Bronchiectasis

Bronchiectasis is a lung condition characterized by permanent damage of the bronchial tubes. When these tubes are damaged, a vicious circle ensues leading to more lung damage. The damaged lungs are unable to clear secretions that are typically produced; this leads to pooling of secretions suited to bacteria, which leads to recurrent infections and further lung damage.

There are many causes resulting in the initial injury. Most commonly destructive lung infections but also certain other conditions, including autoimmune diseases; HIV; and tuberculosis, can all lead to bronchiectasis. Cystic fibrosis is another rare form of bronchiectasis. The diagnosis is made on x-rays (or more accurately by CT) of the lungs.

Some of the symptoms of the condition include a chronic cough; shortness of breath; chest pain; coughing up blood or thick mucus; unexplained weight loss; fatigue; and frequent respiratory infections. The most important management of bronchiectasis is to clear the secretions, preventing the pooling of these secretions and thereby halting the vicious circle of lung damage. This can be done by physiotherapy and certain devices used at home. Also, an essential part of management is to prevent and treat infections promptly should they occur. Rarely if bronchiectasis is confined to a certain part of the lung surgery may be considered to remove the damaged part of the lung and prevent damage to the healthy lung.