What is Bronchiectasis? Symptoms, causes and treatment you should know
Bronchiectasis is a chronic condition marked by irreversible dilatation of bronchi and bronchioles due to destruction of airway walls. Causes include congenital disorders, infections, autoimmune diseases, and obstruction. Symptoms involve persistent cough with foul sputum, breathlessness, chest pain, and weight loss. Diagnosis uses imaging and sputum studies, treatment includes antibiotics
Lungs and Airways The human body contains a set of lungs, and the air moves into the lungs via tubes that are known as bronchi. The bronchi further lead to smaller tubes called bronchioles. All these structures, along with the alveoli, are important for the process of respiration. (Image: Canva)
2/10
Definition of Bronchiectasis Bronchiectasis is the irreversible and abnormal dilatation of the airways like bronchi and bronchioles. It may be diffuse or localised, and may also be either congenital or acquired. This dilatation is usually caused by the destruction of muscle and elastic tissue in the wall of the bronchi. (Image: Canva)
3/10
Congenital Causes There may be a number of causes that can lead bronchiectasis, like cystic fibrosis (a disorder that affects the cells responsible for producing mucus and digestive juice) and deficiency of alpha-1-antitrypsin. Bronchial cysts and ciliary dysfunction syndromes may also lead to this condition. (Image: Canva)
4/10
Acquired Causes Acquired causes include pneumonia, tuberculosis and the inhalation of a foreign body into the respiratory tract. Enlarged lymph nodes and tumour masses may also cause bronchiectasis. Certain autoimmune conditions, where the body starts attacking its own cells, like rheumatoid arthritis, may also be implicated. (Image: Canva)
Other Risk Factors Other factors that influence the etiology of bronchiectasis are aspiration of gastric juice, inhalation of toxic gases like ammonia and infections like HIV. It has also been found that people who have the habit of suppressing their cough may get bronchiectasis as the secretions are not being cleared out of the lung. (Image: Canva)
6/10
Pathogenesis of Disease Excessive secretions in the airways can lead to mechanical obstruction, and impair the mechanisms that clears these. This accumulation of secretions may cause infection, further leading to inflammation and dilatation of the airways (bronchiectasis). Traction of the bronchi-walls may also be a factor. (Image: Canva)
7/10
Characteristic Cough A person affected with this condition may produce severe and persistent cough with expectoration. It is one of the most common symptoms. This cough occurs daily, and becomes a long-term phenomenon. People who have bronchiectasis may develop bouts of cough once they wake up in the morning. (Image: Canva)
8/10
Sputum Characteristics The sputum or expectorant is often foul-smelling due to the presence of anaerobic organisms. It is also thick and copious, along with being purulent (pus-filled). Blood may sometimes be seen. If the pleura, the membrane lining the lungs, also gets affected, it may cause chest pain. (Image: Canva)
General Symptoms A person who has bronchiectasis may find it difficult to maintain their weight, and may experience vomiting and anorexia. Difficulty in breathing after any type of physical activity and wheezing may also be seen. They may also complain of breathlessness that is exacerbated on lying down. (Image: Canva)
10/10
Diagnostic Methods A number of investigations may be advised, like a complete blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and sputum examination. The sputum usually shoes three layers. A chest X-ray and a chest computed tomography (CT scan) may also be recommended. Antibiotics may be prescribed, along with anti-inflammatory drugs to help deal with this condition. (Image: Canva) Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis
Rajeshwaari Kalla is a freelance health and wellness writer
