Bronchiectasis

What is Bronchiectasis?

Bronchiectasis is destruction and widening of the large airways.

• If the condition is present at birth, it is called congenital bronchiectasis.
• If it develops later in life, it is called acquired bronchiectasis.

What are the 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 fingers
• Coughing up blood
• Cough that gets worse when lying on one side
• Fatigue
• Paleness
• Shortness of breath that gets worse with exercise
• Weight loss
• Wheezing

How is it diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider may listen to the chest with a stethoscope, in order to detect small clicking, bubbling, wheezing, rattling, or other sounds, usually in the lower lobes of the lungs.

Tests may include:

• Aspergillosis precipitin test (to check for signs of the aspergillosis fungus)
• Chest x-ray
• Chest CT
• Sputum culture
• Complete blood count (CBC)
• PPD skin test to check for a prior tuberculosis infection
• Serum immunoglobulin electrophoresis
• Sweat test or other cystic fibrosis testing

How is it treated?

Treatment is aimed at controlling infections and bronchial secretions, relieving airway obstruction, and preventing complications. 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 resect the lung may be needed if medicine does not work or if the patient has massive bleeding.

How can I help prevent bronchiectasis?

The risk may be reduced if lung infections are promptly treated. Childhood vaccinations and a yearly flu vaccine help reduce the chance of some infections. Avoiding upper respiratory infections, smoking, and pollution may also reduce your risk of infection.