It is a chronic inflammatory condition which leads to permanent damage to the large air passages of the lungs. These changes occur due to recurrent infections, certain genetic disorders and in some cases the cause is not identified.
As the airways are damaged, drainage of the secretions gets impaired and secretions build up in these damaged breathing channels. The impaction of the thick secretions leads to recurrent infections and inflammation, which further causes damage to those airways “a vicious cycle”.
Symptoms:
- Persistent Cough with discoloured phlegm
- Occasional haemoptysis ( coughing up blood)
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Weight loss
- Chest pain
Causes of Bronchiectasis
It is often brought on by damaged from other condition, infection (pneumonia, tuberculosis), cancer, non-infectious pneumonia, autoimmune disease and diseases that causes structural abnormalities. And on occasion the cause remains unknown it’s called Idiopathic Bronchiectasis
Diagnosis
If you are suffering from persistent cough lasting more than a month, associated with copious phlegm, visit a Pulmonologist/ Chest Physician to get an accurate diagnosis.
The diagnostic evaluation includes a detailed medical history, a thorough physical examination followed by certain investigations like blood and sputum tests and radiological assessment. An HRCT chest assists in confirming the diagnosis of Bronchiectasis. Lung assessment tests including spirometry and lung volume assessment are also done to estimate the functional capacity of the lungs. In certain situations, a bronchoscopy is performed to visualise airways and to remove the secretions and foreign body from the lung.
Treatment
Managing bronchiectasis requires diagnosing and treating the cause to prevent the progression. Clearing up the thick secretions and managing the infections is the cornerstone of therapy. The use of nebulized hypertonic saline, chest physiotherapy and acapella devices assists in regular removal of the thick secretions. Additionally, the judicious use of appropriate antibiotics (inhaled and systemic) is essential to treat the exacerbations.
Regular follow ups with your Pulmonologist/Chest Physician plays a key role in prevention of the flare up.