Bronchiectasis is a condition which is misunderstood and mistreated for many years. Global lung health organizations from the United States, Europe, Australia, and Asia join together to announce the declaration of World Bronchiectasis Day on July 1, 2022. The aim was to raise awareness, share knowledge and discuss strategies to help the patient with this illness and their families.
Bronchiectasis is a chronic condition of the lungs that has affected hundreds of thousands of people worldwide. The second world bronchiectasis day will be celebrated on 1st July, 2023. The purpose of this is it to spread awareness about the disease, and to provide a platform for the patient as well as the care givers of these patients to best manage the disease.
BRONCHIECTASIS
Bronchiectasis, is a lung disease, in which the airways become enlarged or scarred. The damaged airways are unable to clear up the mucous properly, which results in recurrent lung infections. It’s a chronic condition affecting single or both lungs.
In most of the cases the cause remain undiagnosed, this is called as Idiopathic Bronchiectasis.
Other causes includes, condition causing infections or inflammation which damages the airways leading to bronchiectasis. There are certain genetic condition, in which the cilia (small thread like structure in the airways, which clear the secretions with their movement) malfunctions, leading to recurrent infection and developing bronchiectasis. Another condition is cystic fibrosis, in which there is production of thick sticky mucus which is hard to clear and causes recurrent infections and further damage to the airways.
Currently, no cure has been found for this disease. Treatment of bronchiectasis is aimed towards, early diagnosis, to treat the cause, prevention of further damage, and preventing future exacerbations.
Preventive measures involve good pulmonary toilet, which includes clearing of mucous with physiotherapy, airway clearance manually or assist devices and medicines. These can improve quality of life and may impact the longevity of those affected.