Bronchiectasis is a respiratory condition affecting the elasticity of the bronchial tubes. The condition can result to significant congestion, diminished ability to eliminate sputum, chronic cough and shortness of breath.
What are the indications?
Bronchiectasis results to bronchial airway damage and chronic congestion along with other symptoms. The common symptoms include the following:
- Chest pain or pressure
- Bad breath
Bronchiectasis is brought about by impairment to the lining of the main airways in the lungs, usually from a pre-existing infection. - Fatigue
- Cough that becomes severe over time
- Pallor or pale skin
- Shortness of breath
- Coughing up blood
- Coughing up yellow, clear, light brown or greenish mucus
- Unexplained weight loss
- Swollen tissues beneath the nail beds
- Wheezing
Possible causes
Bronchiectasis is brought about by impairment to the lining of the main airways in the lungs, usually from a pre-existing infection. The walls of the bronchi lose their capability to allow an individual to effectively cough up sputum which leads to further congestion and damage. Even cystic fibrosis can be considered as a typical cause but immune ailments such as HIV/AIDS might also play a part in the development of bronchiectasis.
Management
The aim of treatment is to clear the congestion and reduce the risk for infection. In severe cases that do not respond to therapy or accompanied by significant bleeding, the doctor might recommend surgery involving resection of the air passages.
Medications
Various medications can be given to manage the condition such as:
- Antibiotics
- Expectorants
- Bronchodilators
Respiratory therapy
The following respiratory therapies are used as treatment such as:
- Hydration to thin out the mucus
- Breathing techniques such as active cycle breathing and forced expiration technique to facilitate movement of fluid in the lungs
- Chest physical therapy to loosen up mucus in the lungs
- Oxygen therapy to improve the level of blood oxygen if low
- Coughing techniques to facilitate movement of fluid in the lungs
- Postural drainage
- Incentive spirometer to help improve the lung function
Disclaimer / More Information
The information posted on this page on bronchiectasis is for learning and educational purposes only. To learn to recognize and manage respiratory conditions, register for first aid training at one of our training centers located throughout Canada. The training centers are in Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver, Kelowna, Saskatoon, Surrey, Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa and Halifax.