Medical Questions » Lungs Questions » Question No. 593
| Question: | I have been told by my general practitioner that my persistent cough and shortness of breath are due to a condition called bronchiectasis. Would you please explain this condition to me. |
| Answer: | Bronchiectasis is unfortunately an incurable condition in which there is permanent damage to the lungs. The damage may be caused by serious diseases such as cystic fibrosis, but far more commonly by smoking, recurrent lung infections or other noxious gases. Passive smoking aggravates the condition.
It is not a particularly common condition, and most general practitioners would only have two or three cases in their practices.
Within the lungs, the disease is characterised by permanent abnormal dilation and inflammation of the small airway tubes (the bronchi). The inflamed bronchi secrete excess amounts of phlegm and are easily infected. This infection may be difficult to eradicate, and most patients must remain on antibiotics long term to prevent flare ups.
The symptoms of bronchiectasis include shortness of breath, a persistent productive cough, general malaise, weight loss, tiredness, anaemia and reduced exercise tolerance due to inability of the lungs to process oxygen efficiently.
Doctors diagnose the condition by listening to characteristic sounds at the base of the lungs, chest X-rays and in severe cases by a procedure in which a thin tube is put into the lungs through the mouth to enable a sample of lung tissue to be taken and analysed (bronchoscopy).
Treatment involves intermittent or constant use of antibiotics, chest physiotherapy and inhaled medications to open up the airways. Other medications to loosen mucus and promote effective coughing may also be used. In severe cases, surgical removal of constantly infected sections of the lung may be necessary.
Complications can include deteriorating lung function from repeated infections, the formation of an abscess in the lung and the spread of infection to a distant site in the body.
Most patients can lead a normal active life provided they remain on medication, see their doctor regularly for check-ups and do not stress their bodies excessively.
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