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 Yuan Qing
Pulmonology
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Does bronchiectasis cause nausea?

Bronchiectasis generally does not present with symptoms of nausea. Bronchiectasis primarily occurs when the body is infected with particular pathogenic microorganisms, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, atypical mycobacteria, or from childhood infections like measles or whooping cough that damage the cartilage of the trachea, causing the tracheal cartilage to fail in maintaining the normal shape of the trachea. Consequently, the trachea can become dilated due to the pulling by the surrounding lung tissue. Once diagnosed with bronchiectasis, the main symptoms displayed are coughing, coughing up phlegm, and some patients may also experience chest tightness and shortness of breath. Generally, it does not cause nausea. However, severe coughing or a significant amount of difficult-to-expel phlegm can lead to concurrent symptoms of nausea, but these are not directly caused by the disease itself, but rather by its complications. Therefore, appropriate treatment can significantly alleviate these symptoms.

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Written by Yang Feng
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How to exercise with bronchiectasis

Firstly, patients with bronchiectasis are not suitable for intense physical exercise, especially during the onset of the disease. They should rest appropriately instead of engaging in excessive exercise, as overexertion can lead to a further worsening of the condition. When the condition is stable, activities like walking, swimming, and brisk walking can be considered. However, the choice should be based on one's personal health status, and the exercise must be moderate. The intensity of the exercise should not be too high, nor should it be too exhausting, as excessive fatigue can also trigger the onset of the disease.

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Written by Wang Xiang Yu
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Symptoms of bronchiectasis

Bronchiectasis exhibits many symptoms, but the most common are chronic cough and sputum production. The amount of sputum in bronchiectasis can vary greatly from person to person, and to some extent, it can reflect the severity of the condition. Some patients may have significant coughing and sputum production, with sputum amounts reaching over one hundred milliliters per day. In others, the condition may be more stable, with only a few milliliters of sputum per day. Additionally, patients with bronchiectasis may experience hemoptysis, which often recurs and can manifest as blood-streaked sputum, minor bleeding, or sudden severe bleeding. Significant bleeding can be particularly dangerous, potentially leading to death within minutes. Bronchiectasis can also cause recurrent lung infections and chronic long-term infection, which may be accompanied by fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, anemia, and other symptoms.

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Written by Yang Feng
Pulmonology
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Treatment of bronchiectasis

I personally believe that prevention is more important than treatment for bronchiectasis, because effectively preventing disease episodes is more beneficial to the patient than long-term medication. Treatment usually involves using sensitive antibiotics, and prolonged use of antibiotics can lead to multi-drug resistant bacteria or infections by specific groups. Therefore, prevention is key. Preventing disease episodes generally includes maintaining healthy lifestyle habits, avoiding staying up late, smoking, emotional agitation, and excessive fatigue. Vaccinations for influenza and pneumonia can also be received annually to reduce the risk of infection.

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Written by Yang Feng
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How is bronchiectasis cured?

Bronchiectasis is a type of chronic respiratory disease characterized primarily by recurrent coughing and sputum production. Once diagnosed with bronchiectasis, it is incurable. Prevention is crucial, and the main reason for recurrent episodes of bronchiectasis is infection. Therefore, preventing infection is paramount, including annual vaccinations against influenza and pneumonia to prevent infections. Additionally, it is important to avoid excessive fatigue and extreme emotions, as these can trigger episodes of bronchiectasis. Bronchiectasis is caused by chronic suppurative inflammation and fibrosis of the bronchi and surrounding lung tissue, leading to the destruction of the muscular and elastic tissues in the bronchial walls, resulting in deformation and permanent dilation of the bronchi.