Symptom: Bronchiectasis

Bronchiectasis is a term that describes damage to the walls of the bronchial tubes, of the lung. Inflammation due to infection or other causes destroys the smooth muscles that allow the bronchial tubes to be elastic and prevents secretions that are normally made by lung tissue to be cleared.Normal branching of the airways of the lung demonstrates a gentle taper that occurs at each branch point, like the branches of a tree. This tapering results in decreased resistance in the larger branches, enabling mucus or other objects to be funneled to the larger airways and eventually, with a cough, ejected out through the mouth. Loss of this normal anatomic tapering of the airways by damage due to inflammation causes the walls of the airways to be irregularly shaped. Secretions tend to pool in the distorted airways rather than be expelled, and these stagnant secretions are a breeding ground for bacterial growth. These bacteria, in turn, cause further irritation and inflammation, airway damage, and hence more secretions, initiating a "vicious cycle" of damage. This increases the risk of infections to spread directly into the airspaces of the lungs resulting in pneumonia.Bronchiectasis is a form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which also includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. A person may have bronchiectasis with no other associated diseases or conditions; however, it usually is associated with other conditions (like COPD, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis).Congenital bronchiectasis may occur due to a genetic defect such as occurs in cystic fibrosis. Usually, the disease Alpha-1 antiprotease (alpha 1- antitrypsin) deficiency results in emphysema, but bronchiectasis can occur as well in this condition. An embryologic defect in the airway cilia, so-called immotile cilia syndrome, is another cause of bronchiectasis and is often associated with situs inversus, in which the major organs are in a reversed position (for example, the heart is on the right).Lung infections in children, especially pertussis, may ultimately lead to lung destruction and bronchiectasis later in life. Therefore prevention is an important part of treatment, which includes adequate immunizations and avoiding secondhand smoke and other toxic fumes.Bronchiectasis is characterized by an increased amount of sputum production (mucus produced and coughed up from the lung), recurrent infections, and gradual loss of lung function leading to shortness of breath.

Source: http://www.emedicinehealth.com

  • Bronchiectasis describes damage to the walls of the bronchial tubes with loss of the smooth muscle and loss of elasticity of segments of the bronchi. The resultant airway distortion prevents secretions from being adequately cleared from the lung.
  • Bronchiectasis may be congenital or acquired. Cystic fibrosis is the most common cause of congenital bronchiectasis.
  • Symptoms of bronchiectasis include
    • increased sputum production,
    • bloody sputum,
    • shortness of breath,
    • weakness, and
    • fatigue.
  • Diagnosis is often made by history and confirmed by CT scan of the chest. Efforts may be made to find the underlying cause of bronchiectasis.
  • Complications include recurrent pneumonia, respiratory failure, and heart failure.
  • Bronchiectasis is not curable. The goal for treatment is to control secretions and minimize the risk of infections.

Source: http://www.emedicinehealth.com

Picture of the lungs

Source: http://www.emedicinehealth.com

Bronchiectasis is a term that describes damage to the walls of the bronchial tubes, of the lung. Inflammation due to infection or other causes destroys the smooth muscles that allow the bronchial tubes to be elastic and prevents secretions that are normally made by lung tissue to be cleared.Normal branching of the airways of the lung demonstrates a gentle taper that occurs at each branch point, like the branches of a tree. This tapering results in decreased resistance in the larger branches, enabling mucus or other objects to be funneled to the larger airways and eventually, with a cough, ejected out through the mouth. Loss of this normal anatomic tapering of the airways by damage due to inflammation causes the walls of the airways to be irregularly shaped. Secretions tend to pool in the distorted airways rather than be expelled, and these stagnant secretions are a breeding ground for bacterial growth. These bacteria, in turn, cause further irritation and inflammation, airway damage, and hence more secretions, initiating a "vicious cycle" of damage. This increases the risk of infections to spread directly into the airspaces of the lungs resulting in pneumonia.Bronchiectasis is a form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which also includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. A person may have bronchiectasis with no other associated diseases or conditions; however, it usually is associated with other conditions (like COPD, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis).Congenital bronchiectasis may occur due to a genetic defect such as occurs in cystic fibrosis. Usually, the disease Alpha-1 antiprotease (alpha 1- antitrypsin) deficiency results in emphysema, but bronchiectasis can occur as well in this condition. An embryologic defect in the airway cilia, so-called immotile cilia syndrome, is another cause of bronchiectasis and is often associated with situs inversus, in which the major organs are in a reversed position (for example, the heart is on the right).Lung infections in children, especially pertussis, may ultimately lead to lung destruction and bronchiectasis later in life. Therefore prevention is an important part of treatment, which includes adequate immunizations and avoiding secondhand smoke and other toxic fumes.Bronchiectasis is characterized by an increased amount of sputum production (mucus produced and coughed up from the lung), recurrent infections, and gradual loss of lung function leading to shortness of breath.

Source: http://www.emedicinehealth.com


Signs and Symptoms

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