Information From Your Health Care Provider

BRONCHIECTASIS

Basic information

description

Bronchiectasis is a lung disease in which the bronchi (airways in the lungs) become damaged and abnormally widened. Recurrent or severe lung infections occur. It may begin in childhood, but no symptoms appear until later in life. It is more common in older women.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Some people may have few or no symptoms.
Frequent coughing. There may be foul-smelling mucus. The mucus may be green or yellow. Sometimes the mucus is flecked with blood.
Chest pain and wheezing and shortness of breath.
Feeling tired and weak.
Weight loss.

causes

Over years, the walls of the bronchi (airways) become inflamed and damaged. Extra mucus builds up in the widened airways, which leads to infection and further airway damage. The extent of damage will vary and can affect one airway or many. There are a number of known underlying causes that can lead to the airway damage. In some cases, no cause is found.

risk increases with

Certain hereditary disorders (e.g., cystic fibrosis, primary ciliary dyskinesia [more rare], and others).
Lung infections (e.g., tuberculosis, whooping cough, measles, bronchitis, pneumonia, and others).
Airway obstruction (e.g., inhaled foreign body, tumor, or airway narrowing).
Autoimmune disorders (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis).
Complication of inflammatory bowel disease.
Broncho-pulmonary aspergillosis.
Inhaling backed up stomach acid or toxic gases.
Weak immune system due to illness or drugs.
Smoking is not a direct cause, but can damage lungs.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

None specific. Avoid risk factors where possible.
Obtain medical care for lung infections.
Get childhood immunizations.
Get vaccines for flu and pneumonia.
Don't smoke.

expected outcomes

There is no cure. With treatment, many patients can lead nearly normal lives without major problems. In some cases, it will depend on the underlying cause.

possible complications

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Repeated pneumonia or other infections.
Cor pulmonale (heart disorder due to lung disease).
Hospital care and breathing support may be needed.

diagnosis & treatment

general measures

Your health care provider will do a physical exam and ask questions about your symptoms. Medical tests may include studies of blood or sputum (material coughed up from the lung). Other tests may include a special type of CT, x-ray, bronchoscopy (looking in the airways with a lighted tube), and pulmonary function tests.
Treatment includes chest physical therapy (CPT) to remove lung secretions, drugs for symptoms and to prevent infections and to treat any underlying disorder.
You will be instructed on chest physical therapy (called postural drainage) techniques. These help loosen mucus so it can be coughed up. They are done 3 or 4 times a day. There are several devices that can assist you with CPT. You may be taught certain breathing techniques that can also help loosen mucus.
Quit smoking. Find a way to stop that works for you.
Oxygen therapy may be needed for severe symptoms.
Surgery to remove areas of damaged lung tissue may be recommended if other treatments are not effective.
To learn more: American Lung Association, 61 Broadway, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10006; (800) 586-4872; website: www.lungusa.org.

medications

Your health care provider may prescribe:
- Antibiotic drugs for infections.
- Inhaled steroids to reduce inflammation.
- Bronchodilators to assist breathing.
- Drugs to loosen or thin the mucus.
- Drugs to treat any underlying disorder.

activity

Remain as active as possible. Daily exercise such as walking is recommended. It helps loosen mucus also.