The manifestations of bronchiectasis

Written by Zou Zhong Lan
Pulmonology
Updated on September 10, 2024
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Bronchiectasis refers to the destruction of bronchial wall tissues caused by chronic inflammation of the bronchi and surrounding lung tissues. The lumen undergoes irreversible dilation and deformation. Some patients have a history of recurrent respiratory tract infections, mainly presenting with chronic coughing and coughing up large amounts of thick sputum. Many patients have a history of repeated hemoptysis, although the amount of blood is usually small. There can be blood in the sputum or slight bleeding, and it can also manifest as a large amount of blood, potentially life-threatening. In the affected areas, fixed and persistent localized wet rales can be heard.

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Written by Li Tao
Pulmonology
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How is bronchiectasis treated?

Bronchiectasis refers to the deformation and dilation of the bronchi due to chronic inflammation and fibrosis of the bronchi and surrounding lung tissue, which damages the muscles and elasticity of the bronchial walls. Clinically, this condition is known as bronchiectasis. The most typical symptoms include long-term coughing, coughing up large amounts of purulent sputum, and repeated instances of coughing up blood among others. Once bronchiectasis is diagnosed, it needs to be treated: First, we can clear the secretions from the bronchi, usually through nebulization to thin the mucus, and bronchoscopy or other local irrigation methods to clear the secretions inside. Second, after bronchiectasis occurs, we need to perform anti-inflammatory treatment for the bacteria infesting the bronchi, usually using sensitive antibiotics for treatment. Third, it is necessary to enhance the patient’s own immunity to prevent frequent recurrent infections. Fourth, if conservative treatment is not effective, surgical methods can be used to remove parts of the dilated bronchi, thereby achieving the treatment purpose.

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Written by Li Tao
Pulmonology
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Can bronchiectasis be cured?

Bronchiectasis refers to the deformation and persistent dilation of the bronchi due to various inflammations and fibrosis in the patient's bronchi and surrounding lung tissue, which destroys the surrounding muscles and elastic tissues. Bronchiectasis is treatable, and usually, symptomatic treatment and fundamental treatment targeting the cause can be employed. Symptomatic treatment involves anti-infection treatment for infections caused by the dilation. If the patient produces a large amount of phlegm, treatments to facilitate expectoration can be given. Additionally, if the patient's dilated bronchi repeatedly cause coughing, expectoration, and hemoptysis, and if internal medical treatment is ineffective, part of the dilated bronchi can be surgically removed to achieve therapeutic goals.

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Written by Zou Zhong Lan
Pulmonology
45sec home-news-image

The manifestations of bronchiectasis

Bronchiectasis refers to the destruction of bronchial wall tissues caused by chronic inflammation of the bronchi and surrounding lung tissues. The lumen undergoes irreversible dilation and deformation. Some patients have a history of recurrent respiratory tract infections, mainly presenting with chronic coughing and coughing up large amounts of thick sputum. Many patients have a history of repeated hemoptysis, although the amount of blood is usually small. There can be blood in the sputum or slight bleeding, and it can also manifest as a large amount of blood, potentially life-threatening. In the affected areas, fixed and persistent localized wet rales can be heard.

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Written by Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
53sec home-news-image

Is bronchiectasis contagious?

Bronchiectasis is relatively common clinically and is caused by destruction of the bronchial wall due to various reasons, leading to abnormal dilation of the bronchi. Common symptoms include repeated coughing, coughing up phlegm, and even hemoptysis. It can be definitively stated that bronchiectasis itself is not contagious. Contact with a person with bronchiectasis will not result in contracting bronchiectasis. However, in some cases, care should be taken when coming into contact with bronchiectasis patients. For example, some cases of bronchiectasis are caused by pulmonary tuberculosis, known as tuberculous bronchiectasis. Since pulmonary tuberculosis is contagious, in this scenario, there is contagion. However, it is the tuberculosis that is contagious, not the bronchiectasis itself.

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Written by Yang Feng
Pulmonology
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What to do if bronchiectasis causes chest tightness?

Patients with bronchiectasis often experience chest tightness, usually due to infections and a decline in lung function, so an initial effective pulmonary imaging examination is necessary. If an infection is present, actively controlling the infection can alleviate symptoms. Furthermore, lung function tests should be further refined. If there is concomitant ventilatory dysfunction and reduced lung function, inhaling bronchodilators or corticosteroids can improve symptoms. Since bronchiectasis is incurable once diagnosed, effective prevention is also very important. In summary, the causes of chest tightness in bronchiectasis are infections and decreased lung function.