Bronchiectasis: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Bronchiectasis is a respiratory disorder, in which the airways (bronchi) that connect the windpipe to the lungs, are damaged. An airway is a tube that provides passage for air to flow in and out of the lungs. In this condition the airways are distorted permanently. In most cases, this lung disease is marked by permanent widening of one or more airways. Bronchiectasis is an irreversible expansion of portions of airways. An infection may cause enlargement of bronchi, that can be either irregular or uniform. As a result, the tubes become scarred and flabby.

In this lung infection, the airways are no longer able to clear the mucus properly. Mucus is an antiseptic enzyme (a sticky substance) produced by airways, that traps foreign particles (dust, bacteria) and removes them out of the body. Thus, mucus plays a very important role in protecting the lungs from these inhaled particles. The infection prevent airways from clearing mucus. As a result, the airways get filled up with extra mucus that promotes bacterial growth. The harmful particles remain trapped due to accumulation of mucus. This often leads to repeated and serious lung infections. Repeated infections considerably damage the airways and they lose their ability to function properly. Normal air flow in the lungs is drastically affected. Over time, bronchiectasis can cause health problems including respiratory failure.

Types of Bronchiectasis

There are 2 types of Bronchiectasis, depending upon when it develops. If the disease is already present at birth then it is termed as congenital bronchiectasis. In case the condition occurs later in life, it is referred as acquired bronchiectasis.

Causes of Bronchiectasis

An infection to the bronchial tubes is considered to be the main cause of bronchiectasis. The disorder can also occur due to a pre-existing lung disease. Inherited disorders like cystic fibrosis can make the lungs susceptible to recurrent infections that may lead to bronchiectasis. The disease can also be the result of a direct injury to the bronchial wall.

Symptoms of Bronchiectasis

Difficulty in breathing and cough are the most common symptoms of this lung infection. Cough gets worse when the person lies down on one side. Some patients cough up blood. Other symptoms include

• Breath odor
• Shortness of breath
• Chronic cough that brings out mucus
• Fatigue
• Wheezing (the person makes a hoarse whistling sound while breathing)

Treatment for Bronchiectasis

The airways may collapse causing airflow obstruction, if prompt treatment is not taken. As the condition is irreversible, the treatment is given to control the infection and stop further damage to the airways. The treatment is directed to improve the clearance of mucus. It is essential to remove the extra mucus accumulated in the airways. The doctor may suggest some coughing exercises to bring out large amounts of mucus. This way of removing the mucus out of the body provides a great deal of relief to the patient. Antibiotics, bronchodilators and expectorants are also recommended to relieve the symptoms of bronchiectasis.

With proper treatment people with bronchiectasis can lead relatively normal lives. Inhaled medications (bronchodilators) open the airways by relaxing muscles, around the airways. Inhaled steroids reduce the swelling developed inside the airways. If a bacterial infection is responsible for causing bronchiectasis, then antibiotics are used. In case the medications are found to be ineffective, resective surgery is recommended.