What is bronchiectasis?
Bronchiectasis is a chronic illness in which the bronchi, or airways in the lungs, grow excessively enlarged. This causes poor mucus clearance, which results in recurring lung infections and inflammation.
What is lung fibrosis?
Lung fibrosis, also known as pulmonary fibrosis, is a disorder that causes lung tissue to thicken and scar. This scarring stiffens the lungs and impairs their ability to transport oxygen into the circulation, resulting in gradual shortness of breath.
Causes:
Bronchiectasis can be caused by recurring lung infections, genetic illnesses such as cystic fibrosis, immune system abnormalities, and airway blockages caused by tumours or inhaled foreign particles. Chronic illnesses such as allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis can also help.
A number of causes can contribute to lung fibrosis, including chronic inflammatory illnesses, environmental exposures (such as asbestos or silica), radiation therapy, certain drugs, and autoimmune diseases. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis has no known cause.
Symptoms
Bronchiectasis is characterised by a chronic, productive cough with copious sputum production. Other symptoms include shortness of breath, wheezing, chest pain, and recurring respiratory infections.
Lung fibrosis is characterised by growing shortness of breath, particularly during physical exercise, a dry, nonproductive cough, lethargy, and unexplained weight loss. As the condition progresses, individuals may experience finger and toe clubbing (thickening).
Management
Bronchiectasis is a chronic condition that cannot be cured; however, its symptoms can be managed with appropriate treatment, which includes antibiotics to treat infections, inhaled bronchodilators and corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, airway clearance techniques (e.g., chest physiotherapy), mucolytic agents to help clear mucus, and, in severe cases, surgical intervention to help patients maintain a better quality of life.
Lung fibrosis is also incurable, and the progression differs by individual. Antifibrotic medications are used to halt the progression of the disease while also easing symptoms. In severe cases, oxygen therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation, and lung transplants may be required. However, the condition normally causes a gradual loss in lung function.