It’s a chronic inflammatory condition which leads to permanent damage to the large air passages of the lungs. These changes occur due to recurrent infection, certain genetic disorder and in few cases the cause is unknown.
As the airways are damaged, drainage of the secretions gets impaired and secretions build up in those passages. The impaction of the secretions leads to growth of infections and inflammation, which further cause damage to those airways “a vicious cycle”.
What are the symptoms?
- Persistent Cough with discoloured phlegm
- Occasional haemoptysis
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Weight loss
- Chest pain
What causes 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 certain occasion the cause remains unknown it’s called Idiopathic Bronchiectasis.
How is it diagnosed?
If you are suffering from cough from many months, associated with phlegm and it’s recurring, visit a Pulmonologist/ Chest Physician to confirm the diagnosis.
A details medical history, a thorough physical examination, certain investigations including sputum cultures, blood tests and chest X ray are routinely used to make a diagnosis.
Radiological investigations play the most important role in identifying the presence and extent of bronchiectasis. A High resolution CT chest is the most important test to confirm the diagnosis.
Lung assessment test are also done to estimate the functional capacity of the lungs. In certain situations a bronchoscopy is performed to visualise the airways and to remove the secretions or foreign body.
To identify the cause, sputum cultures for infection and certain blood test are conducted.
Is bronchiectasis contagious?
This condition isn’t contagious, but if the cause is due to underlying infection then the risk of transmitting infecting to others are high.
Is there a cure?
There is no cure for bronchiectasis, but it can treated and certain measures can be used to prevent an exacerbation.
What is the 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