Bronchiectasis - Prevention, Treatment, Signs and Symptoms

Bronchiectasis is a disease in which there is permanent enlargement of parts of the airways of the lung. Extra mucus tends to form and pool in the parts of the airways that are widened. Widened airways with extra mucus are prone to infection. Bronchiectasis can develop at any age. It begins most often in childhood, but symptoms may not appear until much later. Bronchiectasis can occur as part of a birth defect or as a result of injury or other diseases, like tuberculosis, pneumonia and influenza.

Signs and Symptoms

• Dyspnea, pleuritic chest pain, wheezing, fever, weakness, fatigue, and weight loss.
• Cough and daily mucopurulent sputum production, often lasting months to years (classic).
• Blood-streaked sputum or hemoptysis from airway damage associated with acute infection. Rarely, episodic hemoptysis with little to no sputum production (ie, dry bronchiectasis).

Prevention

Preventing lung infections and lung damage can help prevent bronchiectasis. You can do this through:

• Vaccinations for measles and pertussis.
• Avoiding toxic fumes, gases, smoke and other substances that can lungs harm.
• Properly treating lung infections in children.
• Avoiding inhaling small objects and seeking prompt medical care if this occurs.

Treatment

Treatment modalities include the following:

• Antibiotics and chest physiotherapy are the mainstays.
• Bronchodilators.
• Corticosteroid therapy.
• Dietary supplementation.
• Oxygen (reserved for hypoxemic patients with severe disease).
• Hospitalization for severe exacerbations.
• Surgical therapies.