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Bronchiectasis Definition, Symptoms, Prevention and Management

Definition of Bronchiectasis

1. Dilatation that can not be changed again (irreversible) of the airways (bronchi) as a result of damage to the bronchial wall.

2. Bronchial dilatation (and bronchiolus) are abnormal, permanent, and chronic. Can be focal, involving airways supplying the lung parenchyma area is limited, or diffuse, involving the respiratory tract in a wider distribution.

Symptoms of Bronchiectasis

1. Chronic Cough (long / chronic) accompanied by the production of sputum (phlegm) which is also chronic, many, and purulent (pus-like) blackish.
2. Can also occur hemoptysis (coughing blood).
3. Fever or recurrent chest pain with or without pneumonia (pneumonia).
4. Systemic symptoms may also occur such as: fatigue, weight loss, and myalgia (muscle pain).
4. Clubbing (fingers and toes dilated and thickened) due to respiratory insufficiency.
5. In patients with bronchiectasis that spread, can be accompanied by wheezing (wheezing) or shortness of breath, chronic bronchitis, emphysema (abnormalities in the alveoli of the lungs), or asthma.
6. In severe cases, respiratory failure can occur (respiratory failure).
7. In very severe bronchiectasis, can overload the right heart and stimulate the occurrence of cor pulmonale (right ventricular dilated).

Management of Bronchiectasis

1. Chest physiotherapy.
2. Antimicrobial or antibiotic medications (to control the infection).
3. Postural drainage and chest percussion to remove mucus (phlegm).
4. Bronchodilators (for patients with obstructive airway disease).
5. Aerosolized nebulizer (to dilute and remove sputum).
6. Oxygen therapy if blood oxygen levels in patients with low.
7. Lung transplantation in patients with advanced bronchiectasis, most of which also suffered from cystic fibrosis.

Prevention of Bronchiectasis

1. Early recognition (early identification) and treatment conditions that tend to cause bronchiectasis may prevent the development of bronchiectasis or reduce its severity.
2. The use of appropriate antibiotics, immunization against measles in childhood, improve quality of life and nutrition also reduces significantly the number of people with bronchiectasis.
3. Overseeing objects (toys) what is laid down by small children in her mouth so as not to swallow.
4. Laxative drops (drops of mineral oil) or other oils should never be placed in the mouth or nose because it can be inhaled by the lungs.

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