Bronchiectasis
Bronchiectasis is a respiratory disease in which the bronchial tubes get permanently damaged, swollen, and thickened. Germs and mucus build up in the lungs due to clogged airways, thus increasing the risk of respiratory infection and airway blockages. Bronchiectasis is a chronic condition that worsens over time.
This pulmonary disease has no cure, but it is treatable. With treatment, patients should be able to lead a normal life. However, flare-ups must be managed as soon as possible to keep oxygen flowing to the rest of the body and prevent additional lung damage.
Symptoms
Bronchiectasis disease signs and symptoms develop and change over time. They are as follows:
The first common symptom is a continuous chronic cough and phlegm production; the excess mucus is normally clear but can become bloody if the bronchial wall is injured. Also, when an infection is present, mucus may become green or yellow.
Chronic coughing with mucus production increases as the condition worsens, and the person generally feels increasingly exhausted and has short breaths due to mild to moderate airflow obstruction as lung function declines.
Some people may develop wheezing, while others may lose weight due to increased breathing efforts.
In a few cases, the symptoms of a primary condition, such as pneumonia, hide the signs and symptoms of bronchiectasis, thus making it more difficult to identify this respiratory infection.
When to visit a doctor?
If a person has respiratory complaints such as a persistent cough that lasts three or more weeks, a new onset of shortness of breath, or coughing up blood (hemoptysis), seek medical attention.
Individuals who experience recurring attacks of pneumonia and increasing sputum production should also seek medical help.
Causes
Bronchiectasis disease is a lung condition mainly caused by chronic airway infection causing inflammation. It is characterised by any airflow limitation, due to growth or a noncancerous tumour. In a few cases, it develops in childhood after suffering from a severe lung infection or inhaling food particles or a foreign object.
Although it's mostly linked with cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis can be caused by many other conditions, including:
Other causes of bronchiectasis include:
- Autoimmune disorder
- Immunodeficiency syndromes
- COPD and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
- Diseases that impact the cilia, which are the tiny, hair-like coverings that cover the airways and have the primary function of mucus clearance.
- Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
- Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis
- Chronic pulmonary aspiration
Risk factors
Bronchiectasis risk factors include:
- Severe or recurring lung infections, such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, or whooping cough
- Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis
- Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency
- Cystic fibrosis
- Conditions that impact the cilia, which are tiny hair-like growths in the bronchi that filter mucus.
- HIV/AIDS and other immunodeficiency illnesses.
- Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
- Humoral immunodeficiency
- Rheumatic disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and Sjogren's syndrome Chronic pulmonary aspiration
- Breathing in harmful substances like gases, smoke, pollutants, or coal dust.
Complications
Bronchiectasis complications include:
- Recurring of infections
- Pulmonary bleeding
- Disruption of the respiratory system, resulting in low oxygen levels.
- Atelectasis or a collapsed lung that makes breathing difficult.
- Low oxygen levels in the blood cause heart failure.
Some of these complications are potentially fatal. If a bronchiectasis patient notices any of the above changes, they should consult a doctor.
Diagnosis
Bronchiectasis cannot be diagnosed with a single test. Even in its later stages, the disease's symptoms are similar to those of other conditions; therefore, it is important to rule out other conditions. The following are the most widely used diagnostic tests to detect bronchiectasis:
- A chest X-ray of the lungs is performed to look for signs of infection and scarring of the airway walls.
- Chest CT scan to provide a computer-generated image of the lungs, airways and other surrounding tissues.
- Blood tests are used to diagnose diseases or conditions that might cause bronchiectasis.Sputum culture for bacteria, fungus, or TB detection
- Lung function tests are used to determine how well the lungs breathe air in and out.Sweat test or other tests for cystic fibrosis
Treatment
Generally, there’s no cure for bronchiectasis disease, but treatment is important to help manage the condition. The main aim of treatment is to reduce respiratory infections and bronchial mucus secretions. The treatment options for bronchiectasis include:
Chest physiotherapy or chest physical therapy (CPT)
A high-frequency chest wall oscillation vest is used in chest physiotherapy to help eliminate mucus from the lungs. The vest gradually compresses and releases pressure from the chest, causing coughing to loosened mucus from the bronchial tube walls.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are the main treatment options for recurrent lung infections due to bronchiectasis. Oral antibiotics are preferred to treat these infections. For serious infections, the doctor may prescribe intravenous (IV) antibiotics.
Draining secretions
Another treatment is gravity-assisted drainage of bronchial secretions. A respiratory therapist can teach patients coughing strategies to help get rid of the extra mucus.
Treating underlying conditions
If underlying illnesses such as immunological disorders or COPD are causing bronchiectasis, the doctor will treat those conditions also.
Hydration
The doctor may advise drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, to help stop airway mucus from becoming thick and sticky. Staying hydrated helps keep airway mucus slippery, moist, and easier to cough up.
Lifestyle and self-care
Making lifestyle modifications can help people to reduce lung infection symptoms and improve their health. Here are some steps to take:
Protect lungs
During cold and flu season, doctors recommend getting the flu vaccination every year to reduce the risk of infections. The flu vaccination can help prevent pneumonia, worsening of bronchiectasis and lung damage.
Stop smoking
Smoking inflames and irritates the lungs causing lung diseases and lung cancer.
Stay Active
Exercises help to maintain the heart and lungs in good condition. The doctor may advise patients to gradually increase daily aerobic activities, alone or under supervision. Exercise-related intense breathing can help the clear airways mucus more efficiently.
Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water to keep the body hydrated and reduce mucus thickening, making it easier to expel.
Do’s and Don’ts
Bronchiectasis, also known as chronic lung disease, is a disorder that happens when the airways in the lungs get damaged and have difficulties clearing mucus. Some mucus is healthy and necessary, but when there is too much mucus, germs can increase and cause infection. Repeated infections lead to even more damage to the airways, making breathing more difficult over time. However, it is possible to live a healthy life without severe complications if we follow the do's and don'ts listed below to help manage the condition.
| Do’s | Don’ts |
| Try to keep the chest clear of mucus | Smoke cigarettes |
| Try to do regular exercises to keep yourself fit and active | Get in close contact with sick people |
| Avoid air pollution as much as possible | Eat food containing excessive salt, sugar, and saturated fats |
| Take medicines as prescribed by the doctor | Drink cold and alcoholic drinks, and beverages |
| Drink lots of fluids and water to keep your body hydrated. | Be obese |
Manage the bronchiectasis symptoms and lead a healthy life. Seek timely treatment and keep following up with the doctor for better monitoring of the condition.
Bronchiectasis Disease Care at Medicover
At Medicover, we have the best team of pulmonologists who provide the most comprehensive pulmonology care and management. To treat various lung problems and disorders, our experts use the most advanced diagnostic methods and latest technology for accurate diagnosis and timely initiation of treatment. Our medical experts work closely with the patients to monitor their health and treatment progress to achieve a faster and more sustained recovery.
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