Bronchiectasis Definition, Symptoms And What Can Be Done
Bronchiectasis is a lung condition in which the bronchi (airways leading to the lungs) are chronically dilated (expanded). This condition cannot be reversed but there are treatments aimed at lessening the severity of the symptoms. This article shares more about what bronchiectasis is, how it is caused, and what can be done about the symptoms of this disease.
Bronchiectasis Symptoms And Causes
Symptoms may include a persistent daily cough with a foul smelling sputum, difficulty breathing, fatigue, a general ill-feeling, and frequent lung infections.
Bronchiectasis usually results from damage to the bronchi. This damage destroys the muscles and elastic tissue layers that allow the bronchial tubes to contract normally. Due to the inability to contract, secretions from the lungs are not able to be cleared, this can lead to an increased risk of infection, which leads to more damage and a vicious cycle develops.
Damage may result due to chronic lung infections or bronchitis, trauma caused by an obstruction in the bronchi, tuberculosis, allergies, or cystic fibrosis.
Bronchiectasis Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis begins with the observation of the aforementioned symptoms and an evaluation by a physician. The evaluation may include a physical examination, x-rays or a high resolution CT scan of the chest, culture of the sputum, and possibly a bronchogram (study of the bronchi) or pulmonary function tests.
The goal of treatment is to control secretions and prevent infections. Instructions will be given on positioning to allow drainage (postural drainage), sleeping with the head slightly elevated and chest clapping (percussion or clapping on the back to loosen secretions).
Smoking, air pollutants, heavy exertion, and rapid temperature changes should be avoided. A physician will advise the patient to drink plenty of fluids to make mucous secretions less sticky and may prescribe expectorants to loosen secretions in the lungs or antibiotics to fight frequent lung infections.
Bronchiectasis Symptoms And Causes
Symptoms may include a persistent daily cough with a foul smelling sputum, difficulty breathing, fatigue, a general ill-feeling, and frequent lung infections.
Bronchiectasis usually results from damage to the bronchi. This damage destroys the muscles and elastic tissue layers that allow the bronchial tubes to contract normally. Due to the inability to contract, secretions from the lungs are not able to be cleared, this can lead to an increased risk of infection, which leads to more damage and a vicious cycle develops.
Damage may result due to chronic lung infections or bronchitis, trauma caused by an obstruction in the bronchi, tuberculosis, allergies, or cystic fibrosis.
Bronchiectasis Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis begins with the observation of the aforementioned symptoms and an evaluation by a physician. The evaluation may include a physical examination, x-rays or a high resolution CT scan of the chest, culture of the sputum, and possibly a bronchogram (study of the bronchi) or pulmonary function tests.
The goal of treatment is to control secretions and prevent infections. Instructions will be given on positioning to allow drainage (postural drainage), sleeping with the head slightly elevated and chest clapping (percussion or clapping on the back to loosen secretions).
Smoking, air pollutants, heavy exertion, and rapid temperature changes should be avoided. A physician will advise the patient to drink plenty of fluids to make mucous secretions less sticky and may prescribe expectorants to loosen secretions in the lungs or antibiotics to fight frequent lung infections.