Bronchiectasis (patient information)

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 * Assistant Editor(s)-in-Chief: Alexandra M. Palmer

Overview
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 of Bronchiectasis?
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

What causes Bronchiectasis?
Bronchiectasis is often caused by recurrent inflammation or infection of the airways. It most often begins in childhood as a complication from infection or inhaling a foreign object.

Cystic fibrosis causes about half of all bronchiectasis in the United States.

The condition can also be caused by routinely breathing in food particles while eating.

Who is at highest risk?
Recurrent, severe lung infections (pneumonia, tuberculosis, fungal infections), abnormal lung defenses, and obstruction of the airways by a foreign body or tumor are some of the risk factors.

When to seek urgent medical care?
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

Diagnosis
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:
 * 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

Treatment options
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.

Where to find medical care for Bronchiectasis?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Bronchiectasis

What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
With treatment, most people can lead normal lives without major disability.

Possible complications

 * Cor pulmonale
 * Coughing up blood
 * Low oxygen levels (in severe cases)
 * Recurrent pneumonia

Prevention
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.