What is bronchiectasis?

• Bronchiectasis is a chronic lung condition where the airways (bronchi) become permanently widened
• The damaged airways lose their ability to clear mucus properly
• This leads to frequent lung infections and inflammation
• Over time, it causes progressive lung damage if not managed

What causes bronchiectasis?

• Repeated lung infections (like pneumonia or tuberculosis)
• Genetic disorders such as cystic fibrosis
• Autoimmune diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, lupus)
• Inhalation of harmful substances (e.g., toxic gas, smoke)
• Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (fungal-related allergy)
• Primary ciliary dyskinesia (a rare condition affecting mucus clearance)
• Sometimes the cause remains unknown (idiopathic bronchiectasis)

Who is at risk for bronchiectasis?

• People with cystic fibrosis
• Those with frequent or severe lung infections
• Individuals with weakened immune systems
• People with chronic inflammatory conditions
• Those exposed to environmental lung irritants
• Older adults

What are the symptoms of bronchiectasis?

• Chronic cough with daily mucus production
• Thick, sticky, or discolored mucus
• Repeated lung infections
• Wheezing or shortness of breath
• Fatigue and low energy
• Chest pain or tightness
• Clubbing of fingers (in long-term cases)
• Coughing up blood (hemoptysis) in some cases

How is bronchiectasis diagnosed?

• Chest CT scan – the most accurate test to detect airway damage
• Chest X-ray – may show lung changes but less detailed than CT
• Sputum culture – checks for bacteria or fungi in mucus
• Pulmonary function tests – measure lung performance
• Blood tests – to look for underlying conditions
• Bronchoscopy – a tube passed into the lungs to examine the airways (if needed)

What is the treatment for bronchiectasis?

• Airway clearance techniques – using devices or physiotherapy to remove mucus
• Inhaled bronchodilators – open airways and make breathing easier
• Inhaled or oral antibiotics – treat and prevent infections
• Corticosteroids – reduce inflammation (in some cases)
• Mucolytics – help thin mucus for easier clearance
• Vaccinations – prevent respiratory infections (flu, pneumonia)
• Oxygen therapy – for those with advanced disease
• Surgery – rarely needed but may help if disease is localized and severe

What are the complications of bronchiectasis?

• Frequent and severe lung infections
• Progressive lung damage
• Respiratory failure
• Coughing up large amounts of blood
• Collapsed lung (rare)
• Reduced quality of life

How can bronchiectasis be prevented?

• Prompt treatment of lung infections
• Regular vaccinations
• Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke
• Good hygiene to avoid infections
• Monitoring and treating underlying causes
• Air pollution and allergen control

When should you see a doctor?

• Persistent cough lasting more than a few weeks
• Daily mucus production or frequent respiratory infections
• Wheezing, shortness of breath, or chest tightness
• Coughing up blood
• If your symptoms worsen or don’t improve with usual treatment