Bronchiectasis: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
A chronic lung condition, bronchiectasis affects the airways, making them wider and inflamed, causing excess mucus to be produced and recurring infections.
Causes of Bronchiectasis
Bronchiectasis can be caused by various factors, such as:
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Genetic conditions that affect the structure or function of the airways, such as cystic fibrosis, primary ciliary dyskinesia, or alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.
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Infections that damage the airways, such as tuberculosis, pneumonia, whooping cough, or measles.
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Immune system disorders that impair the body’s ability to fight infections, such as common variable immunodeficiency, HIV, or rheumatoid arthritis.
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Allergic reactions that cause inflammation of the airways, such as allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, a fungal infection that affects some people with asthma.
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Inhalation of foreign objects that block or irritate the airways, such as food particles, dust, or smoke.
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Other lung diseases that affect the airways, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, or bronchiolitis obliterans.
Symptoms of Bronchiectasis
The main symptom of bronchiectasis is a persistent cough that produces large amounts of mucus, which may be clear, yellow, green, or bloody. Other symptoms may include:
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Shortness of breath or wheezing, especially during physical activity or when lying down.
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Chest pain or tightness, which may worsen with coughing or breathing.
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Fever or chills, which may indicate an infection.
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Fatigue or weakness, which may affect daily activities or quality of life.
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Weight loss or poor appetite, which may result from reduced food intake or increased energy expenditure.
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Bad breath or an unpleasant taste in the mouth, which may be caused by the mucus or bacteria in the airways.
Diagnosis of Bronchiectasis
A doctor will ask about the patient's medical history, symptoms, and risk factors. He will also perform a physical examination, listening to the lungs and checking for signs of infection or inflammation.
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Chest X-ray or computed tomography (CT) scan, which can show the shape and size of the airways and lungs, and detect any abnormalities or damage.
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Sputum culture, which can identify the type and amount of bacteria in the mucus, and help determine the best antibiotic treatment.
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Blood tests, which can measure the levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and inflammation markers in the blood, and check for any genetic or immune conditions.
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Pulmonary function tests, which can measure the amount and speed of air that can be inhaled and exhaled, and assess the lung capacity and function.
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Bronchoscopy, which is a procedure that involves inserting a thin, flexible tube with a camera and a light into the airways, and allows the doctor to see the inside of the lungs and collect samples of tissue or mucus.
Treatment of Bronchiectasis
The treatment of bronchiectasis aims to relieve the symptoms, prevent or treat infections, and reduce the risk of complications. The treatment may include:
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Antibiotics, bronchodilators, mucolytics, corticosteroids, or immunoglobulins can help fight infections, open the airways, thin mucus, reduce inflammation, or boost the immune system.
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A technique for clearing mucus from the lungs and improving breathing called chest physiotherapy involves breathing exercises, chest percussion, or postural drainage.
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Airway clearance devices, which are machines that use vibrations, positive pressure, or oscillations, and help loosen and remove the mucus from the airways.
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Oxygen therapy, which is a treatment that provides extra oxygen through a mask or a nasal cannula, and helps improve the oxygen levels in the blood and the organs.
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Surgery, which is an option for severe cases of bronchiectasis that do not respond to other treatments, and involves removing the damaged part of the lung or the entire lung.
Prevention of Bronchiectasis
The prevention of bronchiectasis depends on the underlying cause and the risk factors. Some general measures that can help prevent or delay the progression of bronchiectasis are:
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Vaccination, which can protect against some common infections that can damage the airways, such as influenza, pneumococcal, or pertussis vaccines.
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Hygiene, which can reduce the exposure to germs and allergens that can trigger infections or inflammation, such as washing the hands, avoiding smoking, or wearing a mask.
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Nutrition, which can support the immune system and the lung function, such as eating a balanced diet, drinking enough fluids, or taking supplements if needed.
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Exercise, which can improve the blood circulation, the oxygen delivery, and the muscle strength, such as walking, swimming, or doing aerobic activities.
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Regular check-ups, which can monitor the lung condition, the symptoms, and the treatment response, and help adjust the treatment plan if necessary.
