Sputum culture Complete blood count (CBC)- Genetic testing, including
sweat test for cystic fibrosis PPD skin test to check for a prior tuberculosis infectionSerum immunoglobulin electrophoresis
Treatment
Treatment is aimed at controlling infections and bronchial secretions, relieving
Regular, daily drainage to remove bronchial secretions is a routine part of treatment. A respiratory therapist can show the patient coughing exercises that will help.
Antibiotics, bronchodilators, and expectorants are often prescribed for infections.
Surgery to
Expectations (prognosis)
The outlook depends on the specific cause of the disease. With treatment, most people can lead normal lives without major disability.
Complications
Cor pulmonale - Coughing up blood
- Low oxygen levels (in severe cases)
- Recurrent
pneumonia
Calling your health care provider
Call your health care provider if:
Chest pain or shortness of breath gets worse- There is a change in color or amount of the phlegm you cough up, or if it is bloody
- Other symptoms get worse or do not improve with treatment
Prevention
The risk may be reduced if lung infections are promptly treated.
Childhood
Related:Lung surgery – discharge , Foreign object – inhaled or swallowed, Cystic fibrosis, Cor Pulmonale, Pneumonia – adults (community acquired)