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Bronchiectasis

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Alternative Names:

Acquired bronchiectasis; Congenital bronchiectasis

Treatment:

Treatment is aimed at controlling infections and bronchial secretions, relieving airway obstruction , and preventing complications.

Regular, daily drainage to remove bronchial secretions is a routine part of treatment. A respiratory therapist can teach postural drainage and effective coughing exercises to patients and their families.

Antibiotics, bronchodilators, and expectorants are often prescribed for infections. Childhood vaccinations and a yearly influenza vaccine help reduce the chance of some infections. Avoiding upper respiratory infections , smoking, and pollution may lessen the susceptibility to infection.

Surgical lung resection may be indicated for those who fail to respond to therapy or for massive bleeding.

Expectations (prognosis):

With treatment, most people can lead normal lives without major disability.

Complications:

• Cor pulmonale
• Recurrent pneumonia
• Coughing up blood (hemoptysis)
• Low oxygen levels (if severe)

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if:

• Symptoms worsen or do not improve with treatment
• There is a change in color or amount of sputum, or bloody sputum
• Chest pain or shortness of breath increases

• Review Date: 11/13/2006
• Reviewed By: David A. Kaufman, M.D., Assistant Professor, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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