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Bronchiectasis is an abnormal widening of the large airways causing them to loose their elasticity. A person may be born with it (congenital bronchiectasis) or may acquire it later in life as a result of another disorder (including cystic fibrosis). Bronchiectasis is often caused by recurring inflammation or infection of the airways. It may be present at birth, but most often begins in childhood as a complication from infection or inhaling a foreign object.

About 50% of all bronchiectasis patients are cystic fibrosis patients. Other occurrences of bronchiectasis are when the patient repeatedly has pneumonia, tuberculosis, fungal infections, pnemocystic carini. Patients who aspirate on a regular basis also can develop bronchiectasis.

Here are some symptoms of bronchiectasis. This is by no means a complete list:

1. A chronic cough with large amounts of mucous perhaps mixed with blood.

2. Shortness of breath made worse by activity.

3. Weight loss

4. Tiredness

5. Wheezing

6. Clubbing of the fingers

Testing for Bronchiectasis:

When you go and see your doctor, hopefully a Pulmonologist (lung specialist) he/she will want to do a whole bunch of tests on you, and I do mean a whole bunch. Here are a few that they will want the results of to determine if you do have bronchiectasis and the severity of the disease. These tests include, but are not limited to, chest x-rays, chest CT, sputum culture x 3, blood tests, TB test, and even a sweat test (cystic fibrosis testing).

Now that they have put you through all of this testing, how in the world are they going to make you feel better. What kinds of treatments are required for this illness. Your doctor will be able to order several treatments.

1. Chest Physical Therapy and Postural Drainage. This is a specialty of mine since I am a Respiratory Therapist. But to do it at home will require some training of you and your family. I recently had a delightful patient with bronchiectasis and her Pulmologist decided to try the pneumatic vest on her. It worked beautifully. She was coughing up some very uckky stuff in no time at all. She said she was able to breathe better and I was doing the happy dance.

2. Antibiotics. A very heavy duty regime of antibiotics as you do not want the bugs to take up residence in your lungs.

3. Bronchodilators-MDI's or Nebulizer treatments.

4. Bronchoscopy - The doctor can go down into your lungs and suction them out and take pictures of your lungs.

Your doctor may even have more ammunition in his arsenal for fighting bronchiectasis.

What you can expect for your life or the Prognosis. Depending the extent of your illness and the length of time you have had it, you can lead a normal life, or you may need a lung transplant. Again, this is something that you will need to discuss with your Pulmonologist.

I wish you good breathing and clean lungs.

Learn more about this author, Renee Dawson.
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