Important Things to Know About Bronchiectasis

Published on October 07, 2024By Laura M. (Contributor)

Bronchiectasis is a lung condition that weakens and excessively dilates the airways, rendering them increasingly difficult to expel mucus from. As a result of its seriousness generally the individual will have been hospitalized at least once for an acute exacerbation (worsening) after which acute treatment of all underlying Known treatment options is necessary.

Understanding the stages, causes,symptoms, and treatment options for Bronchiectasis is essential to ensure it is managed effectively.

Stages of Bronchiectasis Development

Bronchiectasis typically goes through two stages of development:

• Initial Damage: Occurs when an infection or inflammatory disorder causes airway damage.
• Ongoing Damage: The damaged airways can't keep mucus out, leading to repeated infections that worsen lung function over time.

Causes of Bronchiectasis

In some cases, the initial cause of bronchiectasis can't be determined. However, it is often connected to such conditions as:

Cystic fibrosis: A genetic disorder that debilitates the lungs.

Autoimmune diseases: Such as rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

Immunodeficiency disorders: HIV, or diabetes.

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis: It is an allergic reaction that inflames the lungs. Women are at a higher risk than men, but an airway obstruction such as non-cancerous tumor can also induce the condition.

Types of Bronchiectasis

Bronchiectasis primarily presents as two types depending on how bad the airways have been damaged:

• Cylindrical Bronchiectasis: The most common type and also less severe of illness like cystic fibrosis, which can occur in people with damaged airways
• Cystic Bronchiectasis: This is the type where air ways turn into bags or pouches, causing extensive lung damage.

In addition, this diagnosis may be classified as focal (one area) or multiple sites throughout the lungs. Due to scarring of lung tissue, some patients develop traction bronchiectasis.

Symptoms of Bronchiectasis

It can take months or years for symptoms to appear and to get worse. The most common symptoms are:

A daily cough with yellow or green mucus that won't go away

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and does not substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, and/or dietary advice from a licensed health professional. Drugs, supplements, and natural remedies may have dangerous side effects. Dial 911 or go to the nearest hospital in the event of an emergency. In this case, a board-certified ER doctor frequently reviews the current research and has had comprehensive training in evidence-based medicine. The information provided may or may not be certain. It should never take the place of an appointment with a licensed professional. Go to your doctor for diagnosis or remedy and always listen to their advice. Fatigue and chest pain. Hemoptysis: Coughing up blood or blood-streaked mucus. Fever, chills, and clubbing (thickened skin under the nails). Treatment Options for Bronchiectasis Managing bronchiectasis involves treating infections, clearing mucus, and preventing further lung damage. Common treatment options include: Antibiotics Antibiotics are the primary treatment for infections associated with bronchiectasis.Oral antibiotics are usually prescribed, but severe infections may require intravenous antibiotics. Mucus-Thinning Medications Medications help thin and loosen mucus, making it easier to expel. These medications are often inhaled via a nebulizer, and they may be combined with decongestants for enhanced effectiveness. Airway Clearance Devices Various devices assist in breaking up mucus for easier expulsion. These include Intrapulmonary Percussive Ventilation (IPV) and Oscillating Positive Expiratory Pressure (PEP) devices. Additionally, Chest Physical Therapy (CPT) may be recommended to help clear mucus, with options available for home use, such as electronic chest clappers or vests. Other Treatments Oxygen therapy: For individuals with low blood oxygen levels. Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be required if the condition is localized to a specific area or there is excessive bleeding. Lifestyle and Home Remedies Since bronchiectasis is a chronic condition, lifestyle management is critical. Here are some recommended strategies: Healthy diet: Focus on whole foods, avoid added sugars, refined grains, and unhealthy fats. Hydration: Drink plenty of water to prevent mucus buildup. Medication adherence: Take prescribed medications regularly and follow daily airway clearance routines. Vaccination: Stay up-to-date with flu and pneumonia vaccines to reduce the risk of infections. Prompt treatment for flare-ups: Seek immediate medical attention if you experience increased mucus production, fever, or worsening shortness of breath. Recognizing Flare-Ups Even with careful management, flare-ups may occur due to infections or bacterial growth. Signs of a flare-up include:

If bile passes through the intestine quickly, stool color be light changes in mucus or the presence of blood sputum, fever. Indeed, the combination of fatigue, fever and weightloss could mean that a person has progressed to stage four lung cancer from stage pneumonia without ever being diagnosed -- for such things to happenickly You'd get some awfully nasty -- and really expensive -- treatment in such casesChanges in bmi or changes in Body WeightIt is essential to contact a health care provider promptly. If you are having a flare-up those are the times when your symptoms may need adjusting and treatment might also have stopped working otherwise.