Bronchectases

Anatomy

The respiratory system consists of two main parts: the respiratory tract and lungs. In the respiratory tract, air is circulated in and out of the lungs. In the lungs, oxygen is absorbed into the blood and carbon dioxide is removed. The respiratory tract consists of the nose, throat, larynx, trachea, and bronchi. Gas exchange does not occur in the respiratory tract. The air is warmed and cleaned of dust and microorganisms.

Description of the Disease

Bronchiectasis is a chronic lung disease characterized by the abnormal widening of the bronchi. In this condition, the bronchi lose the ability to produce and clear mucus from the airways.

It is estimated that bronchiectasis affects approximately 5 out of 10,000 people.

Cause of the Disease

This condition can be congenital or acquired during life. Bronchiectasis is often a complication of other diseases or pathological conditions. During these diseases, bronchial damage occurs due to infectious factors or inflammation. The main causes leading to the development of bronchiectasis are chronic bronchitis, pulmonary inflammation, cystic fibrosis, fungal respiratory tract diseases. This condition can be localized or widespread in many areas of the lungs. Localized bronchiectasis usually occurs due to a bronchial foreign body, tumor.

Symptoms

The symptoms of bronchiectasis include:

Coughing,
Sputum production (yellow or green sputum, sometimes with blood),
Fatigue,
Shortness of breath,
Recurrent inflammation in the same area of the lungs.

Diagnosis

The main diagnostic methods for identifying bronchiectasis are chest X-ray (showing a ringed, ring-shaped lung pattern), computed tomography (showing specific lung changes characteristic of this disease). Other tests are performed to rule out other possible respiratory tract diseases.

Treatment

Main treatment goals:

Suppressing bacterial respiratory tract infection (appropriate antibiotics are prescribed).
Effective removal of bronchial secretions (with medications, special physical exercises).
Reducing bronchial obstruction (improving airway clearance).

Source | Author Doctor Nikas Samuolis, reviewed by Prof. Virginijus Šapoka | Vilnius University | Faculty of Medicine | Head of the Department of Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, and Oncology