Understanding Bronchiectasis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Published on October 07, 2024By Rosa D. (Contributor)

Bronchiectasis is a chronic lung condition where the airways are damaged, stretched, and more susceptible to mucus congestion. The impaired clearance of sputum means that it will lead to recurrent infections in the lungs, and further injury as well as a chronic state of inflammation. In this article, we will provide you with the knowledge to help understand this disease better—what do you need to know about bronchiectasis its causes and symptoms, and how to manage it?

What Are the Causes of Bronchiectasis?

Bronchiectasis may be provoked by many factors,including lung infections and inflammatory conditions. Two stages have been identified in the evolution of the disease by experts:Initial Damage--This is the first stage, which includes injury from such things as infections, autoimmune disorders, or other lung diseases.Ongoing Damage--This can lead to further inflammation and recurrent infections, making the lung's function worse.

Even though the cause is unknown in many cases, bronchiectasis has been linked in some cases with:Cystic fibrosis: A genetic disorder that causes severe lung damage.Autoimmune diseases: Diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.Immunodeficiency disorders: Conditions like HIV or diabetes which weaken the immune system.Chronic infections: Repeated respiratory infections damaging the physical structure of the lung.Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis: An allergic reaction to a common fungus leading to lung inflammation.

Bronchiectasis is more common in women, but also occurs in men. In addition, individuals who have a history of chronic infections or airway blockages are more likely to develop this condition.

What Are The Kinds of Bronchiectasis?

Bronchiectasis can be classified in terms of the severity and type of airway injury:

• Cylindrical Bronchiectasis: The most common and least severe type, where airways are simply widened.
• Cystic Bronchiectasis: A more severe form, in which the airways have pouches or "sacs".
• Focal Bronchiectasis: Damage is limited to one part of the lungs.
• Traction Bronchiectasis: Scarring pulls airways out of shape.

Symptoms To Look Out For Of Bronchiectasis

Symptoms of grown-up bronchiectasis can come on slowly over the course of many months or even years, getting worse as Time goes by. Key signs include:

• Persistent cough: In particular, if yellow or green mucus comes up every day.
• Shortness of breath: More likely to occur during physical activity.
• Wheezing: A whistling noise when breath is taken in and out.
• Chest pain: Feeling mucus in your chest or an infection there.
• Weakness: Feeling tired out all the time.
• Hemoptysis: Coughing up blood or blood-streaked mucus.
• Fingernail Clubbing: Clubbing refers to the thickening of the nail bed or distal fingertip.
• Regular respiratory infections: Frequent colds and other infections just make things worse.

These symptoms can be aggravated by an attack-when there is more mucus, you're feverish and you've got trouble breathing.But there's also good news:You don't have to live with bronchiectasis for the rest of your life.Though it maybe a chronic condition, there are therapies available to reduce the severity of symptoms, lower the frequency and severity of acute attacks, and prevent the spread of disease.

1. Antibiotics

Bronchiectasises are usually treated with antibiotics to kill bacteria. Oral antibiotics are commonly chosen for mild cases, while severe ones may require intravenous therapy.

2. Meds to Thin Mucus

So that a person can cough up mucus more easily, mucus-expelling drugs are often inhaled via a nebuliser. Decongestants are also used in conjunction with drugs that thin mucus.

3. Airway Clearance Devices

Devices such as Oscillating Positive Expiratory Pressure (PEP) and Intrapulmonary Percussive Ventilation (IPV) help separate mucus from the airway, making it easier to cough out. Doctors can also do Chest Physiotherapy (CPT) on a patient, applying claps to a patient's chest until mucus loosens.The new electronic clappers and vests make it easier to provide CPT at home.

4. O2 Therapy

Patients with low levels of oxygen may need oxygen therapy so that their tissues get enough oxygen to function properly.

5. Surgery

In the case of a single localized bronchiectasis, surgery is an option for treatment, or if the damage to the lung has resulted in major bleeding.

• Many approaches are designed to manage or prevent this condition and reduce the damage it does to your lungs. Here are a few examples:
• Drink Water Regularly to stay hydrated: Drinking plenty can prevent mucus from building up inside airways e.g., from nasopharynx on top down through bronchial tubes and lungs all towards mouth.
• Follow a Healthy Diet: Eat foods that new research has shown are low in sugar, refined grains and processed fats to better support your overall health.
• Take Medication as Directed: Always follow the correct dose and directions for any antibiotics or other prescribed medications to avoid complications later on.
• Airway clearance on a daily basis: Doing the& techniques to clear mucus as ordered by your doctor.
• Get Vaccinated: Keep up-to-date on flu shots and pneumonia vaccines to avoid the risk of serious infections leading to hospitalization or death.

Recognizing Flare-Ups

Despite careful management, flare-ups may still occur caused by new infections or bacterial overgrowth. Warning signs for a flare-up include:

• Greater amounts of mucus being produced, or different colours in the mucus.
• High temperature and even more tired than usual.
• Shortness of breath accompanied by wheezing.
• Weight loss or any change in appetite.

If you experience one of these symptoms, send an emergency call to your health care provider at once to prevent the problem from worsening.