Bronchiectasis definition

PeopleImages / iStock / Getty Images There can be similarities in the symptoms of all these conditions. However, they are not the same. Some will resolve, and some are permanent. Therefore, the outlooks and treatments are very different. An accurate diagnosis is needed to confirm any lung concerns so that treatment can be tailored appropriately. Summary of Causes Bronchiectasis Chronic Bronchitis Acute Bronchitis Bronchiolitis Cause Damage from severe lung infections or conditions such as allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, cystic fibrosis, immune deficiency, or connective tissue disorders Smoking or chronic exposure to smoke Occupational exposure to breathing in harmful substances Viral or bacterial infections Viral infections (most commonly respiratory syncytial virus) • • Severe lung infection: Such as • Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA): A lung disease caused by an allergic reaction to a common fungus called Aspergillus • Common variable immune deficiency (CVID): A disorder that impairs the immune system • • • Chronic • Connective tissue disorders: Such as Crohn's disease, • Airway blockage: Such as an inhaled object, growth, or noncancerous tumor Acute Bronchitis Causes Acute bronchitis is usually caused by an infection or something that has irritated the airways, like smoke or air pollution. The cells that line the bronchi become infected and/or inflamed, which lasts approximately 10 days. Although it can cause a cough and difficulty breathing, it i...

What Are the Symptoms of Bronchiectasis? Symptoms of bronchiectasis can take months or years to develop, and gradually become worse. The two primary symptoms are a cough and daily production of mucus (sputum). Other symptoms typically include: • Coughing up yellow or green mucus daily • Shortness of breath that gets worse during flare-ups • Fatigue, feeling run-down or tired • Fevers and/or chills • Wheezing or whistling sound while you breathe • Coughing up blood or mucus mixed with blood, a condition called hemoptysis • Chest pain from increased effort to breathe • Clubbing, or the thickening of the skin under nails How Is Bronchiectasis Diagnosed? Bronchiectasis is an under-diagnosed condition. If it is suspected, your doctor will first require a detailed family history and blood tests to determine whether you may have an underlying condition that could cause bronchiectasis. These blood tests can also tell your doctor if you have low levels of infection-fighting blood cells. Because it is a lung disease, your physician will also want to test your lung function. They will start by listening to your lungs to check for blockages and abnormalities. Once they rule out other causes for your symptoms, the most common way to diagnose bronchiectasis is with a chest X-ray or In severe cases when bronchiectasis isn’t responding to treatment, doctors may recommend a When to See Your Doctor It is important for patients who have been diagnosed with bronchiectasis to see their doctor ...

Recent Examples on the Web There was a little scarring — where the narrow treelike branches of the airways got stretched out and baggy in what was called bronchiectasis. — Lisa Sanders, M.d., New York Times, 6 Apr. 2023 For example, bronchitis, lung cancer, bronchiectasis, other types of pneumonia, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are some of the other things that can cause hemoptysis, which is the medical term for coughing up blood. — Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes, 1 May 2022 The walls of the lungs' small airways can become thickened because of chronic inflammation and infection ( bronchiectasis) or inflamed or injured (bronchiolitis). — SELF, 26 Nov. 2020 This syndrome is a sign that the nails weren't able to grow correctly and is often due to a lung condition called bronchiectasis or lymphatic disease. — Amy Marturana Winderl, SELF, 26 July 2021 In a recent study by the global pharmaceutical company Insmed, which is funding the new trial, this drug reduced inflammation in people with a chronic respiratory condition called bronchiectasis. — Esther Landhuis, Scientific American, 28 Apr. 2020 The cause was complications from bronchiectasis, a lung disease, said a daughter, Rose Devitt. — Washington Post, 29 Nov. 2019 An irreversible condition that causes widening and scarring of the airways, bronchiectasis impairs the ability of the lungs to clear out mucus, creating a breeding ground for bacteria that leads to repeated, damaging lung infections. — Sandra G. Boodman...

Overview Damage to the walls causes mucus to collect in these passages because the walls are not strong enough to make the mucus move out of the lungs. In addition, the cilia (thin strands that look like hair and that help move mucus) are destroyed. When that happens, infections can happen more easily and breathing becomes difficult. About Our Program Cleveland Clinic’s comprehensive Bronchiectasis Program focuses on determining the underlying cause of bronchiectasis and managing the disease through appropriate treatment. The goal of the program is to minimize progression of lung disease, as well as managing the day-to-day symptoms such as coughing, mucus production, shortness of breath, weight loss and fatigue that can dramatically impact a patient's quality of life. More than 250 patients are referred to our program from all over the world each year. A Team Approach Our multidisciplinary care team has extensive experience in diagnosing and caring for adults living with bronchiectasis. Unique collaborations include: • Infectious disease experts in the management of non-tuberculous mycobacteria • Immunologists for the treatment of Bronchiectasis associated with immune deficiency • Maternal Fetal Medicine: Comprehensive management including preconception planning, pregnancy management, and delivery • Cleveland Clinic Home Care: Ability to safely provide home intravenous antibiotics • Cleveland Clinic Specialty Pharmacy: Access to specialty medications, such as inhaled antib...

Bronchiectasis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are two chronic conditions that involve damage to the lungs. The causes and treatments for each differ. In some instances, COPD may cause bronchiectasis. Read on to learn about the differences and similarities between bronchiectasis and COPD and how each condition is treated. People with this condition cough up large amounts of mucus, especially during flareups. Flareups of bronchiectasis are referred to as exacerbations. During an exacerbation, you will also find it harder to breathe. Bronchi are designed to enable free breathing by letting air enter the lungs. Bronchiectasis occurs when the bronchi in the lungs become chronically inflamed and thickened. Over time, the thickening of the bronchial walls and subsequent scarring make it hard to move mucus out of the lungs. Recurring infections also become more likely. Bronchiectasis occurs most often in people ages 75 and over. However, you can get this condition at any age. Having The underlying causes of bronchiectasis are not always known. However, this condition is often caused by other health conditions and infections that damage the lungs. These include: • • • • • recurrent People with bronchiectasis can live their usual lives, but exacerbation periods may be challenging. Diagnosis and treatment are essential for the best outcomes. COPD is a serious, chronic disease that progressively worsens over time. People over age 40 are at the highest risk, especiall...

Article: • • • • • Images: • Reference article This is a Summary • epidemiology • ​​more prevalent in females and older age groups • 60% of UK diagnoses made in patients over 70 • triggering disease may be congenital or acquired • presentation • chronic productive cough with thick, foul-smelling sputum • recurrent chest infections • • shortness of breath • wheeze • examination findings: • general - clubbing (rare) • auscultation - coarse crackles, scattered wheeze • pathogenesis • ​a combination of chronic inflammation/infection and impaired bronchial clearance damages the airways • progressive destruction of lung tissues • widened airways with scarred and thickened walls • trapped mucus harbors pathogens • etiology • ​post-infectious conditions • • bacterial pneumonia • measles • congenital conditions • • • primary immunodeficiencies • • other • airway obstruction (foreign body/malignancy) • • associated illnesses - COPD, IBD, rheumatoid arthritis, SLE • idiopathic • investigation • chest x-ray • high-resolution CT • sputum culture (esp. during exacerbation) • pulmonary function tests (reduced FEV1) • specific tests to investigate cause • e.g. sweat sodium measurement (CF) or immunoglobulins • treatment • goals are to prevent infections and control complications • conservative • smoking cessation • respiratory physiotherapy and postural drainage • pneumococcal vaccine, annual influenza vaccine • medical • prompt antibiotic treatment for exacerbations • long-term prophylac...