BRONCHIECTASIS

General Information

DEFINITION--A lung disease in which the bronchial tubes become blocked and accumulate thick secretions. Frequent secondary infections occur. It is not contagious unless associated with tuberculosis.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Lungs; bronchial tubes.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--All ages, but most common in adults.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Frequent coughing with bad-smelling, green or yellow sputum (sometimes flecked with blood).
• Repeated lung infections.
• Shortness of breath.
• General ill feeling.
• Frequent fatigue.
• Anemia (frequently).

CAUSES--

Damage to the small bronchial tubes, which may develop over years. Common sources of damage include:

• Repeated lung infections (pneumonia).
• Chronic bronchitis.
• Allergies; smoke or dust.
• Inhalation of a foreign object.
• Tuberculosis.
• Fungus infection.
• Cystic fibrosis.

RISK INCREASES WITH

• Smoking.
• Poor nutrition; obesity.
• Family history of tuberculosis.
• Fatigue or overwork.
• Exposure to allergens.
• Cold, humid weather.

HOW TO PREVENT

• Don't ever smoke.
• Obtain medical treatment for lung infections.
• Avoid as many risks as possible.
• Get immunization against influenza and pneumonia.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and physical exam by a doctor. Sputum culture, x-rays of the lung, including a bronchogram (See Glossary).

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

• Self-care after diagnosis.
• Doctor's treatment.
• Surgery to remove isolated areas of damaged lung tissue (rare).

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
• Repeated pneumonia.
• Destruction of lung tissue.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--With treatment, most patients with bronchiectasis can lead nearly normal lives without major disability.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES--

• Don't smoke.
• Learn and practice postural drainage (See Glossary) twice a day.
• Sleep with 3- to 5-inch blocks under the foot of the bed to prevent mucus from collecting in the lower lobes of the lungs.
• If you work around heavy air pollution, do everything possible to limit your exposure--including changing jobs.
• Install air conditioning with a filter and humidity control in your home.
• Avoid sudden temperature changes.
• Avoid loud talking, loud laughing, crying, exertion or sudden temperature changes, if these trigger coughing episodes.
• Keep the teeth and mouth in excellent condition.
• If you have an allergic background, avoid allergens.
• See Resources for Additional Information.

MEDICATION--Your doctor may prescribe:

• Antibiotics for 10 days every month if bacterial infections have caused bronchiectasis or triggered episodes of pneumonia or acute bronchitis.
• Bronchodilators to enlarge airways.
• Expectorants to loosen secretions.

ACTIVITY--Remain as active as possible.

DIET--Increase fluid intake. Drink a minimum of 8 glasses of fluid a day. This thins lung secretions so they can be coughed out more easily.

Call Your Doctor If

• You have symptoms of bronchiectasis.
• After diagnosis, you have symptoms of a respiratory infection or bronchitis.
• You have a fever.
• Blood appears in the sputum, sputum thickens despite treatment, or postural drainage reveals a change in color, amount or character of sputum.
• Chest pain increases.
• Shortness of breath occurs without coughing or when at rest.