Bronkiektasia

Bronkiektasia is a chronic medical condition where the walls of the bronchi, the airways of the lungs, become abnormally widened and damaged. This widening, or dilation, results in an accumulation of excess mucus, which can be difficult to clear. The damaged airways are less efficient at moving air in and out of the lungs, and they are also more susceptible to infection.

The causes of bronkiektasia are varied. It can be a congenital condition, meaning a person is born with it, often due to genetic disorders like cystic fibrosis or primary ciliary dyskinesia. Acquired bronkiektasia can develop later in life, usually following severe lung infections such as pneumonia or tuberculosis. Other factors contributing to its development include autoimmune diseases and exposure to certain environmental irritants.

Symptoms of bronkiektasia often include a chronic cough that produces large amounts of mucus, shortness of breath, wheezing, and recurrent lung infections. Chest pain can also be a symptom. The severity of symptoms can vary greatly from person to person. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and imaging tests such as a chest X-ray or a CT scan. Pulmonary function tests may also be used to assess lung capacity.

Treatment for bronkiektasia focuses on managing symptoms, preventing further lung damage, and treating infections. This often includes airway clearance techniques to help remove mucus, medications to open airways, and antibiotics to treat infections. In some cases, surgery may be considered to remove a localized area of damaged lung. While there is no cure for bronkiektasia, effective management can significantly improve a person's quality of life and reduce the frequency of exacerbations.