Bronchiectasis

Bronchiectasis is the disease characterized by abnormal dilatation of the bronchi.

Causes are-
Cystic fibrosis
Ciliary dysfunction syndrome
Primary hypogammaglobulinemia
Pneumonia
Primary TB
Inhaled foreign body
Allergic asthma
Bronchial tumors

Symptoms of bronchiectasis are-
◆Cough: chronic, daily, persistent
◆Sputum: copious, continuously purulent sputum
◆Pain: when infection spreads to involve pleura, or with segmental collapse due to retained secretions
◆Haemoptysis:Streaks of blood, larger volumes with exacerbations of infection
Massive haemoptysis requiring bronchial artery
embolisation sometimes
◆Infective exacerbation: increased sputum volume with fever, malaise, anorexia
◆Halitosis:accompanies purulent sputum
◆General debility: difficulty maintaining weight, anorexia,exertional breathlessness
◆Collapse with retained secretions blocking proximal bronchus causes diminished breath sounds

Investigations-
CBC
Sputum culture
Chest X-ray
CT scan
Screening test
Image:CT scan of bronchiectasis

Management-
Airflow obstruction treated with inhaled corticosteroid and bronchodilator.
Physiotherapy to assist drainage of excess bronchial secretions.
Antibiotic therapy
Surgical treatment by excision of bronchiectasis area only.