Bronchiectasis: Permanent dilatation (widening) of the bronchi (the large air tubes which begin at the bottom of the trachea and branch into the lungs). Bronchiectasis can result in very serious illness including recurrent respiratory infections, a disabling cough, shortness of breath, and hemoptysis (coughing up blood).
Chronic respiratory infection and the inflammatory response to the infection play key roles in the pathogenesis (development) of bronchiectasis. Immunodeficiency, cystic fibrosis, and primary ciliary dyskinesia (hereditary dysfunction of the cilia) predispose to bronchiectasis. Rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), particularly ulcerative colitis, are also associated with bronchiectasis.
The gold standard for the diagnosis of bronchiectasis is high-resolution computed tomography (CT). Bronchopulmonary hygiene is generally recommended and includes postural drainage, chest physiotherapy, thinning and loosening of secretions, and administration of a bronchodilator. Acute exacerbations of the disease must be treated promptly with antibiotics. Surgery may be indicated, for example, to remove parts of a lung that are the source of acute exacerbations or uncontrolled hemorrhage.
Bronchiectasis is an uncommon disease, most often secondary to an infectious process, that results in the abnormal and permanent distortion of one or more of ...
Bronchiectasis is a condition in which damage to the airways causes them to widen and become flabby and scarred.
Learn about bronchiectasis (a lung condition) symptoms like recurrent cough, sputum production, and shortness of breath. Causes of bronchiectasis can be acquired ...
Bronchiectasis is destruction and widening of the large airways. If the condition is present at birth, it is called congenital bronchiectasis. If it develops ...
Bronchiectasis is destruction and widening of the large airways. If the condition is present at birth, it is called congenital bronchiectasis.; If it ...