_.png)
_.png)
_(1)_1.png)
_1.png)
_1.png)
_(1)_1.png)
Bronchiectasis
Overview
A disorder known as bronchiectasis occurs when the smooth muscles of the bronchial tubes are lost and the bronchial tubes' inflammatory or other damage results in damage. Additionally, the bronchi frequently lose their flexibility
Both inherited and acquired forms of bronchiectasis are possible.Many medical professionals classify bronchiectasis, which also includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema, as a kind of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
The abnormal enlargement of the bronchi or their branches, which typically increases the risk for infection, is called bronchiectasis. Its name is derived from the Greek words bronkhia, which refer to the branches of the lung's main bronchi, and ektasis, which means dilation.
According to some researchers, there are three main forms of bronchiectasis. These categories can be identified by their microscopic or anatomical appearance.
Types of bronchiectasis
The mildest type of bronchiectasis, cylindrical bronchiectasis, exhibits a loss of the usual airway tapering.
With saccular or varicose bronchiectasis, the airway wall becomes even more deformed, the patient produces more mucus and phlegm, and some of the bronchi may appear to be beaded in shape.
Cystic bronchiectasis is the least common and most severe type of bronchiectasis. This variety typically has thicker walls than the blebs found with emphysema and has significant air gaps and a honeycombed appearance in CT scan examinations. Some people's lungs include multiple varieties.
Consulting Doctor
Three main forms of bronchiectasis have been identified by certain studies. These varieties can be identified by how they appear anatomically or microscopicly.
The mildest type of bronchiectasis, characterised by the absence of the usual airway tapering, is referred to as cylindrical bronchiectasis.
The airway wall becomes even more deformed in saccular or varicose bronchiectasis, and the person produces more mucus and phlegm. Some of the bronchi may even appear to be beaded.
Cystic bronchiectasis is the least frequent and most serious type of the condition. In CT scans, this form appears honeycombed-like with huge air holes and typically has thicker walls than the blebs associated with emphysema. Some individuals have multiple types in their lungs.
Symptoms
Bronchitis develops and changes its signs and symptoms throughout time.
The initial common signs are a persistent cough and the generation of sputum, which is typically clear but can later turn bloody if there are damage to the bronchial wall. Additionally, when an infection is present, mucus may turn green or yellow.
Chronic coughing with increased mucus production, increased exhaustion, and decreased lung function are all common as the condition worsens.
Due to the extra effort required to breathe, some people may start wheezing, while others may start losing weight.
If there is an underlying disease present, it may be more challenging to diagnose bronchiectasis since signs of a primary disease, such as pneumonia, can occasionally obscure some of the symptoms of bronchiectasis.
Causes
The smooth muscles and elastic tissue that allow the bronchial tubes to contract are destroyed when the walls of the bronchi are damaged, which results in bronchiectasis.
As a result, if the bronchi are injured, the lung's regular secretions are not effectively eliminated, which increases the risk that infections like pneumonia and bronchitis would manifest.
Unfortunately, these infections can exacerbate existing bronchial wall damage, leading to a vicious cycle of growing infection and growing damage. The lung's ability to function declines as the cycle continues.
The causes of bronchiectasis might be passed down (alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, immotile cilia syndrome, for example) or acquired (infection, environmental exposure, drug and/or alcohol improper use, for example).
Cystic fibrosis is one often hereditary cause of bronchiectasis.
Non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis is an expression that is sometimes utilised to refer to all of the different causes of bronchiectasis.
Children who have lung infections that cause lung tissue to be destroyed have the risk of developing bronchiectasis later in life.
People who aspirate foreign objects, have a history of tuberculosis or inflammatory bowel disease, or who frequently get lung infections.
people who abuse alcohol and/or drugs.
people whose lungs have been damaged by poisonous chemicals or other things.
Prevention
Currently, there is no way to prevent bronchiectasis brought on by genetic abnormalities.
However, by avoiding environmental factors including alcohol, drugs, environmental pollutants, and smoking cigarettes that raise the chance of developing bronchiectasis, the incidence and rate of disease progression can be decreased.
The chance of developing bronchiectasis can also be lowered by avoiding conditions that can result in lung infections.
Childhood whooping cough can result in bronchiectasis later in life. Immunisation can stop this from happening.
Treatment
removing aggravating elements like cigarette smoke, alcohol, and narcotics, and promoting healthy eating
Sputum can be coughed up easier with the use of chest physical therapy, which often comprises repetitive clapping on the back of your chest.
It may be necessary to perform surgery or bronchial artery embolisation to address excessive hemoptysis.
Many patients also use bronchodilators, corticosteroid medication, and, if necessary, oxygen therapy. Patients who experience severe bronchiectasis exacerbations typically require hospitalisation and intravenous treatment.
Tests Required for Diagnosis
A history of a persistent daily cough and sputum production is typically taken together with a physical examination to make the diagnosis of bronchiectasis.
The most frequently requested tests are sputum analysis, chest X-rays, and high-resolution CT scans of the chest (lungs). Although occasionally a chest X-ray is sufficient, the CT of the chest is typically used to make the final diagnosis. These examinations typically reveal bronchiole alterations indicative of bronchiectasis.
To ascertain whether the disorders underlined are causing bronchiectasis in some patients, additional testing might be prescribed. Alpha-1 antitrypsin levels, autoimmune screening exams, and assessments of vitamin D deficiencies are a few of the tests that fall under this category. The severity of the disease is correlated with the prevalence of these conditions in bronchiectasis.
Cystic fibrosis testing may be required for patients. It could be necessary to screen out chronic illnesses such aspergillosis (fungal infections).
To help identify the degree of lung tissue impairment, pulmonary function tests may also be prescribed to determine the patient's baseline lung function.
