HEALTH GUIDE INDEX / B / BRONCHIECTASIS

BASIC INFORMATION

DESCRIPTION

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

FREQUENT SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

  • Frequent coughing with bad-smelling, green or yellow sputum (sometimes flecked with blood).
  • Repeated lung infections.
  • Shortness of breath; bad 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:
  • Cigarette smoking.
  • Repeated lung infections (pneumonia).
  • Chronic bronchitis.
  • Allergies; smoke or dust.
  • Inhalation of a foreign object.
  • Tuberculosis; lung cancer or lung abscess.
  • Fungus infection.
  • Cystic fibrosis.

RISK INCREASES WITH

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

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

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

EXPECTED OUTCOMES

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

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Medical tests for diagnosis may include X-rays of the lung, including a bronchogram, sputum culture, bronchoscopy.
  • Don't smoke.
  • Learn and practice postural drainage 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 shouting, 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.
  • Surgery to remove isolated areas of damaged lung tissue (rare).
  • Additional information available from the American Lung Association, 1740 Broadway, New York, NY 10019, (800) 586-4872.

MEDICATIONS

  • 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.

NOTIFY YOUR PHYSICIAN IF

  • You or a family member has symptoms of bronchiectasis.
  • After diagnosis, you have symptoms of a respiratory infection or bronchitis.
  • 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.

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