Bronchiectasis is a condition in which the bronchial tubes in the lungs become permanently damaged, dilated, and thickened. These damaged air passages allow bacteria and mucus to build up in the lungs. This results in frequent infections and airway blockages.
Bronchiectasis is controllable, but it cannot be cured. With treatment, you can usually live a normal life. However, flare-ups must be treated quickly to maintain oxygen flow throughout the body and prevent further damage to the lungs.
Any lung injury can cause bronchiectasis. There are two main categories of this condition. One is related to having cystic fibrosis (CF) and is known as CF bronchiectasis. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease that causes abnormal mucus production. The other category is not related to cystic fibrosis and is called non-CF bronchiectasis. The best-known causes of bronchiectasis unrelated to CF include:
An immune system that functions abnormally. Inflammatory bowel disease. Autoimmune diseases. Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (an inherited cause of COPD). COPD HIV Allergic aspergillosis (an allergic lung reaction to fungi).
About a third of all cases of bronchiectasis are caused by cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis affects the lungs and other organs, such as the pancreas and liver. In the lungs, this results in repeated infections. In other organs, it causes malfunctions.
Symptoms of bronchiectasis can take months or even years to develop. Some typical symptoms include:
Chronic daily cough. Coughing up blood and Abnormal sounds or wheezing in the chest. labored breathing chest pain Coughing up large amounts of thick mucus every day. Weightloss . fatigue Thickening of the skin under the nails and toes, known as clubbing. Frequent respiratory infections.
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should see your doctor immediately for diagnosis and treatment.
How is bronchiectasis diagnosed?
Your doctor will listen to your lungs for abnormal sounds or evidence of airway obstruction. You will likely need a complete blood test to check for infection and anemia.
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