Bronchiectasis
What is it?
Bronchiectasis is a rare chronic lung condition resulting from recurrent or persistent inflammation that ultimately damages the walls of the bronchial tubes. The ability to expel mucus is impaired, which leads to further infection and inflammation. Eventually (usually over a period of years), the affected air passages may be completely destroyed. Inflammation of the bronchial walls may be isolated to one area or may be distributed throughout the lungs. Bronchiectasis in childhood is now rare, thanks to vaccines to prevent whooping cough and antibiotics to control bacterial infections.
What Causes It?
- Currently, cystic fibrosis causes one-half of all cases of bronchiectasis.
- Other diseases that affect the lungs (such as pneumonia, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, measles, or tuberculosis) may result in bronchiectasis.
- A congenital bronchial defect may distort or weaken the walls of the bronchial tubes.
- Inhalation of foreign objects (such as a peanut) or aspiration of gastric contents may irritate and inflame bronchial walls, thus initiating a cycle of infection that may lead to bronchiectasis.
- Lung cancer or a lung abscess may cause bronchiectasis.
Prevention
- Be sure children have been properly vaccinated against childhood diseases.
Diagnosis
- Patient history and physical examination are needed.
- Sputum samples will be analyzed.
- Chest x-rays or a CT (computed tomography) scan are often used to confirm the diagnosis.
How to Treat It
- Don't smoke; avoid dust and smoke-filled rooms.
- Drink plenty of fluids to dilute and loosen mucus secretions in the lungs.
- Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat an infection. Take antibiotics for the full term prescribed.
- Your doctor may instruct you in how to expel mucus from your lungs by assuming various positions that lower your head below your torso (a technique known as postural drainage).
- Surgery may be required in advanced cases to remove affected portions of the lungs.
When to Call a Doctor
- Call a doctor if you have a persistent cough, especially one that yields heavy sputum or mucus, or if you have recurrent respiratory infections.
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Copyright © 2008 Medletter Associates, LLC
Content excerpted from Johns Hopkins Symptoms and Remedies: The Complete Home Medical Reference.