How is bronchiectasis treated?

Written by Li Tao
Pulmonology
Updated on September 25, 2024
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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 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
Pulmonology
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What tea is good for bronchiectasis?

Patients with bronchiectasis do not have special requirements for drinking tea; they can generally drink green tea, black tea, etc. These teas contain a higher amount of tea polyphenols, which have antioxidant and antibacterial effects and can also promote the body's metabolism. These are beneficial to patients with bronchiectasis. However, it is not recommended to drink excessively, especially before bedtime, as it may lead to insomnia or digestive system disorders. In summary, drinking green tea and black tea has certain benefits for patients with bronchiectasis.

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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 Wang Xiang Yu
Pulmonology
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How long can one live with bronchiectasis?

This question is actually very difficult to answer because no doctor can predict exactly how long their patient will live. They can only provide a general prognosis of the disease. Bronchiectasis is relatively a benign condition. The prognosis for most patients depends mainly on the severity of the bronchiectasis and their comorbidities, among other factors. Generally, if a patient’s bronchiectasis is not very severe and mild, and does not affect lung function or is not compounded by other underlying diseases, they might experience long-term, recurrent coughing and sputum production, requiring long-term hospitalization. However, if they do not experience acute complications associated with bronchiectasis, such as asphyxiation caused by hemoptysis, then actually they can live for a long time. There are many patients who are in their seventies or eighties and frequently admitted to the hospital. When asked how long they have had bronchiectasis, their condition might span over forty or fifty years, or even longer. This means that patients with bronchiectasis can live for a long time, provided their condition is relatively stable and they don’t suffer from acute complications such as severe bleeding or asphyxiation. However, if the bronchiectasis is severe, or unfortunately, even if the bronchiectasis isn’t very severe, if a patient suffers from major hemoptysis, it can cause asphyxiation rapidly leading to death within minutes. Therefore, it is impossible for doctors to predict exactly how long each patient will live.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Is bronchiectasis easy to treat?

Bronchiectasis is a complication mainly caused by chronic inflammation of the respiratory tract and is clinically difficult to treat. Symptoms can be alleviated through certain medications or physical manipulations. First, it's important to maintain clear airways and choose medications that can dilute mucus. During the acute phase of inflammation, antibacterial drugs should be chosen for treatment, such as penicillin, which can be administered via muscle injection or intravenously. Surgery is the only curative treatment for bronchiectasis. (Medication use should be based on specific circumstances and under the guidance of a doctor.)