Lungs & airwaysChronic structuralICD-10 J47
Bronchiectasis
The airways become permanently widened and scarred, so mucus collects and infections recur. The main symptom is a daily cough producing large amounts of sputum.
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Causes
- Previous severe infections (pneumonia, whooping cough, TB)
- Cystic fibrosis
- Immune deficiency
- Primary ciliary dyskinesia
- Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis
- Rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease
Risk factors
- Childhood lung infections
- Immune problems
- Genetic conditions
Symptoms
- Chronic productive cough
- Recurrent chest infections
- Breathlessness
- Coughing blood
- Fatigue
Diagnosis — tests and examinations
- High-resolution CT scan
- Sputum cultures (Pseudomonas, Haemophilus)
- Tests for underlying causes: immunoglobulins, sweat test, genetics
Treatment
Medicines and medical treatment
- Airway clearance physiotherapy daily
- Antibiotics for exacerbations; long-term macrolide or inhaled antibiotics for frequent flares
- Mucoactive agents (hypertonic saline)
- Treat the underlying cause
Operations and procedures
- Surgery for localised disease; embolisation for major bleeding
Self-care, home remedies and lifestyle
- Daily chest clearance techniques and exercise
- Vaccinations
- Early treatment of flare-ups
Possible complications
- Frequent infections
- Coughing up blood
- Respiratory failure
Prevention
- Childhood vaccination (pertussis, measles)
- Prompt treatment of lung infections
Outlook
Chronic, but good airway clearance and infection control maintain lung function for years.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor for a daily productive cough lasting months.
Sources and further reading
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