What will happen if bronchiectasis worsens?

Written by Wang Chun Mei
Pulmonology
Updated on March 01, 2025
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Bronchiectasis is classified as an infectious disease of the respiratory internal medicine, mainly caused by the invasion of various pyogenic bacteria into the respiratory tract, which usually leads to inflammation and fibrotic changes in the bronchi and surrounding lung tissue. Therefore, patients with bronchiectasis often exhibit clinical symptoms such as cough, expectoration, difficulty breathing, chest tightness, and chest pain. It is crucial to provide timely treatments for such patients, including anti-infection measures, cough relief, expectoration, and hemostasis. If bronchiectasis is not effectively treated, it may lead to complications such as hypoxemia and severe bleeding. It is known that bronchiectasis does not lead to cancer due to local inflammation.

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Written by Li Tao
Pulmonology
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Bronchial dilation diagnostic methods

Bronchiectasis refers to the inflammation of the bronchi and surrounding lung tissue caused by various diseases and etiologies. This inflammation leads to the destruction of the muscles and some elastic tissues of the bronchial walls, resulting in the deformation and persistent dilation of the bronchi, which cannot recover, collectively known as bronchiectasis. The definitive diagnosis of bronchiectasis is most commonly based on clear clinical symptoms such as significant coughing, phlegm production, and hemoptysis; secondly, cystic and cylindrical dilations in the patient’s bronchi can be clearly seen through chest CT and high-resolution CT, allowing for a direct diagnosis of bronchiectasis.

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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 Wang Xiang Yu
Pulmonology
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Does bronchiectasis cause fever?

Patients with bronchiectasis generally do not have a fever. However, if there is an acute exacerbation of bronchiectasis or if there is an additional infection, they might develop a fever. In cases where patients with bronchiectasis exhibit a fever, it generally indicates an infection or that their condition may be more severe compared to those without a fever. Under such circumstances, anti-infection treatment might be required. Moreover, the duration of the fever and its maximum intensity can reflect the severity of the infection to a certain extent.

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Written by An Yong Peng
Pulmonology
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Where to massage for bronchial dilation?

There is no definite efficacy for the treatment of bronchiectasis with massage therapy. Generally, the main measure for bronchiectasis is to prevent respiratory infections. Bronchiectasis often presents symptoms of coughing up purulent sputum and may be accompanied by chest tightness, difficulty breathing, and hemoptysis. In patients with bronchiectasis, respiratory infections may exacerbate these symptoms. Therefore, preventing respiratory infections is crucial for bronchiectasis. Additionally, if the patient has obvious coughing and expectoration, mucolytic medications can be used to facilitate expectoration. If the patient experiences chest tightness and difficulty breathing, inhaling bronchodilators can help improve these conditions. For patients with bronchiectasis, if the lesions are localized and recurrent infections or hemoptysis occur, surgical treatment may also be considered.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Bronchiectasis is what?

The basic cause of bronchiectasis is due to infection of the bronchi and lung tissue, as well as bronchial blockage. Infections can cause blockages, and blockages can also lead to infections. The two influence each other, promoting the occurrence and development of bronchiectasis. This results in damage to the bronchial walls and leads to a large amount of purulent sputum, mainly due to an increase in secretions. Additionally, chronic infection or fibrosis of the lung tissue can also lead to bronchial dilation, causing the bronchial walls to dilate and become congested.