Bronchiectasis

What is Bronchiectasis

Bronchiectasis is a condition in which the airways in the lungs (bronchi) are damaged and widened.

The condition makes it hard for the lungs to get rid of mucus, and it causes mucus to gather in the bronchi. This condition often leads to lung infections, which can make the condition worse.

What are the causes?

You can be born with this condition or you can develop it later in life. Common causes of this condition include:

• Cystic fibrosis.
• Repeated lung infections, such as pneumonia or tuberculosis.
• An object or other blockage in the lungs.
• Breathing in fluid, food, or other objects (aspiration).
• A problem with the immune system and lung structure that is present at birth (congenital).

Sometimes the cause is not known.

What are the signs or symptoms?

Common symptoms of this condition include:

• A daily cough that brings up mucus and lasts for more than 3 weeks.
• Lung infections that happen often.
• Shortness of breath and wheezing.
• Weakness and fatigue.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition is diagnosed with tests, such as:

• Chest X-rays or CT scans. These are done to check for changes in the lungs.
• Breathing tests. These are done to check how well your lungs are working.
• A test of a sample of your saliva (sputum culture). This test is done to check for infection.
• Blood tests and other tests. These are done to check for related diseases or causes.

How is this treated?

Treatment for this condition depends on the severity of the illness and its cause. Treatment may include:

• Medicines that loosen mucus so it can be coughed up (expectorants).
• Medicines that relax the muscles of the bronchi (bronchodilators).
• Antibiotic medicines to prevent or treat infection.
• Physical therapy to help clear mucus from the lungs. Techniques may include:
  • Postural drainage. This is when you sit or lie in certain positions so that mucus can drain by gravity.
  • Chest percussion. This involves tapping the chest or back with a cupped hand.
  • Chest vibration. For this therapy, a hand or special equipment vibrates your chest and back.
• Surgery to remove the affected part of the lung. This may be done in severe cases.

Follow these instructions at home:

Medicines

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• If you were prescribed an antibiotic medicine, take it as told by your health care provider.Do notstop taking the antibiotic even if you start to feel better.
• Avoid taking sedatives and antihistamines unless your health care provider tells you to take them. These medicines tend to thicken the mucus in the lungs.

Managing symptoms

• Perform breathing exercises or techniques to clear your lungs as told by your health care provider.
• Consider using a cold steam vaporizer or humidifier in your room or home to help loosen secretions.
• If you have a cough that gets worse at night, try sleeping in a semi-upright position.

General instructions

• Get plenty of rest.
• Drink enough fluid to keep your urine clear or pale yellow.
• Stay inside when pollution and ozone levels are high.
• Stay up to date with vaccinations and immunizations.
• Avoid cigarette smoke and other lung irritants.
• Do notuse any products that contain nicotine or tobacco, such as cigarettes and e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if:

• You cough up more sputum than before and the sputum is yellow or green in color.
• You have a fever.
• You cannot control your cough and are losing sleep.

Get help right away if:

• You cough up blood.
• You have chest pain.
• You have increasing shortness of breath.
• You have pain that gets worse or is not controlled with medicines.
• You have a fever and your symptoms suddenly get worse.

Summary

• Bronchiectasis is a condition in which the airways in the lungs (bronchi) are damaged and widened. The condition makes it hard for the lungs to get rid of mucus, and it causes mucus to gather in the bronchi.
• Treatment usually includes therapy to help clear mucus from the lungs.
• Stay up to date with vaccinations and immunizations.