Bronchiectasis
In this condition factsheet:
Diagnosing Bronchiectasis
A doctor may suspect bronchiectasis because of symptoms, or because a person has a condition related to it. X-rays can lead to a diagnosis and show the location and extent of the damage, but sometimes bronchiectasis is not revealed on regular X-rays. Bronchiectasis can usually be confirmed by high-resolution computed tomography (CT scan).
Once bronchiectasis is diagnosed, a doctor will check for diseases causing it. These tests may measure salt levels in the sweat to test for cystic fibrosis, or measure immunoglobulin levels in the blood. Samples from the nose or bronchi can show if the mucus-clearing cells are genetically defective. When bronchiectasis has affected only a small area, doctors may thread a tiny camera into the bronchi to see if a lung tumour or inhaled foreign object is the cause. This procedure is called fibre-optic bronchoscopy.
Other tests may be done to see if someone has allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, a condition caused by a severe allergy to a kind of fungus. It causes a form of bronchiectasis that affects the large bronchi.
During a time when you have minimal symptoms, your doctor will test your sputum to see what kind of bacteria are present. They will use this information to help choose antibiotics to use when your symptoms worsen.
Treating and Preventing Bronchiectasis
Cough suppressants won't help bronchiectasis and can make it worse. If the bronchi contain large amounts of mucus, they may have to be drained several times a day (postural drainage). Most treatments aim to control symptoms, improve quality of life, and maintain lung function.
Infections can be treated with antibiotics. Antibiotics are sometimes prescribed for a week or two every month, or even continuously. Your doctor may also prescribe mucolytic medications that thin mucus, as well as anti-inflammatory medications such as corticosteroids. If the blood oxygen level is low because of blocked airways, oxygen therapy can help prevent the development of heart disease related to lung problems. If there is wheezing or shortness of breath, bronchodilator medications (medications that open up the airways) can help.
Surgery may be an option for people who have repeated infections or who cough up a lot of blood. Surgeons may remove the affected part of your lung, but it won't help if the bronchiectasis involves both lungs.
Effective prevention involves tackling the many causes behind bronchiectasis. Vaccinations for measles, whooping cough, flu, and pneumonia all help reduce its development, incidence, and spread. The early use of antibiotics during infections like tuberculosis and pneumonia may prevent bronchiectasis and reduce its severity. Using anti-inflammatory medications may prevent bronchial damage. Always avoid smoking or inhaling toxic fumes, gases, and harmful dusts.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/condition/getcondition/Bronchiectasis
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