Contents
What is Bronchiectasis?
Bronchiectasis is a lung condition where irreversibly enlarged airways are present. This causes the airways to become dilated, resulting in an imbalance between the amount and speed of air entering the lungs. This can lead to a chronic productive cough, excessive sputum production, repeated lung infections, and difficulty breathing.
Symptoms of Bronchiectasis
Common symptoms of Bronchiectasis include a frequent, heavy, and wet cough, accompanied by wheezing and shortness of breath. Other symptoms include coughing up large amounts of mucus or pus, fatigue, chest pain, and an increased risk of lung infections.
Causes of Bronchiectasis
Common causes of Bronchiectasis include recurrent and prolonged lung infections, such as pneumonia, bacterial and viral infections, foreign objects in the lungs, and lung diseases, such as cystic fibrosis and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. In rare cases, genetic, cystic fibrosis, and other inherited conditions can lead to Bronchiectasis.
Treatments for Bronchiectasis
The primary treatment for Bronchiectasis is to reduce and control symptoms and prevent any infections. To achieve this, antibiotics and other medications may be prescribed to reduce flare-ups and reduce the risk of infection. In addition, pulmonary rehabilitation, breathing exercises, and lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, can help improve lung function and reduce symptoms.
Health Concerns with Bronchiectasis
Given the chronic nature of Bronchiectasis, it is important to monitor the condition and watch for any changes in symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment of Bronchiectasis is essential for prevention of further damage to the lungs and maintaining good lung health. Additionally, it is important to actively manage and reduce any risk factors, such as avoiding smoking and taking steps to reduce the risk of both bacterial and viral infections.