Segmental, irreversible dilation of the bronchial tree resulting in the accumulation of secretions which leads to obstruction. The most common cause is bacterial infection

Symptoms of Bronchiectasis

The following features are indicative of Bronchiectasis:
  • breath odor
  • clubbing of fingers (rare)
  • coughing up blood
  • fatigue
  • shortness of breath that gets worse with exercise
  • paleness
  • weight loss
  • wheezing
  • low grade fever and night sweats

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Common Causes of Bronchiectasis

The following are the most common causes of Bronchiectasis:
  • cystic fibrosis
  • autoimmune disorders
  • rheumatoid arthritis
  • Crohn's disease
  • allergic lung diseases
  • leukemia and related cancers

Other Causes of Bronchiectasis

The following are the less common causes of Bronchiectasis:
  • tuberculosis
  • pneumonia
  • inhaled foreign bodies
  • allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis
  • bronchial tumours

Risk Factors for Bronchiectasis

The following factors may increase the likelihood of Bronchiectasis:
  • being younger than 3 or older than 60
  • confinement to bed with infrequent changes of position
  • impaired swallowing function, particularly in older adults
  • asthma in children
  • chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • cystic fibrosis
  • premature birth
  • recent abdominal or chest surgery
  • recent general anesthesia
  • muscular dystrophy
  • spinal cord injury
  • abdominal pain
  • rib fracture

Prevention of Bronchiectasis

Yes, it may be possible to prevent Bronchiectasis. Prevention may be possible by doing the following:
  • get immunized against measles, pertussis, pneumonia, and other acute respiratory infections
  • avoid smoking
  • regular vaccination against pneumonia, influenza and pertussis

Occurrence of Bronchiectasis

Number of Cases

The following are the number of Bronchiectasis cases seen each year worldwide:
  • Extremely rare less than 1000 cases

Common Age Group

Bronchiectasis most commonly occurs in the following age group:
  • Aged > 50 years

Common Gender

Bronchiectasis can occur in any gender.

Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Bronchiectasis

The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Bronchiectasis:
  • Chest X-ray: To diagnose the disease
  • Computed tomography: To get the image of lungs
  • Oximetry: To measure the oxygen saturation in the blood
  • Bronchoscopy: To see and possibly remove obstructions in airway, such as a mucus plug, tumor or foreign body

Doctor for Diagnosis of Bronchiectasis

Patients should visit the following specialists if they have symptoms of Bronchiectasis:
  • Pulmonologist

Complications of Bronchiectasis if untreated

Yes, Bronchiectasis causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Bronchiectasis is left untreated:
  • respiratory failure
  • atelectasis
  • shortness of breath
  • rapid breathing
  • air hunger
  • heart failure

Procedures for Treatment of Bronchiectasis

The following procedures are used to treat Bronchiectasis:
  • Surgery: To remove (resect) the lung
  • Bronchodilators: To open up airways

Self-care for Bronchiectasis

The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of Bronchiectasis:
  • Take proper diet: Pay attention to nutrition and fluid intake such as supplemental high-calorie nutrition, special fat-soluble vitamins
  • Vaccination: Keep immunizations up to date
  • Exercise: Helps to loosen mucus in the airways, and strengthens heart
  • Eliminate smoke: To avoid the lumps

Alternative Medicine for Treatment of Bronchiectasis

The following alternate medicine and therapies are known to help in the treatment or management of Bronchiectasis:
  • Oxygen Therapy: Helps to raise low blood oxygen levels

Patient Support for Treatment of Bronchiectasis

The following actions may help Bronchiectasis patients:
  • Family support: Communicate with family makes feel comfortable
  • Join support communities: Helps in connecting with others facing this disease

Time for Treatment of Bronchiectasis

While time-period of treatment for each patient may vary, below is the typical time-period for Bronchiectasis to resolve if treated properly under an expert supervision:
  • Disease cannot be treated but only maintained or effects reduced

Last updated date

This page was last updated on 2/04/2019.
This page provides information for Bronchiectasis.

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