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Bronchiectasis
Bronchiectasis is irreversible widening of the large airways. It is often caused by recurrent infections and inflammation, most often beginning in childhood.
Symptoms may Include:
- Chronic cough with large amounts of foul-smelling sputum production
- Coughing up blood
- Cough worsened by lying on one side
- Shortness of breath worsened by exercise
- Weight Loss
- Fatigue
- Clubbing of fingers may be present (abnormal amount of tissue in the fingernail beds)
- Wheezing
- Breath Odour
- Treatment is aimed at controlling infections and bronchial secretions. Regular, daily drainage to remove bronchial secretions is a routine part of treatment. A respiratory therapist can teach postural drainage and effective coughing exercises to patients and their families.
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