Bronchiectasis
Bronchiectasis
Bronchiectasis (/brɒŋkiˈɛktəsɪs/; from the Greek words bronkhia, meaning "bronchial tubes", and ektasis, meaning "dilation") is a long-term condition where the airways of the lungs become abnormally widened, leading to a build-up of excess mucus that can make the lungs more vulnerable to infection.
Causes
The most common causes of Bronchiectasis include Cystic Fibrosis, immune system deficiencies, and infections like tuberculosis. Other causes can include inhaling a foreign object into the lungs, various types of lung diseases, and genetic disorders.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of Bronchiectasis include a persistent cough that produces mucus (sputum), breathlessness, chest pain, and repeated chest infections.
Diagnosis
Bronchiectasis is usually diagnosed using a CT scan of the lungs, which can show the widened airways and other changes in the lungs. Other tests may include lung function tests, blood tests, and sputum cultures.
Treatment
Treatment for Bronchiectasis usually involves a combination of medication, exercises to help clear the lungs, and sometimes surgery. Medications can include antibiotics to treat infections, medicines to help clear the airways, and sometimes medicines to reduce inflammation in the lungs.
Prognosis
The prognosis for Bronchiectasis varies widely depending on the cause and the overall health of the patient. With proper treatment, most people with Bronchiectasis can lead normal lives.
See also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Bronchiectasis
- Wikipedia's article - Bronchiectasis
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